Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/september-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-24380
Our September 2026 auction is anchored by two remarkable private collections, together making up about half the sale, alongside a broader selection of consignments spanning early photography, Civil War material, and vernacular imagery. The Soffer Collection, built with an eye for rarity and historical significance, is particularly strong in vernacular portraiture, Native American photographs, and Iowa Civil War imagery. The Palmer, Massachusetts collection, much of it found at Brimfield, centers on maker-marked daguerreotypes from the golden age of the American daguerreian studio.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 593

Real Photo Postcard, Man and Child, The Poor Mans Store

Estimate: $50 - $100
Starting Bid
$25

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
A man and young girl pose on the covered porch of a modest storefront in this real photo postcard, likely dating to the early twentieth century based on the divided-back format and clothing styles. The store displays two painted signs identifying it as "The Poor Mans Store, Variety-Notions" and a separate board advertising "Shoe Shop Hospital and Supplies." No photographer's imprint appears on the reverse.

The man stands with both hands on his hips, wearing a dark vest, striped shirt, bow tie, and a small cap consistent with a yarmulke, with what appears to be a watch chain or lapel pin visible at his chest. The girl in front of him wears a light-colored short-sleeved dress and dark shoes, and holds a light-colored hat at her side. Pottery or ceramic goods are visible in the shop window behind them, and the handwritten name "Jennie" is partially legible on the storefront wall to the right.

The reverse bears a penciled notation reading "Jewish," likely added by a later collector, and no correspondence or address was recorded.

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