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 512

Real Photo Postcard, Two Dwarf Performers, Studio Portrait

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
Two unidentified little people performers are captured in a studio portrait on a real photo postcard, produced on Vitava stock, which was manufactured and distributed primarily during the 1910s and 1920s. The pair pose before an elaborate painted backdrop depicting architectural panels and a draped scenic landscape, a setting consistent with professional theatrical portraiture of the era. No photographer's imprint appears on the reverse.

The man at left wears a formal dark suit with satin lapels, a white dress shirt, and a bow tie, with a pocket square tucked into his breast pocket and a walking cane held at his side beneath a black bowler hat. The woman at right is dressed in a sleeveless satin performance gown trimmed at the hem with white feather or fur, with a pearl necklace, bow-trimmed heeled shoes, and a ribbon ornament in her hair.

Both subjects present themselves in full performance dress, suggesting this postcard was produced for sale or distribution as promotional material, a common practice among variety, circus, and sideshow performers during the period.

The reverse carries the Vitava postcard imprint with no correspondence or address written. A handwritten notation reading "418/10 LOCABX" appears along the right edge.

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