Virginia
Interior view of a tobacco auction in Chatham, VA featuring an African American or mixed race buyer.

9 7/8 x 7 1/2 in. silver gelatin photograph affixed to mat along upper edge. Verso bears pencil inscriptions including, "'Tobacco Auction' by Dearing from Chatham, VA. ca 1885."

Many men are shown gathered in a warehouse, posed amidst numerous piles of tobacco bundles that appear to be labeled, likely with lot numbers and other information. Prominent in the right foreground is an African American or mixed race man wearing a long coat and farmer's style hat. Advertising signs for "The Bates Shoe" by J. W. Marks & Co. and "Walk-Over Shoes" by Whitehead & Yeatts, both companies located in Chatham, line the overhead beams of the warehouse.

The tobacco warehouse auction system developed in Virginia in the 19th century. Before, buyers largely relied on inspectors' notes for affirmation of the quality of the leaf they were purchasing. A need for buyers to be able to inspect the product before purchasing, in part, led to the rise of the warehouse auction system that became popular in Virginia and North Carolina tobacco markets.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Toning, some surface abrasions and imperfections, minor wear to edges and corners.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

Visions of America: The Stephen White Collection

Virginia
Interior view of a tobacco auction in Chatham, VA featuring an African American or mixed race buyer.

Visions of America: The Stephen White Collection

VirginiaInterior view of a tobacco auction in Chatham, VA featuring an African American or mixed race buyer.

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Virginia
Interior view of a tobacco auction in Chatham, VA featuring an African American or mixed race buyer.