2 photographs from Polaroid Type 55 negatives, comprising 'Eucalyptus Tree, Fort Ross, California' and 'Eucalyptus Grove, Clayton, Calif.,' each mounted on illustration board, the first signed in ink on the mount, each with various Carmel studio stamps, with title in ink, and the second with 'Proof' and Polaroid Collection stamps on the reverse, 1960s (400 Photographs, p. 392) (2)     

Eucalyptus Tree, Fort Ross, California – This photograph is in generally very good to excellent condition. Visible in raking light along the upper left edge of the image is a 2-inch crescent-shaped crease that appears to break the emulsion. Also visible upon close examination is some minor edge chipping and a few raised areas, likely particles trapped between the print and the mount during dry-mounting. Along the periphery of the mount are losses to the off-white-colored mount and remnants of adhesive, likely from a previous overmat. Along the bottom mount edge is a 4¼-inch piece of masking tape. In the lower left corner of the mount is a stray graphite mark. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. The authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 7 and 8 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1963 to 1970. The photographer has dated another print of this image in the sale (lot 334) 1968, and we are using that as the date of the negative. The volume 'Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs' gives the date as 1969. Stamp 10 indicates that this print was made from a Polaroid Type 55 negative. Eucalyptus Grove, Clayton, Calif. -- This photograph is in generally excellent condition. In raking light, the following are visible: a small crescent-shaped crease in the lower right corner of the image; and a small linear scratch and impression in the upper left quadrant that does not break the emulsion. 'II' is annotated in an unidentified hand in graphite on the mount in the lower right corner. There is light fingerprint soiling along the mount's periphery. On the reverse of the mount are the following annotations in ink: Print No. '42'; and Box No. 'L-2.' There are also some graphite smudges and a diagonal scratch on the reverse. Karen Haas's and Rebecca Senf's book, 'Ansel Adams in the Lane Collection,' publishes the most comprehensive list to date of the studio stamps and labels Adams used throughout his career. The authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963.
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.