This item is a charming and visually striking cabinet card photograph of a young boy dressed in a sailor suit, posed at the helm of a ship’s wheel against a painted maritime backdrop. The child stands confidently as if steering a vessel, a popular and highly collectible studio theme of the late 19th century that reflected America’s fascination with naval power and seafaring life. This image was produced by Charles McMillan (Solano Art Studio). McMillan was one of the leading photographers in Vallejo, California, during the cabinet card era. Born in Canada in 1853, he began his career in Chicago before relocating to California in 1879. He eventually settled in Vallejo, where he established a successful studio. Vallejo itself holds a significant place in California history. Located in Solano County in Northern California, just northeast of San Francisco, Vallejo was an important naval and transportation hub during the late 19th century. It had earlier served briefly as the state capital in the 1850s and later became closely tied to maritime activity. The nautical theme of this photograph is therefore particularly fitting for Vallejo, reinforcing the connection between the studio setting and the maritime culture of the area. The boy’s sailor outfit—complete with cap, lanyard, and dark uniform—combined with the ship’s wheel prop and painted ocean backdrop, creates a wonderfully evocative and timeless image. The inclusion of a fur rug beneath his feet, a common studio prop of the period, adds an interesting and incongruous contrast to the otherwise maritime illusion. The cabinet card is in very good antique condition. The photograph remains strong with good contrast and pleasing sepia tones. There is minor corner wear. The mount is clean and the reverse is blank. See Scans.
This vintage cabinet card photograph is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $75.00 at auction.
This is an original Rotary Photographic Series real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring pretty Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the vivacious and controversial daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. The card is numbered 2433A, produced by Rotary Photo, E.C., and printed in England. This postcard is uncommon. Alice Roosevelt was one of the most famous women of the early 20th century, known for her sharp wit, rebellious nature, and scandalous behavior. Born in 1884, she was the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and his first wife, Alice Hathaway Lee, who tragically died shortly after her birth. Raised in the White House, Alice defied convention, smoking cigarettes, gambling, and keeping a pet snake named Emily Spinach. She became the darling of Washington society, yet also a political force who influenced generations of leaders. In 1906, Alice married Nicholas Longworth, a powerful Republican congressman from Ohio who later became Speaker of the House. Their marriage, though lasting until his death in 1931, was known to be troubled. Alice’s rebellious streak extended well into her marriage. She was notorious for her extramarital affairs, the most famous being with Senator William Borah of Idaho, known for his fiery speeches and staunch independence. It was rumored that Alice’s only child, Paulina Longworth, born in 1925, was not actually Nicholas Longworth’s daughter, but rather the senator’s. Despite these scandals, Alice maintained her social standing, using her charisma and sharp wit to hold court in Washington for decades. Her attitude toward sex and politics was summed up in her famous quip: “If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me.” This unfiltered personality made her a legend in Washington society, long outlasting her political contemporaries. She remained a major political influencer until her death in 1980 at the age of 96. Alice exudes Edwardian-era elegance in this striking postcard portrait. Her large, wide-brimmed hat adorned with ostrich feathers frames her piercing gaze and confident expression. She wears a delicate pearl necklace and an off-the-shoulder silk gown with lace and ribbon accents, embodying the high fashion of the early 1900s. Her slightly pursed lips and direct gaze hint at the intelligence and bold personality that made her a social powerhouse. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features German film actress and singer, Marion Michael (11940-2007). She is best known for her role in the film “Liane, Jungle Goddess” (1956). In that film, Marion became the second German actress to appear nude in a movie. It is reported that there were 12,000 actresses that competed for that role. Sadly, she was just 15 when the movie was filmed. She appeared topless in the film. Her nudity was not meant to be erotic. She was touted as Germany’s Brigitte Bardot. The movie, shot in Africa, was very popular at the box office. During the next 6 years, none of her 10 films were successful. Michael was injured in a car accident during her acting career. She returned to acting but stopped in 1965. From there on, she infrequently acted in television and film. The last film (television) she appeared in was a musical about her life. It was entitled “Liane” (1996). After retiring from acting, she worked as a sales woman. Her filmography reported by IMDb, credits her with 19 film and television appearances. Although she was not extremely successful as an actress, she was still considered a film icon in Germany. This vintage postcard was published circa 1956-1959. Michael’s photograph is attributed to Stempka/Arca Film. The card was published by UFA, a German film and television production company. This vintage real photo postcard has minor corner wear and is in overall very good condition. See Scans
This vintage postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $14.00 at auction.
These two vintage real photo postcards feature two smiling bathing beauties posing outside a beach cabana. This photographs are risque for their era. These images were produced by the studio of the esteemed photographer, Henry (Heinrich) Traut. The postcards were published by Rotophot Berlin (RPH). Rotophot eventually morphed in Ross Verlag. BOTH SOLD
This rare and visually rich real photo postcard (RPPC) offers a crisp and detailed streetscape view of Cheboygan, Michigan, likely photographed in the late 1920s to early 1930s, based on the style of the automobiles parked along the brick-paved main street. The photo captures a classic American downtown, with storefronts, signage, and vintage vehicles creating a vivid snapshot of small-town life between the World Wars. Electric streetlight wires crisscross above the street, adding charm and historical character. On the left side of the street, visible businesses include: Levine & Co. – offering “Ladies & Gents Furnishings” and Furniture, Briscott & Johnson Shoes – M.L. Elvey, Pontiac Auto Sales – under a hanging Oakland Pontiac sign, J. Post Hardware, and a Used Parts for Cars and Auto Wrecking garage. On the right side one can see signs for: Michelin Auto Sales, Hudson and Essex Sales & Service, and a prominent brick building, likely the U.S. Post Office, flying an American flag. Also visible farther back are: J. Post Hardware Co., Rapin-Hirsh Clothing Company, and a Drug Store, barely visible beneath an awning. This view features a bustling commercial corridor, showcasing American small-town commerce in a transitional era when automobiles were beginning to dominate main streets across the country. Cheboygan is a small city in northern Michigan, located at the mouth of the Cheboygan River where it empties into Lake Huron. It sits just southeast of Mackinaw City, making it part of the gateway region to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Historically, Cheboygan was a center of the lumber trade and later developed a strong tourism and boating culture due to its proximity to the Great Lakes. This postcard measures about 5 x 3 inches, The bottom-right corner appears slightly trimmed, possibly by a prior owner—either to fit an album slot, remove damage, or for display. While it’s unclear why, it does not significantly detract from the image or display value (see scans). This postcard qualifies as rare. I could not find an identical one using any of my multiple resources.
This vintage postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $35.00 or best offer
This poignant real photo postcard, dated 1923, captures a tender family moment—likely taken in a professional studio simulating an outdoor scene. The composition features an African American mother gently smiling as she stands behind a beautiful, large wicker baby carriage. Nestled inside the pram is a young infant with wide, alert eyes, while an older daughter stands nearby in a white dress, her expression serious and slightly pensive. The mother is dressed with quiet elegance in a light-toned wrap dress with lapels, tied at the waist—a popular post-World War I style that balances modesty with modernity. Her calm smile and direct gaze suggest pride and affection. The infant is dressed in traditional white baby clothing, resting on a cushioned lining in the pram. The older girl wears a crisp white dress, accented with a large hair bow—common children’s fashion for the early 1920s. The wicker baby carriage is especially eye-catching, with its sweeping curves and woven basket design, indicative of upscale early 20th-century prams. It rests on ornate wrought iron wheels, reinforcing the studio setting, where such props were often used to enhance domestic or garden-themed portraiture. The back of the card includes a divided back design and an AZO stamp box which was used between 1918 and 1930, consistent with the handwritten date of 1923 on the reverse. (SOLD)
This cabinet card photograph features a portrait of beautiful stage and film actress, and businesswoman, Maxine Elliott (1868-1940). The photograph was taken in 1901 by Burr McIntosh at his New York City studio. The photograph captures her in costume playing “Portia” in William Shakespere’s “The Merchant of Venice”. Elliott was more than a stage actress. She managed her own theater and experimented with silent films in the 1910’s. Elliott was an extremely popular actress. Apparently she was popular with the men too. It is thought that she had affairs with famous people including King Edward VII and J. P. Morgan. It is also reported that she dated baseball hall of famer, John Montgomery Ward and heavyweight champion Gentleman James Corbett. During World War I she was very involved with the cause for Belgian relief. Elliott was born in Rockland, Maine. Her father was a sea captain. She had at least three siblings including her sister Gertrude Elliott, who also became a successful actress. When Maxine was 15, she was seduced and impregnated by a 25 year-old man. She may or may not have married the man but it is known that she lost the baby. In 1890 she made her first stage appearance. Her big break came in 1895 when she was hired by Augustin Daly to be the supporting actress for the highly acclaimed actress, Ada Rehan. In 1898, after divorcing husband number one, she married comedian Nat C. Goodwin. The two starred together in a number of productions including “Nathan Hale” and “The Cowboy and the Lady”. In 1903, Maxine appeared in the Broadway production of “Her Own Way” (1903). The play launched Maxine into stardom. In 1905, the play went to London where King Edward VII requested an introduction to the pretty actress. They met and then rumors started about the pair having an intimate relationship. In 1908, Goodwin obtained a divorce from Elliott. This is about the time she met 70 year-old J. P. Morgan. They became friends and rumors of their romantic involvement were never confirmed. Financial advice from Morgan helped her become a wealthy woman. The same year as her divorce, she opened her own theater, “The Maxine Elliott” in New York City. She was both the owner and the manager. In fact, she was the only woman in the US, at the time, managing her own theater. In regard to acting on Broadway, Elliott had an extensive resume. She appeared in 22 Broadway productions between 1894 and 1920. In 1913, she began acting in silent films. The IMDb reports that she was in five films including “From Dusk to Dawn” (1913), “Fighting Odds” (1917), and “The Eternal Magdalene” (1919). In 1913, Elliott went to England and started dating tennis star Anthony Wilding, fifteen years her junior. According to one source, the pair planned to marry, but he was killed in action in World War I. As a result, Elliott became obsessed with the war and moved to Belgium where she volunteered her money and time toward Belgian relief. It is reported that she also nursed wounded soldiers. Belgium recognized her by awarding her the Belgian Order of the Crown. Elliott retired from the stage in 1920. She stated that she “wished to grow middle-aged gracefully”. This cabinet card portrait features a young and beautiful Maxine Elliott. The photographer of this image is Burr McIntosh of New York City. William Burr McIntosh (1862-1942) lived an interesting life. Among his job titles listed by Wikipedia, are photographer, lecturer, film studio owner, silent film actor, publisher of the “Burr McIntosh Monthly”, reporter, and radio and early film pioneer. His sister was Nancy McIntosh, a noted operatic soprano. He was a graduate of Lafayette College in 1884. His most noted film role was his appearance in D. W. Griffith’s film, “Way Down East” (1920). Wikipedia notes that he appeared in 53 films between 1914 and 1934. This image is a beautiful remnant of turn of the century Broadway theater history. The cabinet card measures about 4 1/4 x 6 5/8 inches, has excellent clarity, and is in very good condition (see scans).
This vintage cabinet card photograph is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $85.00 or best offer.
This unusual and charming vintage French advertising postcard promotes the veterinary services of Dr. Janvier, a “vétérinaire spécialiste” (specialist veterinarian) located in Paris, France. The front of the postcard, printed in red and black, features the heading “Maladies des Chiens” (Diseases of Dogs). At right is a photographic image of a small dog seated with a bandaged or splinted paw, symbolizing Dr. Janvier’s care for injured animals. The layout, typography, and design strongly suggest an early 20th-century date (circa 1905–1915). The lower line of text translates to: “Consultations from 2 to 5 o’clock — House Calls.” (SOLD)
This appealing real photo postcard captures a classic mid-20th-century American street scene along Route 40 in Beallsville, Pennsylvania, showing a gently sloping roadway lined with utility poles, storefronts, residences, and several period automobiles. The photographer positioned the camera looking down the hill, giving the image depth and a strong sense of everyday life in a small Pennsylvania town during the late 1930s to early 1940s. Dominating the left foreground is a substantial frame house with a raised porch and exterior staircase, likely a mixed residential or residential-commercial structure typical of small Route 40 communities. The street itself is active but unhurried, with cars parked curbside and others traveling in the distance, reinforcing the postcard’s documentary quality rather than a staged or promotional feel. Two parked cars are clearly visible in the foreground. One is a larger sedan (left) that appears to be a late-1930s Chevrolet Master or Master Deluxe, likely circa 1939–1940. The second car is a smaller sedan (right) which is likely a late-1930s Plymouth or Dodge, circa 1938–1940. Additional vehicles farther down the street also appear consistent with late-1930s to early-1940s American automobiles, reinforcing the proposed dating. Beallsville is a small borough located in southwestern Pennsylvania, in Washington County, near the Monongahela River valley and not far from the West Virginia border. The town lies along U.S. Route 40, historically known as the National Road, one of the most important early transportation routes in the United States. Beallsville was established in the 19th century and developed as a modest service and residential community supporting regional coal mining, agriculture, and transportation traffic along Route 40. Like many towns along the National Road, it benefited from steady automobile traffic well into the mid-20th century. The postcard nicely reflects that era, when Route 40 still functioned as a vital commercial artery before the rise of the Interstate Highway System. The reverse of the postcard is postally used and bears two green 1¢ George Washington stamps. The card has a Romney, West Virginia postmark. (SOLD)
This charming vintage photograph measures approximately 6 x 4 inches and features a beautifully composed portrait of two children, likely a brother and sister, posed together in what appears to be a studio or carefully arranged indoor setting. The boy is seated in a wooden chair, dressed in a suit jacket with a striped tie and knee-length trousers with dark stockings, typical attire for a young boy in the early 20th century. He sits in a relaxed but composed pose, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression. Standing beside him is a young girl wearing a light-colored dress with a dropped waist and decorative trim along the hem, consistent with children’s fashion of the 1920s. She wears a very large bow in her hair, a popular style for young girls during this period, and rests her arm affectionately across the boy’s shoulder, suggesting a close sibling relationship. The background features multi-pane windows or a window-like studio backdrop, which adds strong visual structure to the composition and gives the photograph a very appealing, almost portrait-studio quality despite its smaller snapshot size. The overall composition is unusually well done for a photograph of this size, with excellent lighting and sharp detail. Based on the clothing, hairstyle, and photographic paper, this photograph likely dates to the 1920s. This is a wonderful and touching vintage portrait capturing a moment between two children, and a very nice example of early 20th century child portrait photography. The photograph is in very good vintage condition. The image is sharp with good contrast and detail. There is some light edge wear and minor corner wear. The back of the photograph shows a few small stains. Overall, the photograph presents very well and is a nice example of a vintage 1920s photographic portrait. See scans.
This vintage photograph is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 