Lot 345

Rare King Kalakaua Albumen Photograph

Previous image preload Next image preload

Rare King Kalakaua Albumen Photograph

Estimate: $500 - $600

Current Bid: $160

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

King Kalakaua
Kingdom of Hawaii, ca. 1874-1891
Rare King Kalakaua Albumen Photograph
Photograph

Original sepia-toned unmounted albumen photograph depicting King Kalakaua of Hawaii in a formal studio portrait. The monarch is presented in military dress uniform, featuring detailed epaulettes, a diagonal sash, and prominent royal decorations and medals, underscoring his status and authority. The image is composed in an oval vignette, a stylistic hallmark of 19th-century portrait photography. Unlike cabinet cards or cartes de visite, this example is unmounted, retaining its original photographic paper without a backing mount. The photograph shows moderate age-related wear, including surface toning, light creasing, and edge wear, consistent with its period and handling over time. The reverse includes a handwritten period inscription along the lower edge reading: "Kalakaua King of Hawaii." Measures 4" x 6"

King Kalakaua (1836–1891), known as the "Merrie Monarch," was the final reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. His rule from 1874 to 1891 was defined by efforts to preserve and revive Hawaiian cultural traditions, including hula and native music, during a time of increasing foreign influence.

Kalakaua was also a global figure, becoming the first monarch to travel around the world in 1881 as part of a diplomatic mission to strengthen international relationships. Photographs such as this albumen print were a primary medium for circulating the likenesses of world leaders in the late 19th century, making surviving examples historically significant representations of Hawaii's sovereign monarchy prior to its overthrow in 1893.

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!

  • Dimensions: 4" x 6"
  • Medium: Photograph

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide 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 that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, 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. 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.

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