THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This original New York State Prison Department Bureau of Identification mugshot card documents inmate Marco Spiak, prisoner number C9516, photographed and examined in 1911. The card features the classic dual-view mugshot format—profile and frontal portraits—paired with extensive Bertillon-era anthropometric measurements, making it a particularly information-rich and visually compelling early criminal identification record. Spiak is shown wearing a dark suit and bow tie, lending the images a striking contrast between formal appearance and institutional context. His identification number C9516 is clearly visible on the frontal image, anchoring the photograph firmly within the New York State prison system. Recorded measurements and identifiers include: his height (5’4.5″), his weight (137.5 lbs), and race (white). Recorded measurements were relied upon because finger-printing was not in wide use at the time that this mug show created. Spiak was from Troy, New York (Rensselaer County). He was sentenced in 1911 for felony assault in the first degree (assault on a man with a gun). He was sentenced to a minimum of 2 years, 6months to a maximum of 8 years and six months. Spiak was no stranger to the criminal justice system. In 1907 he was sentenced in Rochester, New York for 17 months and in 1910 he was sentenced in Albany, New York for 4 months. Spiak was a recidivist (repeat offender). SOLD

This striking vintage sheet music for “Dream Girl” features words and music by H. Ross Cleveland and was published by the A.J. Stasny Music Company of New York, a prominent Tin Pan Alley firm known for producing visually appealing and widely distributed popular music during the early 20th century. The cover is the real standout—an exquisitely rendered portrait of a young woman with glowing skin, softly curled hair, and vivid, expressive eyes. The cover was created by Rolf Armstrong, one of the most celebrated American illustrators of the period. Armstrong was renowned for his idealized, glamorous female portraits—often referred to as “American Beauties”—and his work helped define the look of magazine covers and advertising art in the 1910s and 1920s. H. Ross Cleveland wrote the words and music for “Dream Girl”. He was one of the many composers working during the Tin Pan Alley era, contributing songs meant for home performance and popular entertainment. “Dream Girl” fits squarely into the sentimental popular song / ballad genre, centered on themes of romance and idealized love. This sheet music captures the spirit of its time beautifully. Between the evocative title, the romantic theme, and the Armstrong artwork, it is highly displayable. In regard to condition, this sheet music is in very good condition. I scanned every page so you can judge for yourself (see scans).

This Sheet Music is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $18.00 or best offer. 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336588722936

This vintage real photo postcard (RPPC) features the actress Miss Florence Lloyd, elegantly posed in a full-length studio portrait. The photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios and published by Rotary Photo, one of the leading postcard publishers of the Edwardian era. The card is part of the Rotary Photographic Series and is numbered 1719 F. Florence Lloyd is shown in a lavish gown decorated with beaded embellishments, floral embroidery, and flowing panels of satin and chiffon. Her elaborate dress is paired with a sparkling jeweled choker and necklace, giving her the refined look of an Edwardian stage star. Her dark hair is styled in the fashionable upswept manner of the period, adding to her striking appearance. What makes this portrait especially fascinating is her unexpected pose: Lloyd holds a cigarette delicately in her right hand while exhaling smoke rings that are faintly visible in the studio air. At the time this postcard was produced (circa 1905–1910), public smoking by women was still considered improper and even scandalous in polite society. Smoking was associated with rebellion and the changing roles of women in modern life, and it did not become broadly acceptable for women to smoke in public until the 1920s and 1930s, as social norms shifted during and after World War I. This photograph captures not just an actress, but a provocative image challenging Edwardian conventions. Her expression is one of poise and slight detachment, with her gaze turned upward as if lost in thought. The combination of elegance, theatricality, and a hint of defiance makes this an unusually compelling postcard. Lloyd was English and the daughter of actor Samuel Lloyd. She often acted as a boy impersonator. In 1905 she acted in New Zealand as part of a theatrical tour. Lloyd was a Gaiety Girl for George Edwardes & Co. in 1894. The reverse of this postcard reveals that it is a divided back card. This postcard is in very good condition for its age. There is only light corner and edge wear with no creases or tears. The photographic clarity remains sharp, with strong tones and detail (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/236387956086

This cabinet card photograph, produced by the Hathaway studio located at 15th & Lawrence in Denver, Colorado, portrays a man and a young child, affectionately referred to as “Big Montie and Little Montie” (as inscribed on the reverse of the card). The man, likely “Big Montie,” exudes confidence and sophistication. He wears a dark overcoat with broad lapels and a top hat, giving him a distinguished and formal appearance. His neatly groomed mustache complements his poised expression, suggesting an air of dignity. The child, “Little Montie,” is bundled in a luxurious, fur-lined coat and a stylish cap, radiating charm and warmth. Their close pose and cheerful expressions convey a sense of familial love and pride. “Little Montie” is holding a charming toy—a small wooden or metal carriage with wheels, likely a doll-sized pram. This prop adds a playful and endearing element to the portrait, The scalloped edges of the card add a decorative and elegant touch. The photo features a neutral studio backdrop, keeping the focus entirely on the subjects. This photograph was taken at the Hathaway studio in Denver, Colorado. (SOLD)

This vintage postcard features an alluring young woman sitting on a chair and resting her feet on a small table. The woman is an Oriental Dancer, sometimes referred to as a Belly Dancer. She is wearing a risque costume and holding a tambourine. She is in a room decorated with oriental rugs. Note the parrot on a perch behind the dancer. Oriental dance is one of the oldest dance styles in the world. It’s origins are not clear. Centuries ago women did ritual dances (oriental dancing) in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Dancers in ancient Greece and Rome did their version of Oriental dancing which included hip and pelvic gyrations. It is thought that Oriental dancing may have been born in Egypt during ancient times. This Arabic expressive dancing varies in costume and dance style. depending on country and region. The Egyptian style is most well known around the world. This is an undivided postcard of French origin. The publisher is unknown. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $36.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336221800802