Product Details

This is a high-quality, large-format archival gallery print produced by the late Jim Bell, a celebrated Tahoe City photographer and historian. Bell was renowned for his expert restoration of 19th-century California photography, and this piece is a prime example of his work from the late 1980s/early 1990s. The image features I.W. Taber’s Plate B 98, a historic view of the Mark Hopkins and Leland Stanford mansions on San Francisco’s Nob Hill. These legendary "Big Four" homes were destroyed in the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire, making this a vital photographic record of Gilded Age architecture. Item Details: Producer: James Bell Photography (Tahoe City, CA) – Studio Stamp on reverse. Original Artist: Isaiah West Taber (Source plate circa 1885). Format: Archival silver-toned print on a heavy museum-grade cardstock mount. Mount Dimensions: $16 \times 13.5$ inches (Total external size). Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The print is crisp with rich blacks and high contrast. The mount is sturdy with very minor corner wear consistent with a 30+ year old gallery piece. Shipping: This item will be shipped flat in a rigid mailer with additional cardboard reinforcement to ensure it arrives in pristine condition. A note on the "c. 1885" mark The red ink "c. 1885" at the bottom right was likely added by the Jim Bell studio (or a previous gallery owner) to identify the era of the subject matter, a common practice in his historical portfolio series to help collectors understand the history of the image. Authenticity & Heritage I specialize in curatedvintage and historical pieces. Each item is hand-selected for its uniquecharacter and story. Condition & Visual Description Vintage Status: Items are pre-owned and may show light wear consistent with age. Transparency: High-resolution photos are the primary part of the item description. I strive to capture every detail; please review all images and zoom in for a close-up look. Color Accuracy: Actual colors may vary slightly due to lighting conditions or individual screen/monitor calibrations. Due Diligence: Please ask any and all questions BEFORE purchasing or bidding. I am happy to provide additional measurements or photos upon request. Shipping & Handling Carrier: Orders are shipped via USPS Ground Advantage (with tracking) unless otherwise requested. Packaging: Fragile items (porcelain, glass, etc.) are double-boxed and packed with care to ensure safe transit. Combined Shipping: I love saving my customers money! If you purchase multiple items, please message me before paying so I can provide a combined shipping invoice. Taxes: Sales tax is automatically calculated and collected by the platform where required by state law. Terms of Sale All Sales Final: To maintain the integrity of my inventory, I do not offer returns or refunds. Customer Service: Your satisfaction is important. If you have any concerns upon receiving your order, please message me directly so we can find a solution.