Antique Edward S Curtis 1920 blue silver gelatin, photo pair batwing frame art. For Sale

MUSEUM QUALITY PAIR: VINTAGE 1920s , EDWARD S. CURTIS “ CURT-TONE “ MASTERPRINTS Offered is an extraordinary, Completely fresh to the market antique pair of original 1920s blue-toned silver gelatin photographs by the legendary master Edward S Curtis. This collection features two of his most iconic, ultra-rare Los Angeles studio pictorialist subjects: “APHRODITE “ and “CASTLE OF DREAMS.”Both pieces have remained completely sealed in their 1920s original studio frames, acting as an untouched time capsule of American photographic history. SECURE AUTHENTICITY FOOTPRINT & PROVENANCE
• The Signatures: Both images feature the highly coveted, crisp white signature etched directly into the original glass plate negative, reading “Curtis/LA” with the copyright symbol . This confirms direct 1920s dark room exposure. • Handwritten Studio Code: the reverse paper backing of “Aphrodite” features the authentic handwritten 1920s studio inventory code C ⊓ M in graphite pencil. This represents “CURT-TONE Mounted /Masterprint” and serves as a definitive forensic fingerprint to the Curtis studio workflow.•Historic Backing Paper: “Castle of Dreams features its original, period-correct burgundy vertically pinstriped dust-cover paper—the signature marking of premier 1920s custom framing houses partnering with the Curtis studio.•Vetted Baseline: These exact pieces were recently reviewed and estimated at $1,500 apiece ($3,000 total) by John Moran Auctioneers. They are offered here as a complete pair to allow the buyer to bypass steep auction house buyer premiums and competitive bidding wars.INDIVIDUAL ITEM & FRAME DETAILS
"Castle of Dreams" (c. 1920): Authentic blue-toned gelatin silver print. Housed in its highly sought-after, original 1920s gold-toned studio "Batwing" gesso and wood frame."
Aphrodite" (c. 1920): Authentic blue-toned gelatin silver print. Housed in its original 1920s decorative carved and gold-painted studio frame.📋 HONEST CONDITION REPORT (Sold Strictly As-Is)•The Prints: Both photographs are structurally excellent. They retain exceptionally bright, vivid, deep cyan-blue chemical tones with no fading. Beautiful, light edge-silvering (mirroring) is present along the borders, serving as an outstanding chemical indicator of true 100-year-old photographic age.•The Glass: Faint, small cloudy markings are visible upon close inspection. These are localized entirely on the interior face of the historic glass (standard centennial outgassing/haze) and have not touched or affected the paper underneath.•The Frames & Backings: True to their 100-year history, the frames show honest wear. One of the gesso corner wings is missing from the batwing frame. The backing papers on both frames feature heavy tearing, minor water staining, and historic spotting on the paper surface only. The frames have never been opened or altered to preserve historical integrity.PREMIUM PACKAGING, SHIPPING & LOCAL PICKUP •Professional Double-Boxing: Because glass-backed antique art is incredibly fragile, this pair will be wrapped in heavy-duty bubble shielding, fitted into a custom inner box, and suspended inside a rigid outer shipping crate.•Courier Delivery: Shipped via fully insured carrier with signature tracking strictly required upon delivery.•Northern California Local Pickup: Free local pickup can be coordinated for pre-verified buyers in the Northern California region who wish to transport the antique glass themselves.