1920s Capsized Ice Yacht Boat Accident Stern Steerer Frozen Lake Glass Negative
Original, one-of-a-kind (OOAK) camera-original antique 4x5 gelatin silver glass plate negative captured circa 1915–1925: a striking, humorous, and hazardous snapshot of early American extreme winter sports: two ice yacht racers perched nonchalantly on the exposed frame and runner plank of their massive gaff-rigged stern-steerer iceboat after capsizing on a frozen New England lake.
Accompanied by its original vintage tan kraft darkroom morgue filing sleeve bearing contemporary newsroom documentation:
Historical & Sporting Significance:
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ice yachting was widely regarded as the fastest sport on earth, with timber stern-steerers easily topping 60 to 70 miles per hour over windswept freshwater ice. Without brakes, sudden wind gusts (\"puffs\") frequently caused vessels to \"hike\" their windward runners skyward, occasionally resulting in wild ground loops, dismastings, and capsizes. When accidents occurred, sailors—often bundled in heavy woolen sweaters, tweed breeches, and knit caps—simply scrambled onto the high side of the hull to wait out a tow or rig repairs.
Captured with sharp outdoor action clarity:
The Capsized Rig: The large wooden iceboat lies pinned on its side over the hard ice pack, with its collapsed canvas mainsail and jib pinned underneath the timber backbone. The heavy oak runner plank sticks into the air, showing iron mounting plates, stay turnbuckles, and sharpened cast-iron runner shoes.
The Ice Yacht Crew: One crewman sits on the curved stern cockpit rim with legs dangling over the framing, while his companion sits high on the center spar beside the mast step, both observing the damage with calm amusement.
Lakeside Backdrop: In the far distance across the broad expanse of snow and sheet ice stands a classic New England Victorian lakeside manor house and winter pine shoreline.
Tonal Fidelity: Rich continuous silver gelatin gradation resolving wood grain on the iceboat frame, heavy ribbed wool garments, lace-up leather boots, and wind-blown ice textures.
Specifications:
Format: Heavy antique silver gelatin 4x5 glass plate negative, exposed directly in a field press camera circa 1915–1925.
Archive Ephemera Included: Accompanied by the original vintage tan kraft darkroom morgue filing envelope.
Please Note: This listing is for the original antique glass plate negative and its period paper archive sleeve only. Any positive photographic images shown in this listing are modern inverted digital scans provided solely as a visual representation to show what finished photographs print like. No physical paper photograph, modern print, or paper product of any kind is included with this purchase.
Condition:
Very Good to Excellent antique condition. The heavy glass plate is structurally sound, stable, and complete with no cracks, fractures, or perimeter breaks through the glass body. The silver gelatin emulsion remains remarkably clean and sharp across the entire composition, capturing fine detail across the boat\'s timbers, iron fittings, and sportsmen. Faint authentic handling wear strictly confined to the extreme outer rebate borders outside the primary image field. Accompanied by the original period kraft morgue filing sleeve.
The glass plate negative measures 4 x 5In.
If you collect glass negatives, please check out our collection in our store. We are currently listing thousands of original glass photo negatives from this DJD collection through the remainder of the year. Follow our store, and feel free to reach out about any questions about the negatives in this collection.
Ships with extreme care in archival materials to ensure safe transit. Feel free to reach out with any requests or questions).
Combined shipping is available (with other glass negatives)
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1920s Capsized Ice Yacht Boat Accident Stern Steerer Frozen Lake Glass Negative
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