c1870 CdV of James Presley Ball sells at auction for 125K USD
Toronto. One of our exchange groups, PHSNE, in their June 2023 issue of Snap-Shots reports that this CdV went for a hammer price of $125,000 US recently at Swann Galleries in NYC.
The announcement was posted on the ‘Fine Books & Collections‘ website this past April. The CdV sold that high for many reasons including rarity (only known CdV of Jim Ball) and position held by Mr Ball (a prominent African-American photographer).
The PHSHE article states, “Swann’s annual Printed & Manuscript African-Americana auction was the most successful in its 28-year history. The sale set records with $1,377,463 in total sales and a 94% sell-through rate .
“The top lot in the sale was an inscribed carte-de-visite by the important early photographer, James Presley Ball, which brought $125,000. Only one other photograph of Ball is known to exist”.
Remember, CdVs used to cost a ‘dime a dozen’ when first made. Every collection needs a few – perhaps not this rare – Join us at next month’s ESTATE auction for photos (including CdVs), cameras, and so much more! In the above link we have a lot-oriented slide show to allow you to pre-plan your visit (you’re welcome)!
