Mary Pickford (1892-1979) was a Canadian-American actress and one of the most influential figures in early Hollywood. She was often referred to as “America’s Sweetheart”. She was a pioneer of silent film and a co-founder of the film industry as we know it today. Pickford’s career began in childhood when she performed in theater productions in Canada and the United States. By the early 1900s, she transitioned to film, working with director D.W. Griffith at Biograph Studios. Her delicate beauty and expressive acting quickly made her a fan favorite, setting her apart in an era when exaggerated stage-style performances dominated silent films. During the 1910s and 1920s, Pickford became one of the highest-paid and most beloved actresses in the world. Starring in films such as Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917), Daddy-Long-Legs (1919), and Pollyanna (1920), she was known for playing wholesome, spirited young women. Her curly hair and signature on-screen innocence became iconic, but she was also a savvy businesswoman who understood the power of her brand. Pickford was not only a star but also a trailblazer in the film industry. In 1919, she co-founded United Artists alongside Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks (her then-husband), and director D.W. Griffith. This revolutionary move allowed filmmakers to control their own productions rather than rely on major studios, changing the industry forever. As the film industry transitioned to “talkies,” Pickford retired from acting in the early 1930s, though she continued to produce films. Her contributions earned her an honorary Academy Award in 1976 for her lasting impact on cinema. Mary Pickford’s influence extends beyond her films. She helped shape the star system, paved the way for women in Hollywood, and co-founded the Motion Picture Relief Fund to support struggling actors. She remains an enduring symbol of early Hollywood glamour and innovation. Mary Pickford was born into a working-class family in Toronto, Canada. Her father, John Charles Smith, was an alcoholic who struggled to provide for the family and died from a workplace accident when Mary was just six years old. Her mother, Charlotte Hennessey Smith, was left to raise Mary and her two younger siblings, Lottie and Jack, on her own. To support the family, Charlotte encouraged her children to enter acting, and Mary began performing in theater at a young age. She soon became the family’s primary breadwinner, and her siblings, Lottie Pickford and Jack Pickford, also pursued film careers. Pickford transitioned from theater to film in the early 1900s, quickly rising to fame with her expressive acting and wholesome on-screen persona. By the 1910s and 1920s, she was one of the most recognizable stars in the world, earning the nickname “Queen of the Movies.” She also helped establish the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Mary Pickford was married three times. Pickford’s first marriage was to silent film actor Owen Moore (1911-1920). Her second and most famous marriage was to fellow silent film actor, Douglas Fairbanks (1920-1936). Her third marriage was to actor Charles “Buddy” Rogers (1937-1979). After retiring from acting in the early 1930s, Pickford focused on producing films and philanthropy. She became more reclusive in her later years, struggling with alcoholism and health issues. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering force in cinema history. This original real photo postcard (RPPC) features the legendary Pickford and a logo for United Artists, the film company. The postcard was published in Germany by Ross Verlag (no.1164/2).  This 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 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336521684576

This original real photo postcard (RPPC) features a beautifully composed studio portrait of a young woman with her beloved dog, likely a Collie or Border Collie. The image is bathed in soft light, with a rich sepia tone that captures the elegance and emotion of the moment. The woman is dressed in a light-colored, delicately patterned wrap with a large bow, fashionably draped across her shoulders. Her wavy hair is styled in the popular bobbed fashion of the early 1910s, and her expression is serene, warm, and affectionate as she leans toward her loyal canine companion. The dog, with its intelligent gaze and distinctive facial markings, radiates calm and trust. Together, they project a timeless bond of companionship. In the lower right-hand corner of the card is the diamond-shaped logo “PFB”, identifying the publisher as Photochemie Paul Fink, Berlin, a prominent German firm known for high-quality photographic postcards. The serial number 4205/6 appears just below the logo. The reverse of the postcard bears a handwritten message in German and a clear postmark from Hösel (Bz. Düsseldorf). The card was addressed to Fräulein Frieda Jungermann in Valbert bei Dortmund, Germany. A rough translation of the message is “Dear Friedel! Warm greetings and kisses from all of us. We are doing well and hope you are healthy too. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Warm regards, your parents.” (SOLD)

This attractive and unusual New Year’s real photo postcard features actress Eleanor Gaines, shown in a studio portrait with a printed facsimile inscription reading “Cordially Yours Eleanor Gaines.” The card carries the Lubin bell trademark in the upper right corner, identifying the image as connected with the Lubin Manufacturing Company, one of the early American motion picture studios of the silent film era. Founded by Siegmund Lubin in Philadelphia in the late 1890s, the Lubin Manufacturing Company became one of the major early film producers and distributors in the United States and was especially active between about 1905 and 1915. Lubin produced silent films, distributed prints internationally, and promoted actors who appeared in their productions, often issuing promotional postcards such as this one for publicity and theater promotion. The reverse of the card is particularly interesting and helps explain the purpose of the postcard. It reads: “With the compliments of Haywards Pictures, Ltd. Established Wanganui, November 5th, 1909. Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.” This identifies Haywards Pictures, Ltd. as the distributor or exhibitor. Haywards Pictures was an early motion picture exhibition company based in Wanganui (now spelled Whanganui), New Zealand, not in the United States or Britain. The Hayward family were important early cinema exhibitors in New Zealand, operating theaters and showing imported films, including American productions such as those made by Lubin. The card advertises screenings “Every Evening at the Lyceum Theatre, Royal Pictures, Opera House, when advertised,” which refers to local theaters in Wanganui where Haywards Pictures showed motion pictures. This places the postcard firmly in the early international film distribution network of the silent era, when American films were shipped abroad and exhibited by local companies. The printed New Year’s greeting and verse appear to be a promotional slogan rather than a quotation from a known literary source, and were likely written for advertising purposes, reflecting the early film industry’s emphasis on entertainment and spectacle: “To the world, the world we show—We make the world to laugh—And teach each hemisphere how lives the other half.” The small print at the lower left of the reverse reads Hatherly & Johnson, Print, who were printers operating in New Zealand and produced promotional material and postcards such as this for local businesses and theaters. Eleanor Gaines herself appears to have been one of the actresses associated with Lubin film productions during the early silent film period, likely around 1908–1912, when Lubin was actively promoting performers through postcards and theater advertising. Many Lubin players were stage-trained actresses who appeared in short silent films distributed internationally, and promotional postcards like this were produced for theaters to hand out to patrons, especially around holidays such as New Year’s, both as souvenirs and advertisements for upcoming motion picture programs. The number “45” on the front indicates this postcard was part of a numbered promotional series. The postcard is in good antique condition overall. The image remains clear and attractive, with typical age-related toning visible on the reverse. There is a small mark to the left of the printed signature on the front that resembles a short tear at first glance but instead, it is a surface mark rather than an actual rip. The card shows light corner and edge wear consistent with age, but overall presents very well and displays nicely. See scans. 

This postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 at auction.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336520596167

This vintage real photo postcard features a portrait of five lovely young woman sitting around a table. One of the women appears to have an unknown ethnic background or is a Black woman. This photograph was taken by Alec Roberts at the Piershill Studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. SOLD

This unusual vintage advertising piece appears to be a bookmark or advertising insert promoting Pears JIF Shaving Stick or Cream. The piece measures approximately 2 1/8 inches wide by about 6 inches tall, a size and shape consistent with promotional bookmarks or advertising inserts that would have been distributed in shops, included in product packaging, or handed out as promotional items. The front features a striking graphic illustration of a clean-shaven man alongside a tube and shaving stick container labeled “Pears JIF for Shaving – Stick or Cream.” The price 6d (six pence) is printed near the bottom. The currency indicates British pricing and suggesting this item was produced for the British market. The design, typography, and illustration style are very characteristic of 1930s advertising art. The reverse side has a handwritten inscription. Pears was a famous British soap company founded in the late 18th century by Andrew Pears in London. Pears became internationally known for its transparent glycerin soap and was one of the earliest companies to use modern advertising and promotional items, including prints, cards, and advertising novelties like this one. Pears JIF Shaving Cream was one of their shaving products marketed in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s–1930s, when shaving sticks and creams in tubes became popular. The “JIF” brand was a Pears shaving preparation marketed for convenience and a smooth shave. The Pears company was eventually absorbed into larger corporations over time. The Pears brand itself survived into the late 20th century and still exists today as a soap brand, though many of the early products such as JIF shaving cream disappeared decades ago. Based on the graphic style, pricing in pence, and product packaging shown, this advertising bookmark most likely dates to the 1930s.The bookmark is in good vintage condition. There is some light wear consistent with use. There is a light crease near the gentleman’s hairline. The reverse has a handwritten inscription. Overall, it displays very well and is an unusual and attractive piece of vintage shaving advertising. See scans. 

This advertising item is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236738751926

This vintage real photo postcard features a portrait of the multi talented actress, dancer, and singer, Gaby Deslys (1881-1920). Miss Deslys performed at the beginning of the twentieth century in both Europe and the United States. She was extremely popular worldwide. In fact, she was able to earn four thousand dollars a week when performing in the United States. She performed several times on Broadway. She had a dance named after her, “The Gaby Glide” (1911). You can find the sheet music, with Gaby on the cover, elsewhere on ebay. Her love life was the topic of much public gossip. She probably added to the sensationalism surrounding her by posing in a number of risque postcards. She was courted by many wealthy and powerful men, including the King of Portugal. Her life was cut short by the “Spanish” influenza.  It was published by E. A. Schwerdtfeger Company of London and printed in Berlin (no. 0291/5). The company also had an office in New York (opened in 1910). This publishing house printed many different types of real photo postcards but was known for its hand-colored real photo postcards of actresses and fashionable women in exotic costumes. The photographer was the Talbot studio (Paris). The creator of Miss Deslys’s hat is also credited (Lewis). Gaby Deslys is shown in a softly lit studio setting, posed in a three-quarter view and looking directly toward the camera with a gentle, confident smile. Her expression is warm and engaging. She is wearing a fashionable cloche-style hat adorned with an enormous silk bow, dramatically oversized and extending widely on both sides of the hat. The bow has been hand-colored in a deep blue tone, making it the most visually striking element in the photograph. The photograph itself is sepia-toned, but selective hand-coloring has been applied to parts of her clothing—most notably the bow, the yellow lining of her coat or wrap, and subtle tinting on her blouse—creating a refined, elegant effect. Deslys is dressed in an elegant outfit consisting of a dark wrap or coat with a light-colored lining, worn over a delicate lace blouse. Around her neck she wears multiple strands of pearls, reinforcing her image as a glamorous stage celebrity. On her right hand she wears a ring, and her hand is posed lightly against her coat lapel, a classic studio pose meant to convey poise and sophistication. The background is softly blurred and neutral, ensuring full attention remains on the sitter. The overall composition—large hat, pearls, lace, and hand coloring—creates a strong sense of Parisian fashion and theatrical elegance from the late 1910s or early 1920s. Overall, this is a striking and stylish Paris studio portrait that captures Gaby Deslys at the height of her fame, emphasizing fashion, glamour, and personality—everything that made her one of the most famous French music hall stars of her era. This vintage postcard is in excellent condition (see scans).

This vintage postcard 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/336520522171

This vintage real photo postcard features a seven member basketball team and their coach. One player holds a ball marked with the team’s name (initials only) and the year 1914. Note the player’s uniforms. Long baggy shorts and tank top shirts were the order of the day. It is interesting to note, that just like the present, the team’s coach wears a suit for photos and games. SOLD

This beautiful antique postcard features French opera singer Jane Boïé, shown in a soft-focus studio portrait typical of early 20th century theatrical photography. Her name appears printed at the bottom of the card, and the word “Opéra” appears in the upper right corner, indicating that she was an opera performer rather than a stage actress or music hall performer. This designation was commonly used on European theatrical postcards to identify performers associated with opera companies or operatic roles. The postcard was published by Künzli Frères, Paris, a well-known French postcard publisher active in the early 1900s and particularly noted for producing high-quality theatrical and celebrity postcards of opera singers, actresses, and performers. The company was one of the largest pioneer postcard publishing houses. The company was established in 1874. It had offices in Zurich and Paris. Beginning 1898, it became known for publishing postcard maps throughout Europe. Miss Boie’s photograph was taken by the esteemed Reutlinger studio in Paris. Jane Boïé was a French opera singer (soprano) active in the early 20th century, particularly in the period around 1900–1915. She performed in opera and operetta and appeared in a number of productions in France and possibly Belgium. Singers like Boïé were frequently photographed and issued as postcards because opera singers were major celebrities of the era, much like film stars a few decades later. The translated handwritten message on the front of the postcard is in French and reads: “In every lover there is a poet. Love is pure poetry.” — Alfred de Vigny. Alfred de Vigny was a famous 19th-century French poet and writer, and this romantic quotation was likely chosen to accompany the portrait image. The postcard bears two 5 centimes French stamps and a postmark, indicating it was mailed. SOLD