mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, a Carmel studio stamp, with title and date in ink, on the reverse, circa 1952, printed in 1979

Sotheby's New York, 18 April 1996, Sale 6827, Lot 255

This photograph, with a semi-matte surface, is in generally good condition. When examined closely in raking light, scattered deposits of original retouching and a few deposits of indeterminate nature, possibly foxing, are visible. There is intermittent edge chipping along the left and upper edges, occasionally causing the upper paper-ply to fold back slightly. The mount is sunned at the periphery of the photograph. There are several tape remnants along the edges of the mount. There is scattered foxing on the front and reverse of the mount. The reverse of the mount is soiled, the edges are rubbed in several places, and there is a tape remnant all along the upper edge. Although 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 Carmel studio stamp on the reverse of the present mount is not included. The stamp, similar to BMFA 11, but with the zip code '93923,' is dated with both the negative and printing dates (in this case, c. 1952 and Jan. 1979, respectively) in an unidentified hand in ink.
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.