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 377

Tintype of Two Men with Umbrella and Tin Lunch Pail

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
Tintype photograph in CDV format depicting two men posed in a studio interior, dating to the late 19th century. The image is unmarked with no photographer’s imprint visible. Their dress and the use of props suggest a staged yet vernacular composition rather than a strictly formal portrait.

The man at left wears a long, dark overcoat with a brimmed hat and holds a closed umbrella tucked under his arm, while raising a utensil or small object toward his mouth. The man at right stands slightly taller, dressed in a shorter coat and holding a spoon or similar utensil, with a small handled tin pail suspended between them. An open umbrella is positioned behind them as a backdrop element, and both men appear to be engaged in a mock eating gesture.

Additional details include patterned tile flooring beneath their feet, sturdy boots, and the contrast between the closed umbrella at left and the open umbrella behind them. The tin pail, likely intended as a lunch container, reinforces the informal and possibly humorous tone of the scene. No printed or handwritten text is visible.

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