Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 502

Real Photo Postcard, Child String Band, Tropical Studio, 1923

Estimate: $25 - $50
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Seven unidentified young musicians pose before a painted tropical backdrop in this real photo postcard dated 1923 on the reverse. All subjects wear formal performance attire, and the group includes both boys and girls ranging from toddler to early adolescent age. No photographer's imprint is visible on the card.

The tallest figure stands at center rear in a dark suit and bow tie, holding a violin at his side, while the remaining six children are seated or perched on bamboo furniture and a small stool. Instruments visible include two mandolins, at least two small guitars or ukuleles, and what appears to be a banjo-style instrument held by the youngest boy at upper left. Two girls wear dark sleeveless dresses with bead necklaces, while the boys are uniformly dressed in dark suits with bow ties. Coconuts and palm tree props are arranged along the studio floor.

Child performance groups were widely documented in commercial studio portraits during the early 1920s, and the matching formal attire and coordinated instrument selection suggest this group was organized for public performance rather than casual family documentation. The bamboo furnishings and painted beach scene were stock tropical backdrops common in American commercial studios of the period.

The address side bears handwritten pencil inscription, a notation reading "Year 1923" in green ink, and the printed catalog references "7/02/09," "ALOGI," and "Eb" along the bottom margin.

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