mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, signed and titled by the photographer in pencil on the mount, matted, 1873-74

Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Acquired by the present owner from the above

Jeffrey Fraenkel and Peter E. Palmquist, Carleton E. Watkins, Photographs 1861-1874 (San Francisco, 1989), pl. 108 (this print)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - a 10 being an albumen print with deep brown tones and creamy highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates a 10. This print has tones that are a rich reddish brown and is in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, faint scratches are visible in the upper right sky area and lower right quadrant. The mount is very slightly wavy and has age-darkening at the perphery. It is somewhat foxed, but the foxing does not appear to have intruded upon the print.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.