Lot # 39 - 1937 Framed Photograph – Lutheran Church Fire, Douglas Island

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Pickup Instructions: PICK UPS MARCH 15TH-16TH 10-2:00 PM - USE SHIPPING IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT - PLENTY OF STREET PARKING -BRING HELP FOR HEAVY ITEMS - BRING YOUR OWN PACKAGING FOR HAULING DELICATE AND MULTIPLE LOT ITEMS
Start Date/Time: 05-Mar-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 16-Mar-2026 7:38:00 PM
Current bid:

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Highest bidder:

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Description :

1937 Framed Photograph – Lutheran Church Fire, Douglas Island – February 23, 1937

Striking and historically compelling framed photograph depicting the Lutheran Church fire on Douglas Island, dated February 23, 1937. The dramatic image captures the church engulfed in flames, with a silhouetted figure in the foreground and the building clearly marked “Lutheran Church.” A powerful piece of Alaskan history preserved in a vintage gilt wood frame.

Handwritten notations on the reverse include:

  • “1937”

  • “Fire at Douglas – February 23, 1937”

  • “Douglas Island”

  • Additional handwritten wording referencing the Lutheran Church fire (see photos)

This is an original vintage photograph, not a modern reproduction, with period handwriting and mounting consistent with the late 1930s.

Measurements:
Approx. Dimensions: 10–12" H x 13–15" W (framed)
Image visible area approx. slightly smaller than frame opening.

Condition:
Good vintage condition considering age (1937). Frame shows surface wear, finish loss, and edge scuffing. Backing paper is heavily aged with staining, peeling, tears, and water marks consistent with age. Original wire hanger intact. Photograph displays well from the front with some age-related fading and light surface wear visible under glass. Please review all photos carefully.

Historical Note:
Douglas Island, located near Juneau, Alaska, experienced several early 20th-century structural fires. Photographs documenting specific events from this era are increasingly scarce. Pieces with handwritten dates and location references from the 1930s add historical provenance and collector appeal, especially relating to Alaskan regional history.

Value:
Estimated resale value: $125–300 depending on confirmation of event documentation and regional historical collector interest.



Auction History

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PAYMENT DETAILS

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Invoices will be emailed to winning bidders after the auction has fully closed. Full payment is due by 8:00 PM the day following the auction close. If payment is not received prior to the scheduled pickup date and time, items will be forfeited and bidding privileges revoked.

Pickup details will be included on the invoice emailed after the auction closes. Any items not picked up during the scheduled pickup times will be considered abandoned and may be resold or donated. In limited circumstances, and solely at our discretion, an alternate pickup time may be approved for an additional fee.

A 10% Buyer’s Premium and applicable sales tax will be added to the final hammer price at invoicing. Sales tax will be waived for licensed resellers with valid documentation on file.

Agora Estate Company makes every effort to accurately describe all items. Please expect normal wear consistent with age, use, and history for antique, vintage, and pre-owned pieces. We do not note every minor imperfection. All items are sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with no refunds or returns. Agora Estate Company does not guarantee the working condition of any clock, watch, electronic, or mechanical item. Measurements provided are approximate.


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