Bidding & Process
The House
Follow the House
300 20th Street · Sacramento
© 2026 Witherell’s
Live Auction
LUXURY ASSET AUCTION: Featuring Choice Property from the Collection of Al and Carol Cali
Thu, Jan 29, 2026 02:00PM EST
Lot 75
Emperor Norton I Cabinet Card by Houseworth’s, ca. 1870s
Estimate: $2,500 - $5,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
A studio cabinet card portrait of Emperor Norton I, the eccentric self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. This seated image shows Norton in full uniform with epaulets, feathered hat, and holding his cane, photographed by Houseworth’s at 12 Montgomery St., San Francisco. Captioned below the image: “Norton 1. Emperor of the United States of America and Protector of Mexico.” Verso features the elaborate Houseworth’s Souvenir Photographs backmark.
Dimensions: 6 3/8 x 4 in.
Provenance: From the Al and Carol Cali Collection.
Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx for $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).
Good overall. Toning and soiling to image and mount. Corners rounded with minor edge wear. Adhesive residue and surface loss to reverse.
Condition
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