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 560

Real Photo Postcard, Hard Rock Kid, Former King of Hobos, Britt

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
An older white-haired man with a full gray goatee stands smiling against a concrete block wall in this real photo postcard produced by the L. L. Cook Company of Milwaukee. He wears a dark button-front shirt open at the collar with a decorative kerchief at the throat, and a heavy link chain draped across his chest suspends a large medallion at his waist. A caption printed directly on the image reads "FORMER KING OF HOBO'S / HARD ROCK KID / BRITT HOBO DAY / BRITT IA." and includes the notation "PSID." The card was postmarked Britt, Iowa, June 1, 1970, and mailed to Mr. Bill Landis, 411 Siebert St., Columbus, Ohio.

Hard Rock Kid was a recognized moniker within the hobo community that gathered annually at the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa, first held in 1900 and still active today. The chain and medallion visible here are consistent with ceremonial regalia associated with the elected King of Hobos title awarded at that convention.

The reverse bears a handwritten message signed "Cody," a five-cent Washington stamp, a Britt, Iowa postmark dated June 1, 1970, catalog notations reading "ZE1720" and "41/80/6," and the printed publisher credit for the L. L. Cook Co., Milwaukee.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

All SHIPPING IS FREE for purchases above $500, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.