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 513

Real Photo Postcard, The Three Del Rios Little People, Madrid Spain

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
The Three Del Rios, a midget comedy act billed as being from Madrid, Spain, are portrayed in this real photo postcard produced by Campbell's Orcajo Photo Arts of Dayton, Ohio. Three child performers identified below the image as Trinidad, Delores, and Paul stand together against a plain studio backdrop in a full-length promotional pose. The printed title "The Three Del Rios" appears in stylized lettering at the upper right, with "Madrid, Spain" printed beneath it, confirming the act's billing. The catalog number 8863 appears at the lower right of the image area.

Trinidad stands at left in a light-colored long dress with puffed sleeves and a bow at the collar, her hands placed on her hips in a confident stance. Delores occupies the center in a similar light dress with short sleeves and a wrist cuff, her expression direct and serious. Paul stands at right wearing a dark formal suit with a bow tie, offering a wide smile toward the camera.

Midget performance acts were a common feature of vaudeville and variety entertainment circuits during the early twentieth century, and promotional real photo postcards of this kind were widely distributed as publicity materials for touring performers.

The reverse bears the printed publisher imprint "Campbell's Orcajo Photo Arts, Dayton, Ohio" along the left edge, with a handwritten notation reading "3/26/11" and "2070D" on the right margin.

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