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 509

Real Photo Postcard, Elizabeth the Living Doll, PPIE 1915

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
Elizabeth, known as "The Living Doll" and billed as the smallest perfect-formed woman on earth, is the subject of this real photo postcard produced by the Studios of R. P. Whigham, San Francisco, in conjunction with her appearance at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915. The image is printed with the identifying text directly on the photograph, a common promotional practice for sideshow and exposition attractions of the period.

Elizabeth stands next to a small wooden stool holding a large bisque-head doll dressed in a folk-style costume with puffed white sleeves, lace cuffs, a striped skirt with ribbon bows, and a headband. Elizabeth wears a dark, floor-length dress over a light blouse with lace wrists, accented by a long pearl rope necklace, and her short wavy hair frames a composed, profile-turned expression directed toward the doll.

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition opened in San Francisco in February 1915, celebrating the completion of the Panama Canal and the city's recovery from the 1906 earthquake, and drew millions of visitors to a broad range of exhibitions and sideshow attractions throughout its run.

The reverse bears the studio imprint of R. P. Whigham, 739 Market Street and 1615 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, Cal, with a NOKO postcard back format and a handwritten notation reading LOCBF2 9/15/05 Eb along the right margin.

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