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 553

RPPC, Woman in Performance Costume Holding Tambourine

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
A full-length studio portrait of an unidentified woman in theatrical costume is captured in this real photo postcard, likely dating to the early twentieth century. She stands against a mottled painted backdrop on a patterned studio rug, facing the camera with a composed, direct expression. No photographer's imprint is visible.

Her costume is elaborately constructed, featuring a horizontally banded skirt of alternating satin and diamond-pattern fabric panels, a short dark bolero jacket with fringe-trimmed sleeves and braided trim, and a large bow tied at the neck over a ruffled front panel. She wears long dark gloves and lace-up heeled boots, and holds a tambourine at her right side with trailing ribbons or fringe visible below it.

The theatrical nature of the costume, combined with the tambourine prop, suggests this woman may have been a performer, possibly associated with a stage production, minstrel troupe, or traveling entertainment company active in the era.

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