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 527

Real Photo Postcard, Unidentified Midget with Cigar in Wide-Brim Hat

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
An unidentified midget poses with confident ease against a painted studio backdrop in this real photo postcard, most likely produced between 1900 and 1910 based on the standard divided-back postcard format visible on the reverse. He stands with one foot propped on a small ornate metal stool, his body turned slightly toward the camera with a direct, self-assured gaze. No photographer's imprint appears on the reverse.

The boy wears a light-colored double-breasted suit with notched lapels and cuffed trousers, paired with dark lace-up shoes and a broad-brimmed felt hat worn low on his brow. A small medal or medallion hangs from his lapel, and he holds an unlit cigar in his raised right hand. A decorative urn or pedestal prop is partially visible at the right edge of the frame.

The twisted-wire stool, painted cloudscape backdrop, and visible studio prop at the frame's edge are characteristic of early twentieth-century commercial portrait studios. The composition and the boy's deliberate pose suggest the sitting was carefully arranged, lending the image an unusually strong sense of character for a child portrait of this period.

The reverse bears a handwritten notation reading "LOCAB1" and "11/03/02." No correspondence or address is present.

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