Timothy O'Sullivan

albumen print, on the two-toned Wheeler Survey mount, the photographer's credit, title, 'No. 8,' and survey information in letterpress on the mount, 1871 (Dover, pl. 8)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of 1 to 10 - 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail - this print rates 10. The tones are generally strong. There are a number of both small and long scuffs, impressions, and scratches throughout the image, although these do not appear to break the emulsion and are visible only when the print is examined closely in high raking light. The original Wheeler Survey mount exhibits uneven age-darkening. Some liquid soiling and light foxing are visible primarily at the periphery of the print. There are insignificant small abrasions to the top paper ply of the mount. The edges are somewhat rubbed and the corners are worn. There is a slight wave in the upper center of the mount. The reverse of the mount is darkened unevenly and in a streaky pattern, and several areas of dark soiling are visible. Offsetting from a label reads: 'Album of the International Exhibition in Philadelphia 1876.' The International Centennial Exhibition was held in Philadelphia in 1876, and featured the Wheeler, Powell, and Hayden surveys exhibited in the Department of the Interior and the U. S. Army venue. Stamped in the lower right corner is '$1.50.' This print has previously undergone conservation, a full treatment report for which is available upon request.
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.

Although from two entirely different sources, the Timothy O'Sullivan photographs offered here and in Lot 42 are both marked on the reverse with a similar price stamp, suggesting that these were at one time offered by the same seller and originally may have been plates from the same Wheeler Survey volume.  The O'Sullivan offered in Lot 42 was purchased by Beaumont Newhall at the historic Lowdermilk's Bookshop in Washington, D. C. (see note to Lot 42 for further information), although it cannot be confirmed that this price stamp is associated with Lowdermilk's.