Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 384

Tintypes, Group Portraits and Genre Scenes, Lot of 9

Estimate: $100 - $200

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
Nine tintype photographs spanning a range of subjects and studio arrangements form this cohesive vernacular collection. Each plate appears consistent with late nineteenth century production, and the variety of compositions suggests multiple photographers and sittings. No photographer's imprints are visible on any of the examples shown.

Subjects include a mixed family group posed with stringed instruments, a formal gathering of six around an ornate chair, a men's group against a painted landscape backdrop, a woman seated within a painted arched window prop, a large outdoor gathering of approximately ten figures including a veiled woman, a woman and young girl posed beside a travel trunk outdoors, and two separate pairs of women wearing feathered hats and black feather boas in theatrical or costume dress. The final example shows a group of women and a uniformed figure in close arrangement.

The feather boa portraits and theatrical costuming in three of the plates suggest amateur theatrical or society club participation, a popular social activity during the 1880s and 1890s. The outdoor trunk portrait and the window prop image reflect the period's experimentation with both location and painted studio scenery.

All nine plates are unidentified and unmarked.

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