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 291

Sixth Plate Tintype, Man in Work Smock Preparing Tea

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

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 sixth plate tintype captures a man posed in three-quarter view behind a draped table set with tea service, dating to the 1860s or 1870s. The full-length composition is uncommon for the format, and the deliberate inclusion of occupational props suggests the subject wanted his role or trade specifically recorded. No photographer's imprint is present.

The man wears a long work smock or duster coat over a checked shirt with a visible collar, plaid trousers visible below the coat hem, and leather shoes. On the table before him sit a metal kettle, a shallow basin or tray, and two porcelain cups, with additional vessels arranged toward the left edge. He turns his head toward the camera with a broad, relaxed expression.

The full-length standing pose with a complete tea service as the central prop is a remarkably specific occupational statement, uncommon in tintype portraiture of the period and suggestive of genuine pride in the subject's role. The leather case features an embossed foliate panel design on both covers, with a gilt mat and bail-closure hardware intact, and the interior opposite the image is lined in red silk velvet with a floral damask pattern.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer

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