EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBSamuel Willard Bridgham III (American—Rhode Island, 1842–1915).
About Seller
1155 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02909
United States
Vallot Auctioneers was founded in 2003 as a fine art specialty auction house in Tribeca, and recognized as one of the first fine art specialty auction galleries in Manhattan. Now based in Providence, RI, the auction house continues the excellence in focusing on bringing fresh quality lots to the mar...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveJul 17, 2025
SUMMER FINE ART + DESIGN, featuring estate-fresh to the market important Post-war German art, fine porcelain, exquisite silver, contemporary multiples, 20th-century American painting, and rare historical lightning strike photographs. All together, a trove of rare and unique art and design. Vallots Auctioneers info@vallots.com
View Full Catalog (183)
- Lot Description
Eight (8) rare glass plate photographs depicting lightning bolts in and around East Providence, Rhode Island, and Seekonk, Massachusetts, two with annotations and dates. 3 1/4" x 4" (approximately each).
While the photographer William N. Jennings' 1882 photograph of lightning is often said to be the first, the 19th Century Bridgham collection of lightning photographs is significant in its own right (the types of lightning and the details of the landscape such as the windmill he captured). While his process is unknown, it would appear that Bridgham innovated and pushed the bounds of what cameras could do at the time.
Bridgham's pursuit of lightning was documented, not just in photography circles, but in science publications, such as Popular Astronomy, Vol. 2, Issue 9, 1895. Other historical references to his photography in general appear in the New York Times April 21, 1890 and New York Herald January 18, 1891. Nevertheless, we could not locate another example of his lightning photographs, and possibly these are the only examples in existence.
Bridgham, who was the son of the first mayor of Providence, served in the New York Militia during the Civil War and spent his time between his New York City home and summers on his estate in East Providence, in and around where these photographs were taken (Seekonk and East Providence, Rhode Island).Condition
Every lot is sold "as is," "where is," and "without warranty," whether express or implied. Lighting and electronics have not been tested and should be professionally evaluated prior to use. Art has not been examined outside of the frame unless otherwise stated.
Our auction items are antique and vintage, often from estates, and are not in perfect condition. They often show normal signs of age, use, and wear, which might not be specified in a condition report. Bidders are responsible for determining the physical condition of items prior to bidding. The absence of a condition report does not indicate the absence of condition issues with the lot. Requests for condition reports, additional photographs, or a video inspection can be obtained via email at: info@vallots.com (any condition statement given is offered as an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact).
All bids are final. We do not offer refunds based on item description, condition, or for any other reason. - Shipping Info
-
We do not offer in-house packing and shipping services. Shipping can be expensive, please consider obtaining an estimate prior to bidding. Below we have listed our preferred shipper as a courtesy, and we will be glad to assist you with your third-party shipping needs, however, we assume no liability for any shipper you use or any loss or damage occasioned in transport or otherwise as a result of shipping.
The UPS Store, Cranston
148 Atwood Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 654-6381
In person pick-ups are to be scheduled by appointment during business hours (weekdays 9-4 pm) at 1155 Westminster St. Providence, RI 02909. Please call (401) 273-1618 or email: info@vallots.com.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
