Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Fall Photographic History Auction, 2025

Sat, Sep 6, 2025 01:00PM EDT
  2025-09-06 13:00:00 2025-09-06 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Fall Photographic History Auction, 2025 https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/fall-photographic-history-auction-2025-20189
We are pleased to announce our next auction, featuring approximately 200 individual lots drawn from a diverse and compelling range of 19th- and early 20th-century photography. This sale focuses on vernacular images, photographs created not as formal studio portraits or elite commissions, but as direct, unscripted records of lived experience. These are objects made by and for everyday people, preserving moments of intimacy, labor, travel, performance, identity, and loss.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 145

Sixth Plate Thermoplastic Case Perfect for Civl War Tintype

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

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Highly detailed sixth plate thermoplastic case featuring the patriotic “Union Forever” design, cataloged by Berg as No. 1-81. The front cover depicts a proud spread-winged eagle with a patriotic banner above and crossed flags beneath, surrounded by a bold scrollwork border. The reverse bears a classic floral and geometric pattern, creating a balanced and decorative aesthetic representative of Civil War-era sentiment.

Housed inside is a sixth plate ambrotype of a young man in formal attire, posed with one hand on his knee and the other at his waist. The image is presented in an ornate oval brass mat with a delicate grapevine and floral pattern, complemented by a wine-colored velvet pad opposite. Cases of this design are especially desirable for pairing with Civil War soldier tintypes, given the strong visual and thematic connection to Union loyalty and national identity. A fitting and evocative display piece for any mid-19th century portrait.

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