Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 577

Stereoviews, Public Balloon Demonstrations, Group of Five

Estimate: $50 - $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
Five stereoview cards document balloon demonstrations before large public crowds, likely dating to the late nineteenth century. Three of the cards share green decorative borders with scrollwork edges, suggesting a common publisher or series, while a fourth mounts on gray card stock and a fifth on a distinctive yellow mount. Caption text visible on the gray card reads "Balloon Zoom an Observation Balloon" and at least one green-bordered card bears a caption referencing King's Balloon at Rochester, N.Y.

Each card presents a fully inflated spherical balloon dominating the frame, its net rigging clearly visible in several views. One view shows ground crews in period dress managing lines near what appears to be a gas inflation apparatus with a wheeled cart alongside. Two cards show the balloon positioned before a large neoclassical building facade with columns, surrounded by dense crowds of spectators filling the foreground.

The yellow-mounted card offers the most intimate ground-level perspective, with a small group of figures in hats and work clothes restraining the netted balloon among tall trees, providing a notable contrast in setting and scale to the urban crowd scenes in the remaining four views.

Available payment options

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

All SHIPPING IS FREE for purchases above $500, buyers to pay insurance at $2 per $100.