Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 385

Tintypes, Mother and Infant, Three Gem Poses, Unidentified

Estimate: $50 - $100
Starting Bid
$25

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Three gem tintypes, likely produced in a single studio session, present an unidentified woman and infant photographed across three distinct poses. The ferrotype process and the woman's dark bodice with ruffled white lace collar and jabot point to a date in the 1880s. No photographer's imprint is visible on any of the three plates.

In the leftmost image the woman is seated in profile, the infant dressed in a long white christening gown with scalloped hem resting across her lap. The center tintype brings the pair into closer frame, the woman gazing downward at the child while supporting the infant upright, the baby's bare legs visible below a lace-trimmed white dress. The rightmost image captures the woman in three-quarter view, her dark striped skirt and braided upswept hair clearly defined, as she holds the infant at chest height and looks toward it with a downward glance.

The three-image sequence suggests the sitter sought multiple compositions in one visit, a common practice when documenting an infant in early infancy. Each plate captures a slightly different arrangement, offering a rare multi-pose record of a single mother-and-child sitting.

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.