43

(NATURAL DISASTERS--W.S. BELL) A selection of 12 photographs documenting the catastrophic Johnstown Flood, Pennsylvania.

(NATURAL DISASTERS--W.S. BELL)
A selection of 12 photographs documenting the catastrophic Johnstown Flood, Pennsylvania.
On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam ruptured, releasing a torrent of water that killed more than 2200 people and accounted for millions of dollars of damage. The images document decimated architecture and infrastructure, including homes on their sides, residents among the ruins, and more, all by the photographer W.S. Bell. Albumen prints, the images measuring 6 3/8x9 3/8 inches (16.2x23.8 cm.), and slightly smaller, the mounts 10x12 inches (25.4x30.5 cm.), each with the Johnstown Flood caption, Bell's credit, and his Pittsburgh studio address printed on mount recto, and some with locations in pencil on mount verso. 1889

WITH-- Two photographs, one apparently documenting damage from the flood and the second Clara Barton's American Red Cross headquarters. Albumen prints, the images measuring 7x9 7/8 inches (17.8x25.1 cm.), and slightly smaller, the mounts 10x12 inches (25.4x30.5 cm.), and slightly smaller, the first with a full caption in ink on mount recto, and the second with W.S. Bell's imprint and a caption in pencil on mount verso. 1899

Provenance: The Estate of Richard T. Rosenthal, Philadelphia

For additional images please follow the link below:
http://www.swanngalleries.com/ms/Sale2627/lot43

  • Condition: These albumen prints documenting the Johnstown Flood are in overall very good condition. The prints have retained a high level of contrast and detail, and describe the devastation after the catastrophy with richness and clarity. Some have faded and/or warmed slightly, but in a way that is not distracting and is consistent with their age.

    Upon close inspection in strong, raking light the surfaces evidence the typical slight imperfections associated with work of this age. These superficial issues are not disruptive, and include slight impressions or linear rubs. Occasionally the images show a tiny spec of residue.

    One image shows a series of faint impressions seemingly made from verso (possibly during or prior to mounting), mostly visible in raking light. A few of the prints also show faint off-setting from the Johnstown Flood text that is printed on mount recto, but this is not immediately apparent when viewing the prints under usual conditions.

    The mounts show very faint soiling from handling, but again, this is not unusual and it is not distracting. One of the mounts is cracked at the top left corner.

    Overall a descriptive and dynamic series of images, including a rich interior of what was apparently Clara Barton's American Red Cross headquarters established after the disaster.


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

February 23, 2023 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000