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 549

Stereoview, Union Pacific RR, Weber Canyon, Utah, C. W. Carter

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 Union Pacific Railroad scene in Weber Canyon, Utah, recorded by Salt Lake City photographer Charles William Carter as part of his "Stereoscopic Gems of Utah Scenery" series, published through Carter's View Emporium. Carter was among the most prolific documentarians of Utah Territory and the transcontinental railroad corridor in the late 1860s and 1870s, and his railroad views rank among the most sought-after stereoviews of the American West.

The view is shot from track level looking north along the rails, drawing the eye toward a junction where the line curves left into the arid valley. A worker in a brimmed hat and vest sits astride a velocipede-style track inspection tool at center, while a second figure stands at midground near the rail, and locomotive smoke rises faintly at left. A tall signal post rises directly behind the seated figure, and a water tank is visible in the middle distance against the bare, rolling canyon walls.

Carter operated from Salt Lake City and issued views under the Carter's View Emporium imprint, fulfilling orders by mail as noted in the reverse typography. The reverse also bears a penciled notation reading "Salt Lake, Weber Cañon, 159" with what appears to be the number 77 above it.

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

All SHIPPING of photographs with total purchases above $500 is FREE, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.