Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 522

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

Estimate: $25 - $50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$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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