Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Sat, Sep 19, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-09-19 11:00:00 2026-09-19 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : September 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/september-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-24380
Our September 2026 auction is anchored by two remarkable private collections, together making up about half the sale, alongside a broader selection of consignments spanning early photography, Civil War material, and vernacular imagery. The Soffer Collection, built with an eye for rarity and historical significance, is particularly strong in vernacular portraiture, Native American photographs, and Iowa Civil War imagery. The Palmer, Massachusetts collection, much of it found at Brimfield, centers on maker-marked daguerreotypes from the golden age of the American daguerreian studio.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 361

Sixth Plate Tintype, Civil War Soldier in Confederate Uniform

Estimate: $500 - $700
Starting Bid
$250

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
A Civil War soldier in a Confederate-style frock coat commands the frame of this sixth plate tintype, seated in a three-quarter pose with his right arm resting on a surface beside him. The double-breasted coat displays two vertical rows of gilt buttons and a collar consistent with Confederate enlisted or officer dress, placing the portrait firmly within the 1861 to 1865 period. No photographer's imprint is visible, and the subject remains unidentified.

The soldier wears his dark hair swept back and carries a full, dense beard that reaches the chest, lending a commanding presence to the composition. His gaze is directed slightly upward and off-axis, conveying composure rather than formality. Both hands rest in a relaxed clasp at the lap, and the plain neutral background keeps all attention on the figure and his military dress.

The double-row button arrangement visible on the coat follows Confederate Army regulations for frock coats, a style widely adopted across the Confederate States during the conflict and frequently documented in studio portraiture of the era. The portrait is housed in an ornate gilt mat with elaborate scrollwork surround set within a leather case.

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