Description:

Early Washington, D.C. Photographer E.J. Pullman's Studio

A 4pp autograph letter signed on splendid Victorian letterhead advertising "Pullman's Gallery,  935 Pennsylvania Ave.,  Washington, D.C.  E.J. Pullman,  Photographer,  935 Pa. Av., Washington D.C.  Pictures in all styles, from miniature to life  size. First-class work and moderate prices.  Special attention paid to copying." The September 2, 1879 letter from Washington, D.C. comes with a matching envelope featuring a gilt camera cachet at left, advertising Pullman as a "Dealer in  Photographic Material of All Kinds,  Fine Velvet Frames,  Velvet Cases,  Passe-partouts,  Mats, Etc." Expected light wear including flattened folds, else near fine. 4.875" x 8." The stamped and postmarked envelope is neatly letter-opened at right. From the Collection of Norman Boas of Seaport Autographs and purchased at Christie's December 5, 2017 sale. Accompanied by part of a manila folder with a Boas id number.

The letter was written by one "Josiah," possibly an employee or photographer attached to the E.J. Pullman photo studio located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue just a few blocks away from Ford's Theatre. The letter addressed to recipient Mamie "Mamiebel" Cooke of Washington, D.C. has lots of frothy and flirtatious content. The most interesting passage concerns American Indians and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz (1829-1906). In part, "[I] think Washington contains a few poor benighted citizens who are in every way qualified to dwell with 'Lo' and under the guidance of some kind Missionary learn something about the Customs + Manners of Civilized Races. If Carl Schurz ever makes a move toward the carrying out of this principle I am just going to hide myself in somebody's cellar until Peace has been restored…"

Edgar James Pullman (died 1923) was one of the earliest photographers to ply his trade in the nation's capital; his obituary states that he was believed to have hosted the first photographic show in Washington, D.C., and also sold the first camera in the city. A New York native and Oberlin University alumnus, Pullman photographed, sold photography and art equipment, and also trained many future photographers. Was our Josiah an apprentice photographer under E.J. Pullman's tutelage?

Provenance: Ex-Christie's December 5, 2017 sale; Ex-Norman Boas, Seaport Autographs

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 17, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000