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 514

Real Photo Postcard, Major C. Nowak, Dwarf Performer, Baltimore

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
Major C. Nowak, a little person performer, is depicted in a full-length studio portrait on this real photo postcard, produced by M.S. Tumminello Photo at 617 N. Hanover Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The card back bears a date notation of 10/21/11, placing the image in October 1911. A bold ink inscription across the lower right of the image reads "Yours Truly, Major C. Nowak" in the subject's own hand, identifying this as a signed promotional portrait.

Nowak stands confidently in formal attire consisting of a light-colored frock coat with dark velvet collar and cuffs, matching trousers, a knotted cravat, and white gloves, while resting both hands atop a slender walking cane. A tall silk top hat crowns his head, and dark leather lace-up shoes are visible at his feet. His expression is relaxed and slightly smiling, directed directly at the camera.

Signed promotional portraits of named little person performers from the early twentieth century represent a distinct category of circus and sideshow ephemera, with subjects often touring under theatrical titles such as "Major" or "General" as part of their stage persona.

The reverse carries a printed postcard back with an embossed publisher's mark, the date notation 10/21/11 in ink along the left margin, and a penciled notation reading "LOBEAR" along the lower left edge.

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