Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

May Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-05-06 11:00:00 2026-05-06 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : May Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/may-vernacular-photo-history-auction-22757
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 163

Tintype of Soda Wagon, with Photographer's Studio

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 $2,500
Quarter plate tintype depicting a horse-drawn delivery wagon with painted signage reading J. G. Bill Mineral and Soda Waters, Tonic Beer, Cider, Danielsonville. The clearly legible lettering identifies the location as Danielsonville, a historic village near Killingly, Connecticut. The presence of commercial branding and the style of wagon suggest a late 19th century date.

The wagon is drawn by a pair of horses and driven by a seated man holding the reins, positioned in front of a simple wood-frame building. In the background, a larger structure features a distinctive angled skylight on the roof, consistent with photographic studio design used to maximize natural light. A telegraph pole stands in the foreground, partially obscuring the wagon, while a sloping road and additional buildings extend into the distance.

Further details include the multi-spoked wheels, the canvas-covered top of the wagon, and the bold painted lettering advertising beverages across the side panel. The photographic studio building behind includes tall windows and the characteristic roofline modification associated with daylight studios. No photographer’s imprint is visible, and the image combines commercial transport with a clearly identifiable village setting.

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