Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

Spring Photographic History Auction

Sat, May 3, 2025 01:00PM EDT
  2025-05-03 13:00:00 2025-05-03 13:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : Spring Photographic History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/spring-photographic-history-auction-19217
Raw, rare, and unforgettable—this is 19th- and early 20th-century photography at its best. Vernacular portraits, Native American warriors, African American resilience, Mormon pioneers, Western frontier families, and stark post-mortem scenes. Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, tintypes, CDVs, and cabinet cards that capture real life without filters. Every image tells a story of survival, pride, and change. A museum-worthy collection for those who know real American history when they see it.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 104

Tintype A Striking Portrait of a Tinsmith with Tools and Work

Estimate: $200 - $300
Starting Bid
$100

Bid Increments

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Exceptional sixth plate tintype showing a proud and sharply dressed tinsmith, seated with a display of his trade. The man wears a patterned shirt, vest, and a glossy work cap, while confidently holding a handled tin tray and other finished pieces. To his right, a workbench holds a soldering setup with chimney stack and tinworking tools—possibly a miniature furnace or forming device.

The clarity and composition are outstanding, with strong contrast and remarkable detail in both the subject's expression and the craftsmanship of his wares. The overall aesthetic—his confident pose, mustache, and neat attire—captures a sense of dignity and pride in skilled labor.

Housed in its original mat and stamped brass preserver, this is a rare occupational tintype documenting the tools and trades of 19th-century America. A standout for collectors of labor history, early industry, or occupational portraits.

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