signed in ink in the margin, the photographer's copyright stamp, credit and date in ink, and his 'Robert Frank Archive' stamp, numbers and annotations in pencil on the reverse, circa 1953, printed later

This print, on double-weight paper with a surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. The edges are slightly rubbed, and the corners are bumped. There is slight rippling at the upper margin edge of the paper. At the left side of the image, there is a barely noticeable, thin vertical area, likely a scratch in the negative, that appears to have been retouched. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: a minor small crescent-shaped handling crease that does not break the emulsion in the lower central portion of the print; two small indentations not breaking the emulsion in the upper left area of the print; what appears to be a thin linear vertical scuff in the right central area; and several faint, light scratches, not breaking the emulsion, in the lower left quadrant. On the reverse, there is light soiling and slight age-darkening at the periphery of the print. On the reverse are the following numbers in pencil: '800' (circled); '764-819,' and '62.122.' In addition, there are the following annotations in pencil: 'RFG' (twice) and 'Robert Frank.' The dating of this image is derived from the young boy's/girl's reading matter, visible through the rear window of the car; namely, a Wally Wood comic parody, "Black and Blue Hawks!" appearing in issue #5 (June-July 1953) of 'Mad' magazine.
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.