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 552

RPPC, Ted Hustead's Cowboy Orchestra, Wall Drug, Wall SD

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
Four mechanical cowboy figures playing instruments are depicted in this real photo postcard souvenir of Ted Hustead's Cowboy Orchestra at Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota, with the caption printed in white lettering at the lower right of the image. The reverse bears a Kodak paper stamp and the penciled notations "10/22/08 / CCCAXT / Eb," indicating this impression dates to the mid-twentieth century period of the attraction's operation. A hand-lettered sign visible on the back wall reads "Cowboy Show / Every Half Hour / On the Half Hour."

The four figures are arranged on a wooden bench against a rustic plank wall interior, each dressed in plaid western shirts, neckerchiefs, and wide-brimmed cowboy hats. From left to right they play fiddle, a small guitar labeled "Grand Band," button accordion, and a full-size flat-top acoustic guitar with the initials "LB" visible on the body. The figures have exaggerated painted expressions with wide eyes and open mouths, consistent with the comic animatronic style for which the display became known. A kerosene lantern hangs from the ceiling behind the group.

Wall Drug was founded in 1931 by Ted and Dorothy Hustead as a small pharmacy in the remote town of Wall near the Badlands. The Husteads transformed it into one of America's most celebrated roadside attractions through a famous free ice water advertising campaign begun in 1936, and Ted added the mechanical Cowboy Orchestra as one of the store's signature novelty displays, a fixture that drew millions of visitors traveling between the Black Hills and Badlands National Park.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

All SHIPPING IS FREE for purchases above $500, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.