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 522

Real Photo Postcard, Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob Smith, Comic Portrait

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
Buffalo Bob Smith poses in a striking promotional portrait printed on real photo postcard stock, produced on Kodak paper and likely dating to the mid-twentieth century. The image is constructed as a comic double-head illusion, with Howdy Doody seated atop the Smith's head styled to mirror his pose. No photographer's imprint is visible on the reverse.

The Smith wears a boldly patterned costume with scalloped black and white panels and a star detail at the chest, both hands clasped beneath his chin in a theatrical gesture. Howdy Doody above him features his classic painted freckles, an open-mouthed grin, and a plaid ruffled collar, its right hand raised as if waving. The composite illusion is seamless and clearly produced for promotional or novelty distribution.

The double-head novelty portrait format was a popular promotional device among mid-century variety and television performers, used to create a humorous visual unity between ventriloquist and puppet. The bold costume and clean studio background suggest a professional engagement photograph intended for fan or press use.

The reverse bears the Kodak Photo Post Card imprint, a handwritten notation reading "A EFG Z," and the numeral 96.

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