Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/september-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-24380
Our September 2026 auction is anchored by two remarkable private collections, together making up about half the sale, alongside a broader selection of consignments spanning early photography, Civil War material, and vernacular imagery. The Soffer Collection, built with an eye for rarity and historical significance, is particularly strong in vernacular portraiture, Native American photographs, and Iowa Civil War imagery. The Palmer, Massachusetts collection, much of it found at Brimfield, centers on maker-marked daguerreotypes from the golden age of the American daguerreian studio.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 392

Quarter Plate Daguerreotype, Unidentified Girl with Sculpture

Estimate: $300 - $500
Starting Bid
$150

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
A young unidentified girl stands at center in this sixth plate daguerreotype, likely dating to the 1850s based on the case style, mat design, and the subject's dress. The photographer is unidentified, as no imprint appears on the case or mat. She is posed beside a draped pedestal table, her hands clasped loosely in front of her, meeting the camera with a direct, unsmiling gaze characteristic of the period.

Her dress is dark with a fine woven texture, features a wide square neckline, short sleeves with small lace trim at the cuffs, and buttons running down the bodice front. Her light hair is parted at center and pulled back with a dark ribbon or band. To her left on the draped table sits a white figural sculpture, appearing to depict a child or cherub figure leaning against a support, rendered in what appears to be marble or plaster.

The sculpture's inclusion as a studio prop is notable, as figural statuary was occasionally used in American daguerreian studios of the 1850s to add compositional refinement to children's portraits, lending an aspirational tone to the sitting.

The leather case features an embossed scrollwork and cartouche design on the exterior and retains its purple silk pad in the interior lid. No photographer's imprint is present on the case or mat.

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