Vintage sepia-toned matte finish gelatin-silver print of an Alaskan scene taken circa 1905 by the firm of Case and Draper, Skagway, Alaska. Apparently showing one of the firm's two partner photographers -- William Howard Case -- kneeling with rifle at right. Titled in the negative at bottom edge "Result of a day's sport at summit of White Pass by Dr. L. A. Bauchman and W. H. Case." Print size 7.5 x 9 inches (19x23 cm).   Price: $250.   ( Inventory# id406c )

Located north of Skagway, the White Pass was the first, trying step in one of the main routes for arriving prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. This pathway also earned the name of "Dead Horse Trail" due to the numbers of animals that expired on the route.

The photographic partnership of Case and Draper ended in 1907, so this image must have been taken and titled before that date. I haven't located another image of William Howard Case, who was the partner with Draper in their firm until 1907, but the gentleman kneeling at right, with his jacket removed, rolled-up sleeves, and a protective apron may well be Case, having just left the details of camera preparation to pose in his own photograph. Born in 1868, Case would have still been in his 30s at the time of this image.

Condition: Overall excellent, with scattered spots and some original lumpy unevenness in print surface in upper background area along left side, and again in a area in mountain backdrop on right.

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Last updated April 10, 2024