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 507

Real Photo Postcard, Royal Midgets, Stella, Helen, and Charles

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
Three performers billed as the Royal Midgets are photographed in a full-length studio portrait against a plain light background, captured as a real photo postcard with no photographer's imprint visible. The two women flanking the central male figure wear matching checked suits with lace-trimmed white blouse fronts, wide-brimmed hats adorned with dangling bead clusters, and low-heeled Mary Jane shoes. The man at center wears a dark three-button suit jacket, collared shirt with tie, and a flat newsboy cap, standing with his hands loosely at his sides. The woman at left carries a small beaded handbag and all three subjects face the camera directly with composed expressions. Printed text across the lower front of the card reads "ROYAL MIDGETS" in block lettering.

Sideshow and novelty performance troupes billed as "Royal Midgets" were a recurring attraction in American and European entertainment circuits during the early twentieth century, appearing in vaudeville, circus, and traveling fair venues. The ages and names inscribed on the reverse suggest a genuine working act captured for promotional or souvenir distribution.

The reverse is inscribed in pencil with the names and ages of the three subjects: Stella 18, Helen 24, Charles 20. A catalog notation reading "5/20/12" and "L0842" appears vertically along the right margin.

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