Lot of 4, circa 8 x 10" or slightly smaller (2 are closer to 8 x 9) albumen images on larger (11.5 x 15 in.) mounts. With imprint of L.E. Walker, U.S. Treasury, Photographer and each with printed caption. Includes two interior views of the ruined North and West Halls and Model room, one of the roof, and one exterior view of the roofless and smoke damaged facade.
September 24, 1877 was the second fire that the Patent Office suffered. In spite of the loss of many models, as these images so graphically document, this conflagration was far less destructive than the fire of 1836, because the records were stored separately and were not involved. (For a history of the Patent Office, www.uspto.gov.)
Condition: Mounts slightly toned along edges, a few corners worse for the wear. Prints are fine.