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 505

Real Photo Postcard, Two Little People in Tuxedos Seated on Suitcase

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
Two midgets identified on the reverse as Bill and Jack are portrayed in this real photo postcard printed on Defender-brand paper stock, a product manufactured from the 1930s through the mid-twentieth century. Both men are dressed in identical miniature tuxedos complete with satin lapels, white dress shirts, and bow ties, each wearing a small boutonniere on the left lapel. The studio portrait is set against a plain light background with a bare wooden floor visible beneath.

The men are seated side by side atop a single hard-sided travel suitcase with a striped ribbed shell and visible corner hardware, with the child on the right gripping the center handle. Both wear small leather lace-up dress shoes, and the man on the left turns slightly toward the camera with a faint smile while his companion faces forward with a more composed expression. The matching attire and deliberate staging suggest this was a formal occasion portrait.

The suitcase used as a prop, combined with the formal dress and postcard format, points to a mid-twentieth century studio sitting likely intended as a keepsake or greeting. Defender photo paper was distributed widely across the United States and was commonly used by commercial portrait studios during this period.

The reverse reads in pencil: "Hello from Bill and Jack." Additional notations read: "DOLAXZ 3/18/06 BP." The Defender brand diamond logo appears in the upper right corner of the reverse.

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