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 353

Sixth Plate Tintype, Confederate Lieutenant, Georgia

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 Confederate lieutenant stares directly into the lens in this sixth plate tintype, presented in a leather half case with an elaborate gilt brass mat framing an oval opening. The image dates to the Civil War era and originated from Georgia according to provenance accompanying the lot. The subject is unidentified, but his rank is clearly indicated by the insignia visible at his collar.

He wears a grey double-breasted frock coat with a row of large buttons running down the chest and two bullion bars sewn to the collar denoting his rank as lieutenant. His dark hair is close-cropped, and he carries a full beard and mustache with a direct, unguarded expression. Applied tinting is visible on his face and on the coat buttons.

The swirling mottled pattern visible in the background is characteristic of the collodion emulsion process used in tintype production during this period and is original to the plate rather than a later alteration. The image is centered within the oval mat and retains strong tonal contrast throughout.

The case is a leather half case. No photographer's imprint is present.

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