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 430

Sixth Plate Tintype, Post Mortem Portrait of a Child

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 young child is depicted in this sixth plate tintype post mortem portrait, presented within a gilt brass mat framed by an ornate embossed floral and scroll design. The image dates to the mid-to-late nineteenth century, consistent with the case style and tintype process. No photographer's imprint is visible.

The child is dressed in a dark garment with a white collar and what appears to be a white bow or neck tie at the chest. The figure rests against a large, ruffled or gathered pillow, head tilted slightly upward, with hands positioned across the body holding a small, indistinct object. The satin-like pillow fills much of the background behind the head.

Post mortem portraiture was a widely practiced tradition in Victorian America, providing families with a lasting image of a deceased loved one, particularly in an era of high infant and child mortality. These images were often the only photograph ever made of the subject and were treasured as keepsakes of mourning.

The tintype is housed in a leather case with an embossed gilt brass mat displaying a floral four-petal motif at each corner and scrolling foliate designs throughout.

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