Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 556

Real Photo Postcard Mexican Border War Military Funeral Arrival Casket

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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 $2,500
Real photo postcard depicting a Mexican Border War era military funeral arrival scene at a railroad depot, lilkely related to services for Private Stubblefield and his colleagues who were killed in action in September 1915. The image dates circa 1915–1918 based on U.S. Army uniforms and equipment. Soldiers wearing campaign hats stand in formation in the foreground as a flag-draped casket is carried from a railcar marked “Baggage.” The setting and attire are consistent with World War I era transport of the deceased. No photographer’s imprint is visible.

The scene centers on a large crowd gathered along the station platform beneath a wooden canopy, with multiple railcars forming the backdrop. A group of Mexican Border War era uniformed men carry a casket covered with a large floral arrangement, moving toward the assembled mourners. A military wagon with large spoked wheels stands in the middle ground, while civilians in hats and period dress fill the platform and surrounding area, creating a dense, attentive audience.

The verso bears a handwritten inscription reading “The arrival of Corp… McBee’s body at the train,” with the surname appearing to read “McBee,” though partially unclear. The card is otherwise unused and printed in standard postcard format. Architectural details include brick station structures, a covered platform, and visible railcar lettering, reinforcing the formal transfer of remains at a transportation hub.

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