ADORABLE SIBLINGS : BATHING SUITS : BEACH : SHOVELS AND A PAIL : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features two adorable siblings clad in bathing suits preparing for the beach. Both children are holding shovels and the little boy is also holding a pail. They are ready to build castles in the sand. This postcard was published by Gale’s Studios, which had branches in multiple cities in the United Kingdom. This is likely a one-of-a-kind photo postcard. The postcard is in overall good condition (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $34.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236414234954

Published in: on June 25, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

MEMORIAL CARD : WILLIAM B. BANNING : DIED 1888 : AGED 21 YEARS : CABINET CARD

This memorial cabinet card was published in loving memory of William B. Banning (age 21). He died in 1888. This photograph was was likely commissioned by Mr. Banning’s family in order to keep his memory alive. The publisher of this card as well as Banning’s hometown are not indicated on the cabinet card. Preliminary internet research did reveal some information about William Banning. He was born on 7/26/1867 in Hartland, Connecticut. He lived there until his death. His father was Cowdry Ambrose Banning (1831-1918). He worked as a farmer. His mother was Marth A Bowers (Banning) (1841-?). He had one sibling; a sister named Clara Jane Banning (Barnes). He is buried in the East Hartland Cemetery in Hartland. I was unable to find his cause of death. SOLD

Published in: on June 25, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

MISS DORIS STOCKER : EDWARDIAN MUSICAL COMEDY STAR : DAVIDSON BROS : RPPC

This is a real photo postcard featuring Miss Doris Stocker (1886–1968), a celebrated Edwardian musical comedy actress and singer. The postcard was published by Davidson Brothers of London (Series 2263) and photographed by the well-regarded studio of Bassano. Stocker is pictured in an elegant feathered hat and ruffled costume, her expression refined and engaging, which perfectly reflects her reputation as one of the most charming stars of the Edwardian stage. On the reverse, the card carries a handwritten note. The text, though incomplete, reads: “My Dear Alice, just a few lines to you hoping you are fairly quite well, what do you think about that idea about that box? I think it would be alright. we should…”The remainder trails off. Doris Stocker was born in Bombay, British India in 1886 and moved with her family to London in the 1890s. She became a chorus girl under George Edwardes at the famous Gaiety Theatre before moving into starring roles in West End musical comedies. Among her best-known performances were in The Cingalee (1904), A Waltz Dream (1911), Theodore & Co. (1912), and To-Night’s the Night (Shubert Theatre, New York, 1914). In 1917, she married Sir Henry Segrave, who later became famous for breaking world land and water speed records. Doris retired from the stage after her marriage and lived a quieter life, though she remained a figure of public interest, particularly following Sir Henry’s tragic death in 1930. He died in a racing boat accident while setting a racing boat speed record of nearly 99 miles per hour. She passed away in London in 1968. The postcard is in excellent condition for its age. The photographic image is clear with strong contrast. The reverse shows a neat handwritten message (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $14.95 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236274187182

Published in: on June 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

STACIA NAPIERKOWSKA : FRENCH STAGE AND SILENT FILM ACTRESS : RISQUE : RPPC

This risque vintage real photo postcard features Stacia Napierkowska (1891-1945). was a French actress and dancer during the silent film era. She also directed films. She was born in Paris and began her theatrical career with the Folies-Bergeres. She was “discovered” by the director of the Opera Comique who signed her to theatrical work. Next, she acted in silent films and reached stardom after playing opposite Max Linder, an actor often considered the first international star. In 1913 she left Europe for the United States to begin her own international career. The painter, Francis Picabia, met her on the ocean trip and he produced a series of paintings for which she was the inspiration. During a dance performance in New York City, Napierkowska found herself under arrest for indecency. Upon returning to France, according to Wikipedia, she said “I have not brought away a single pleasant memory from the United States”. She also declared that Americans were “narrow-minded people” and that they were “utterly impervious to any beautiful impression”. IMDb reports that Napierkowska appeared in 91 films between 1908 and 1926. This postcard is quite risque for it’s era. SOLD

VICTORIAN GIRL WITH DOLL & MIRROR : BY WISSLER CANTON, OHIO : CABINET CARD

This endearing cabinet card captures a tender childhood moment — a small girl, dressed in a light gown, stands before a tall decorative mirror, holding her beloved doll close as she studies her own reflection. The mirror, draped with a fringed lace shawl and adorned with flowers, creates a composition that is both artistic and deeply human. The photographer of this portrait photo was Jacob S. Wissler (1850-1925) of Canton, Ohio. Wissler was a photographer listed in the Canton Business Directories beginning in 1882 and on up to 1900. The back of the mount is richly printed in red ink with Wissler’s elaborate logo and the phrase “Fine Crayons a Specialty,” dating the image to the late 1880s. The studio’s artistry and the touching innocence of the subject make this photograph a charming representation of Victorian sentimental photography. (SOLD)

Published in: on June 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CONSTANCE TALMADGE : PRETTY BUT TROUBLED SILENT FILM STAR

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This vintage real photo postcard features pretty film actress, Constance Talmadge (1898-1973). She was a silent film star and the sister of actresses Norma and Natalie Talmadge. Constance was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were poor and her father was an alcoholic who abandoned the family in Constance’s early childhood. Her mother worked as a laundress. Mom’s friend suggested that she should try to get Norma a modelling job in flickers, which were shown in nickelodeons. Mom followed the suggestion and that led all three sisters into acting careers. It also led to mom becoming a stereotypical “stage mother”. Constance made her film debut in a Vitagraph comedy short entitled “In Bridal Attire” (1914). Her first substantive role was in D. W. Griffith’s “Intolerance” (1916). Talmadge became a popular star and appeared in more than 80 films during her career. Many of the films were romantic comedies. She also formed her own film production company. She was friends with Anita Loos, a very successful early screenwriter. Loos said she appreciated Talmadge’s “humor and her irresponsible way of life”. Constance left the film business with the introduction of “talkies”. In fact, all three sisters retired around the same time. Apparently, their squeaky Brooklyn accent was not compatible with sound films. Constance became a successful real estate and business investor. Unfortunately, only a few of her films survive. In some ways, Constance lived a tragic life. She became a reclusive alcohol and drug abuser. She also had many affairs and relationships end badly. She was married four times but never had any children. Her first marriage, to a Greek tobacco importer, lasted two years. Marriage number two was to a Scottish soldier and the couple’s union lasted one year. Her third marriage was only two years duration. The fourth time must have been the charm, as she and her stock broker husband were married about 25 years. The marriage only ended upon his death. In 1973, Constance Talmadge died from pneumonia. This vintage real photo postcard was published by Ross Verlag. It was part of a series (no.2033/1). The postcard has the logo of “Fanamet” in the lower right hand corner of the image. “Fanamet Films” was an Austrian film distribution company. The logo for “First National Pictures” is located on the bottom left hand corner of the image. First National Pictures was an American motion picture production and distribution company. The company was founded in 1917 as a theater chain. It then began distributing movies and in 1924 it began producing films. In 1929 the company was absorbed by Warner Brothers.   (SOLD)

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Published in: on June 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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AN ADORABLE CHILD AND A PHOTO BOOK IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

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This vintage photograph captures a most adorable child sitting on a stool/table, resting one foot on a nearby chair. I am uncertain as to whether the child is a boy or a girl but for the purpose of this entry, I will refer to the child as a boy. From his perch, the child looks toward the camera with very engaging eyes and expression. He is wearing an outfit that is part nautical and part “Little Lord Fauntleroy”. He is holding an open book or magazine. There appear to be copies of photo postcards on the book/magazine pages. This photographic portrait was taken by the Schneidt Studio in St. Louis, Missouri. George Gustav Schneidt (1887-1965) and his son operated the studio until 1965.

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $45.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236704356060

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Published in: on June 21, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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HUNTINGTON, LONG ISLAND, NY : MAIN STREET : CARS & SHOPS VINTAGE POSTCARD : 1952

This vintage color postcard captures a lively street view of Main Street, Huntington, Long Island, New York, circa early 1950s. The photograph is taken at the intersection of Prospect Street and Main Street, looking east. The scene features a bustling downtown filled with classic automobiles from the era, including sedans and coupes parked along both sides of the street. Shops and storefronts line the left side, including signage for Abbott’s and other businesses, while large trees and a church spire rise above the streetscape, adding charm to this picturesque small-town setting. A red traffic light hangs prominently above the intersection, further rooting the image in mid-20th-century Americana. The reverse side includes a handwritten note postmarked in 1952, from Huntington, NY, with a 3-cent purple Jefferson stamp. The card was published by Louis Dormand, Riverhead, Long Island, N.Y. and printed in “Dexter Press” (Pearl River, NY) color (Kodachrome reproduction). (SOLD)

Published in: on June 21, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

1900 POLITICAL CAMPAIGN PHOTO CARD : DICKINSON FOR JUDGE MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

This vintage photograph is actually campaign literature. Horace D. Dickinson, Assistant City Attorney of Minneapolis, used this card in his quest to become the Special Judge of Municipal Court. Dickenson ran as a Republican. Mr Dickenson looks quite distinguished in his high collar shirt, bow tie, and suit jacket. This political advertisement reminds the reader that the Primary date was September 18, 1900. This card measures about 3 1/2″ x 5″ and is in very good condition (see scans).

This vintage Photograph is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236537916531

Published in: on June 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

PRETTY WOMAN WRAPPED IN A CURTAIN : FASHION CLASH : SHARPSVILLE, PA : CABINET CARD

A pretty woman poses for her portrait at the studio of J. P. Neiler, located in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. This is an unusual cabinet card. The woman in this photograph is beautifully dressed. Her dress is made from a wooly looking fabric. The dress has large coin-like buttons. The woman is holding the curtain over the bottom half of her dress. The curtain has a paisley pattern and clashes extraordinarily with her dress. Why would the photographer pose her in a manner that creates a fashion faux pas. Perhaps she made the curtains and is proudly displaying them. Despite the clash between her dress and the curtain, this is a captivating photograph.  SOLD

Published in: on June 20, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment