Michael Lehr Antiques
Upcoming Auctions from Michael Lehr Antiques
May 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction
Our May 2026 auction presents a broad and carefully selected group of historical photographs, postcards, entertainment material, and visual curiosities spanning the mid-nineteenth through twentieth centuries. Unlike our previous sale, this auction includes both reserved and unreserved lots, with estimates reflecting the strength and rarity of the material offered. Collectors bidding directly through our platform will receive free shipping on all purchases. A central focus of the auction remains nineteenth-century photography, with a strong representation of daguerreotypes, tintypes, cabinet cards, and cartes-de-visite. The selection includes formal studio portraits, occupational images, theatrical subjects, and vernacular scenes, many retaining period inscriptions or photographer?s imprints that add depth and historical context. Several lots reflect extended research or provenance, offering collectors material with both visual and documentary appeal. The sale is further supported by an engaging group of real photo postcards and photographic ephemera, including novelty images, occupational views, and vernacular Americana. A continued emphasis on performance-related material brings together photographs and promotional pieces tied to ventriloquism, stage performers, and popular entertainment from the late nineteenth century through the early broadcast era. Additional highlights include sideshow and curiosity imagery, with tattooed performers, exhibition figures, and circus-related subjects that reflect the visual culture of spectacle and entertainment. Together, the material presents a varied and cohesive view of photographic history across multiple formats and subject areas. This auction will be held on a Wednesday, offering a midweek alternative for bidders. Collectors are encouraged to review the full catalog, as strong and unusual material is distributedBidder Reviews for Michael Lehr Antiques (19)
4.4 out of 5.0 Stars
7 Latest Top ReviewsSee All
MatthewDevens, MA
Feb 21, 2026
Excellent Service and Quality!
Item described well. Very fast delivery. Would buy from again. Thank You.
ElizabethFairfax Sta, VA
Sep 27, 2025
Seamless and easy transaction
This was a very easy and quick transaction. The items were received quickly and exactly as described.
BrettVancouver, WA
Feb 19, 2025
Professional and courteous
Communicated a slight hiccup in shipping promptly. Put me at ease and item arrived safely and quickly.
MikeCutler Bay, FL
Feb 15, 2025
Honest company, accurate descriptions and quality items
Michael Lehr Antiques is an honest company. They provide accurate descriptions of their auction items and the items themselves are high quality. I would bid and purchase from them again.
JoeLos Angeles, CA
Jun 08, 2024
Great items for sale. Seemless purchasing and shipping services.
Very happy with my first experience with this seller.
DarylPortsmouth, OH
Jun 08, 2024
Great Communication
Nice auction they got right back with me when I ask for more information, and had my won items within a week. Looking forward to their next auction.
Past Auctions from Michael Lehr Antiques
Record Auction Results for Michael Lehr Antiques
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