2 unique Polaroid Type 52 prints, including William Westerfeld House, San Francisco and High-Rise Building, each with credit or the photographer's initials, date, and notations in pencil or ink, and number stamps, on the reverse, 1958 (2)

High-Rise Building - This unique Polaroid Type 52 print is in generally very good to excellent condition. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: a small, sharp handling crease that does not break the emulsion in the central portion of the image; and a fingerprint near the lower left corner of the image. There is faint, light soiling in the lower margin. This does not affect the print's detailed rendering of the subject matter. William Westerfield House - This Polaroid Type 52 print is in generally good to very good condition. There is a small rust-colored deposit of indeterminate nature in the lower margin that does not affect the image. As is typical of some Polaroids, there are surface striations and some unevenness of tonality that could be due to unevenness in the coating. This is particularly noticeable in the sky area. When examined in raking light, 2 creases not breaking the emulsion are visible at the left margin and near the right edge of the image.
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.

The Victorian house pictured in one of the photographs offered here was built in 1889 by German-born confectioner William Westerfeld at the corner of Fulton and Scott Streets in San Francisco. This house is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.  In its various incarnations since Mr. Westerfeld's death in 1895, it has been home to John Mahoney, who built the St. Francis and Palace Hotels; a nightclub named Dark Eyes by its owners, a group of Czarist Russians; and an apartment building where John Handy and other African-American jazz musicians lived.  In the 1960s, a commune of 50 known as The Calliope Company occupied the building, and it became home to underground filmmaker Kenneth Anger and Manson family member Bobby BeauSoleil, as well as rock promoters, Family Dog.  The building is mentioned in Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Today, Westerfeld House belongs to Jim Siegel, who has completely restored it to its original condition.