Lot 115

RARE Full Plate Antique c. 1890 Sing Sing Prison Interior Decorated Cell w/ Inmate Dry Glass Plate Negative 6.5" x 8.5"

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 115
image_0 image_1 image_2
RARE Full Plate Antique c. 1890 Sing Sing Prison Interior Decorated Cell w/ Inmate Dry Glass Plate Negative 6.5" x 8.5"
RARE Full Plate Antique c. 1890 Sing Sing Prison Interior Decorated Cell w/ Inmate Dry Glass Plate Negative 6.5" x 8.5"
image_0 image_1 image_2

RARE Full Plate Antique c. 1890 Sing Sing Prison Interior Decorated Cell w/ Inmate Dry Glass Plate Negative 6.5" x 8.5"

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)
by One Source Auctions
July 27, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Live Auction
177 S. Main St.
Canandaigua, NY, US 14424

The inclusion of an inmate alongside a "decorated" cell increases the value exponentially compared to an empty cell. In the late 19th century, progressive prison reforms occasionally permitted well-behaved convicts to decorate their tiny, damp cells with personal items like family photographs, pin-ups, newspaper clippings, or small crafts. A high-quality photo capturing this rare glimpse into the psychological and daily life of a Victorian-era inmate is an exceptional crossover piece for criminal justice historians, New York ephemera collectors, and high-end antique dealers. Because prison administration strictly regulated or outright banned photography inside maximum-security facilities during the late 19th century, interior candid views from this era are extraordinarily rare. Highly Detailed/Dense Decor ($1,200 – $2,000): The cell is heavily personalized (e.g., walls covered in vintage ephemera, hand-carved objects, or letters), and the negative is sharp enough to read specific headlines or identify the items. This level of social history documentation commands a premium from academic institutions and specialty archives. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 8.5"
  • Condition: Excellent Condition

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship Worldwide, at Buyer's Expense. PLEASE CONTACT PRIOR TO BIDDING IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SHIPPING QUOTE!! Allow a 24 hour period for quotes. Shipping quotes are figured before invoices are sent out. Multiple shipping companies (USPS, UPS, Fedex, Greyhound, etc.) will be looked into for the best rate. Large paintings and other large items may be packed by a third party.

One Source Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 21% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $5
$100 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 + $500