Carleton E. Watkins

mammoth-plate albumen print, mounted, 1878-81 (Naef 287)

Grading this albumen print on a scale of one to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – this print rates a strong 8. The tones are generally quite strong. This mounted photograph was originally in an album in which it was affixed back-to-back with another mounted photograph. The paired photographs’ mounts were expertly separated from one another. As a result of this, a faint linen-like texture can be seen in the surface of the print when it is examined closely in raking light, and the reverse of the mount has a very slightly rough texture. A thin strip of linen tape runs along the left mount edge. Visible in raking light are the following: a 6-inch scratch that may break the emulsion in the upper left quadrant near the edge; faint silvering along the upper edge; and a few pen-point-sized impressions and scuffs overall. There is a tiny particle adhered to the print near the left edge. The periphery of the mount is appropriately age-darkened, and there are creases and light wear at the edges. The reverse of the mount is lightly soiled.
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.

In Carleton Watkins: The Complete Mammoth Photographs, Weston Naef and Christine Hult-Lewis locate only one other print of this image, in the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, University of California at Berkeley.