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 426

Quarter Plate Tintype, Two Sailors in Full Uniform

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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
Two unidentified sailors stand together in full dress in this sixth plate tintype, dating most likely to the 1860s based on uniform style and format. Each wears the characteristic loose pullover blouse with a broad sailor collar, a knotted neckerchief at the throat, dark trousers, and a flat-brimmed sailor cap. No photographer's imprint is visible on the case or image.

The man on the left rests his hand on his companion's shoulder while the man on the right places his hand on a studio pedestal beside him. A heavy draped curtain fills the upper right background, and paneled wainscoting lines the left wall. Both uniforms display visible button plackets and gathered waists consistent with United States Navy enlisted dress.

The pairing of two men in matching enlisted uniforms is a well-documented practice in Civil War-era naval portraiture, with shipmates and brothers frequently sitting together before deployment. The close similarity in age and dress between the two subjects reinforces that tradition here.

The tintype is housed in a leather case with an ornate gilt brass mat.

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