Rare Antique Hand-Colored Photograph of Port Blakely, Wa Mill (C. 1900) by Wilhelm Hester

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Rare Antique Hand-Colored Photograph of Port Blakely, WA Mill (c. 1900) by Wilhelm Hester

Offered for sale is a remarkable … Read more Rare Antique Hand-Colored Photograph of Port Blakely, WA Mill (c. 1900) by Wilhelm Hester

Offered for sale is a remarkable piece of Pacific Northwest maritime history: an original hand-colored photograph of the world-renowned Port Blakely lumber mill. This evocative image captures a busy industrial scene at the turn of the 20th century, a defining moment in Washington State's history. The photograph is attributed to the celebrated maritime photographer Wilhelm Hester (1870-1947), whose work is featured in numerous museum collections.

Historical Significance & Artistry
Iconic Subject: The scene captures several large sailing vessels—including the Mary E. Foster and Iverna—docked at the mill's expansive wharves, loading lumber for global trade.
Unique Medium: This is not a modern reproduction. It is an authentic, vintage gelatin silver print that has been meticulously hand-colored to bring the scene to life with naturalistic greens in the water and sky.

Specifications & Condition
Photographer: Attributed to Wilhelm Hester.
Approximate Date: Circa 1900–1901.
Mat Measures: 14" tall x 17".
Art Measures: 10.5" x 13.5".

Condition Notes: The piece shows signs of age consistent with a 120+ year-old historical artifact. There are wear to the corners of the original cardboard mat and visible stains on the print surface, particularly in the lower water area (please refer to photos for details). These imperfections are typical for historical photographs and do not detract from the powerful historical narrative of the image.

This authentic Wilhelm Hester hand-colored print is a foundational piece of Pacific Northwest history and an important find for maritime collectors or historical enthusiasts. Despite its age-appropriate imperfections, its historical significance and rarity make it a compelling and valuable acquisition. See less