Timothy O'Sullivan

albumen print, on the two-toned Wheeler Survey mount, the photographer's credit, title, 'No. 14,' and Survey information in letterpress on the mount, 1873 (Framing the West, pl. 88)

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 a high 8. The tones are generally strong and rich. Light fading is somewhat apparent in the upper sky area. There are a few small, fine scratches throughout the print, although these do not appear to break the emulsion and are visible only when the print is examined closely in high raking light. The number '14' and other small, dark scratches are also visible, but these are in the negative and not on the surface of the print. The original Wheeler Survey mount exhibits uneven age-darkening. The edges are somewhat rubbed and the corners are worn. There is a 1/2-inch vertical tear along the lower mount edge. The reverse of the mount is darkened unevenly, most noticeably in the center area. Stamped in purple ink in the lower right corner is '$1.00.' The print of the image offered here was likely originally acquired from the celebrated Lowdermilk's Bookshop in Washington, D. C., in 1942. Founded by William Lowdermilk, a Civil War veteran, in the 1870s, the shop concentrated on American history and politics, with government documents—including Western surveys—as one of its specialties.
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.