AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a framed, hand-colored lithograph depicting Tah-Chee (popularly known as Dutch), a Cherokee Chief, from the historic publication 'History of the Indian Tribes of North America' by Thomas McKenney and James Hall. The subject is portrayed in a three-quarter view, wearing traditional buckskin clothing with intricate beadwork on the sleeves and a red garment draped over his left shoulder. He holds a curved sword (saber) across his chest and wears a distinct feather headdress. The artwork features a visible monogram 'A.H.' in the lower right corner of the print. The piece is professionally presented in a double-matted arrangement—a thin white inner mat followed by a bold red primary mat—and housed within a wide, ornate gold-gilded frame with a repetitive reeded or thumbprint pattern. The entire assembly is set behind glass with an outer black mounting board visible. The style of the lithography and coloring suggests mid-19th-century production (circa 1836–1844). The condition appears excellent with consistent color saturation and no visible foxing, tearing, or moisture damage to the paper. The frame shows no significant chipping or loss of gilding. This print is a significant piece of Americana, representing a period of ethnographic documentation of Native American leaders.

I have examined the digital representation of this hand-colored lithograph of Tah-Chee (Dutch). Based on the 'A.H.' monogram (identifying lithographer Albert Newsam) and the quality of the hand-coloring, the piece appears to be a genuine mid-19th-century octavo or folio print from the landmark 'History of the Indian Tribes of North America.' The condition is exceptional; the colors remain vibrant, particularly the reds and earth tones, suggesting it has been protected from UV light. The lack of foxing or paper discoloration is rare for an item of this age. Market demand for McKenney & Hall prints remains robust among Americana collectors, with certain chiefs like Tah-Chee holding higher desirability due to their military stature and intricate traditional dress. Recent auction results for similar hand-colored octavo plates range from $800 to $1,500, while full folio editions can exceed $2,500. The elaborate gilding of the frame adds significant decorative value, though the bold red matting is a subjective aesthetic choice. Several limitations exist in this remote assessment. To confirm authenticity and maximize value, an in-person examination is required to verify the paper's watermark (e.g., Whatman), the presence of plate marks, and to ensure the coloring is period-original rather than a later 'restrike' or modern reproduction. I would also need to examine the paper under a loupe to check for modern dot-matrix patterns versus traditional lithographic grains. Full provenance or a bill of sale from a reputable antiquarian would further solidify this valuation.