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 530

Real Photo Postcard, Giant Robert Wadlow Signed, With Companion

Estimate: $25 - $50
Current 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
Robert Wadlow, the tallest person in recorded human history, stands beside an unidentified shorter companion in this real photo postcard, likely dating to the late 1930s. Wadlow's signature appears in white ink at the lower right of the image recto, and a second signature in pencil is present on the reverse, consistent with his known autograph style. The format and printing surface are consistent with real photo postcards produced during the period of his public appearances.

Wadlow towers over his companion by more than half again the man's height, both dressed in business suits with neckties and polished oxford shoes. Wadlow wears a light plaid suit with wide-cut trousers, a white dress shirt, and a dark tie, while the companion wears a dark double-breasted suit with a striped tie. Both men stand facing the camera against a plain studio backdrop with a soft shadow behind Wadlow.

Robert Pershing Wadlow of Alton, Illinois, reached a verified height of 8 feet 11.1 inches and remains the tallest person in recorded history according to Guinness World Records. He died in July 1940 at age 22, making signed photographic material from his brief public life genuinely scarce.

The reverse bears a pencil signature and the notation "COLAFE 4/2/05 BB" in ink at the lower right corner.

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