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 363

Sixth Plate Tintype, Civil War Soldier with Sword, Union Case

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

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 bearded Civil War soldier seated in full military dress fills this sixth plate tintype, presented in a thermoplastic Union case. The image dates to the 1861 to 1865 period based on the uniform details and format, with no photographer's imprint visible. The soldier's confident bearing and the deliberate arrangement of his arms suggest a formal pre-deployment or commemorative portrait.

He wears a dark frock coat with fringed epaulettes and a double row of brass buttons, holding a sword across his lap with the blade rising behind his right shoulder. His full beard and direct gaze contribute to a composed, commanding presence. A pistol or additional sidearm appears rested near his left hand, further emphasizing his officer's status.

The thermoplastic case is a notable artifact in its own right. The front exterior bears a high-relief pastoral scene depicting a woman with children and a reclining dog amid reeds, while the inner panels of both halves display matching relief compositions featuring an eagle over a tiger, a design associated with patriotic Union case production of the Civil War era. The burgundy velvet pad on the interior lid retains an ornate gilt embroidered cartouche. Three vertical scratches are present on the cover glass.

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