from a Polaroid Type 55 negative, mounted on Crescent illustration board, signed in ink on the mount, the photographer's old and new Carmel studio stamps (BMFA 5, 6, 10, and 11), with titles in pencil and in ink, and the Virginia Adams collection stamp on the reverse, 1965 (Autobiography, p. 3)

Sotheby's New York, 7 April 1998, Sale 7112, Lot 103

This print, on paper with a surface sheen, and mounted on Crescent illustration board, is in generally very good condition. Upon close examination,a small circular area and 2 pinpoint deposits of what appear to be original retouching are visible in the lower right portion of the image near the edge. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: light silvering at the periphery; and small faint linear and pinpoint scratches that do not break the emulsion. The mount is slightly darker in a 1/2-inch area around the periphery of the print. The edges of the mount are age-darkened, and the corners are bumped. The right corners of the mount are creased. 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. Although the authors' assessment of the use dates of stamps 5 and 6 on the reverse of the print's mount is 1962 to 1963, this print has been dated 1965. Stamp 10 indicates that this print is from a Polaroid Type 55 negative.
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.