I originally wrote this post in 2016, but dusting it off and reblogging it, seems appropriate for New Years Eve (2024). This vintage real photo postcard features what may be some photographer’s fantasy. Nothing beats having a bottle of champagne and a pretty young lady chilling on ice. I doubt that many men have actually ever had such a thought. If I was a psychologist, which in fact I am, I might be thinking that the bottle of champagne is a perfect example of a phallic symbol. I wonder if the photographer realized he had created a subliminal sexually charged image when he took this photograph. I’m not sure how to interpret the spider web in the background. If you haven’t noticed, this postcard is celebrating a New Year. The reverse of the card shows a postmark from Brussels, Belgium and indicates the date was December 31st, between 1918 and 1919. The stamp on the postcard is also from Belgium. This postcard will be listed for sale at a later date.
Lillian Russell (1860-1922) is pictured in the Cabinet Card 1 photograph by famed New York celebrity photographer, Falk. Lillian Russell is captured in costume as she appeared in “Pepita” (1886). Russell was a very famous American actress and singer who was known for her beauty, style, voice and stage presence. Her theater career began with roles in comic operas including the work of Gilbert and Sullivan. She married composer Edward Solomon in 1884 and two years later, he was arrested for bigamy. She performed in New York and elsewhere in starring roles in comic opera and musical theatre. In 1904 she switched to dramatic roles due to voice problems. She later also appeared in vaudeville. She retired from the stage in 1919. She later wrote newspaper columns, advocated for women suffrage, and was a popular lecturer. She married four times and her longest marriage was to Diamond Jim Brady who supported her extravagant lifestyle for four decades. It is interesting to note that the New York Times (4/2/1886) reported that during the performance of “Pepita”, an opera by her husband, Edward Solomon; there were obvious signs of marital discord observed on stage. The newspaper blamed issues revolving around Russell’s interfering mother, as well as, issues pertaining to Russell’s sudden prosperity. The newspaper article correctly predicted that there would soon be a divorce.
Cabinet card 2 is also photographed by Falk. This photograph provides a close-up image of Lillian Russell and is a testimonial to her beauty.(SOLD)
Cabinet card 3 was published by Newsboy and used by the tobacco company as a premium (#340). The photographer was Falk and the image was copyrighted in 1893. To view a collection cabinet cards by Falk; click on the category “Photographer: Falk”.
Cabinet card 4 is another image produced by B. J. Falk. Miss Russell is in costume and is posed provocatively partially behind sheer lace.
Cabinet card 5, also by Falk, provides a terrific profile portrait of the beautiful Miss Russell.
Lillian Russell is pictured in this vintage real photo postcard (RPPC 6). This undivided back postcard was published in 1907 or earlier. (SOLD)
RPPC 7 is an undivided back postcard portrait of Miss Russell. She is in costume. The publisher of this card is Pascalis, Moss & Company. The firm was London based and ceased publishing postcards in 1902. At that time Charles H. Pascalis (c1877-?) left the company and the firm changed it’s name to Henry Moss & Company.(SOLD)
RPPC 8 is risque in terms of the “plunging” neckline of Russell’s dress. This vintage postcard was published by Rotograph as part of a series (No.B518) Miss Russell’s photograph was taken by Jacob Schloss in 1899. (SOLD)
This vintage lithographic postcard features an attractive young Filipino woman holding a parasol and wearing a nice smile. Her jewelry includes a necklace, bracelet, and a ring. She looks to be in her teenage years. She is well dressed and it appears that she is dressed for some kind of an event. Her fashion statement suggest a Japanese influence. The young woman has signed the image, “With Love, Generosa”. Generosa means “generous” in Spanish. The embossed stamp on the bottom right of the image, reveals that the young lady’s photograph was taken by the Central Art Studio in Cabanatuan, Philippines. Cabanatuan is located in the province of Nueva Ecija. The postcard has an AZO stamp box that reveals that the postcard dates back to sometime between 1924 and 1949. This postcard measures about 5.60 x 3.75 inches. SOLD
This vintage real photo postcard features three bare chested Chinese men. Translating the caption reveals that the men are “Chinese mechanics aboard the boats”. This postcard is part of a series of Tonkin cards (#180). The publisher of this postcard is P. Dieulefils. He operated a studio in the city of Hanoi. Pierre Dieulefils was the first established professional photographer in Hanoi. In addition, he was a postcard editor and explorer. He had an excellent reputation as a photographer throughout Europe and Indochina. He won many medals at Universal Exhibitions. It is estimated that he produced approximately five thousand photos and postcards and he is considered one of the greatest photographers of the region. His photographic expeditions included such locales as Vietnam, China, and Cambodia. The card has an Indo-China stamp. (SOLD)
This cabinet card features a man with long flowing hair. He is wearing a western hat. His portrait looks similar to the portraits of Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and Pawnee Bill. Perhaps he is one of these celebrated old characters but it is my hypothesis that he is a member of a troupe of “actors” in a “Wild West” show visiting New York. The New York connection is that this photograph was taken at the James Studio, located in New York City. SOLD
Lina Cavalieri was an Italian operatic soprano and renowned beauty who captivated audiences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on Christmas day in1874, in Viterbo, Italy, as Natalina Cavalieri, she would go on to become one of the most celebrated and iconic sopranos of her time. Cavalieri’s journey into the world of opera began at a young age when her exceptional vocal talent was discovered. She received formal training in Milan, where she honed her skills and developed a remarkable voice. Her operatic debut occurred in 1892 at the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele in Turin, and she quickly gained recognition for her powerful and expressive singing. In addition to her vocal prowess, Lina Cavalieri was known for her striking beauty, and she was often referred to as the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman.” Her enchanting looks and captivating stage presence helped elevate her status beyond the opera world. As her fame grew, she became a sought-after performer in major opera houses across Europe, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Cavalieri’s repertoire included a wide range of operas, and she was particularly acclaimed for her performances in works by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Her ability to convey emotion through her singing and her charismatic stage presence endeared her to audiences worldwide. Beyond her operatic career, Lina Cavalieri ventured into the world of acting and appeared in several silent films. Her beauty made her a natural fit for the burgeoning film industry, and she transitioned seamlessly between the stage and screen. Despite her success, Cavalieri faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous love life and financial difficulties. She had an affair with a Russian Prince and was married multiple times. Her marriages were often short-lived. Tragically, Lina Cavalieri’s life was cut short when she perished in an allied bombing run over Florence, Italy. She was killed running from her house to a bomb shelter. Her legacy lives on through recordings of her performances, photographs, and the enduring image of the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” who left an indelible mark on the world of opera and entertainment. Cavalieri’s photograph seen on this hand tinted postcard was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. The postcard has a 1906 postmark from Mexico. The card was published by SIP as part of a series (No. 52/19). SOLD
The caption under the photograph on this holiday greeting real photo postcard wishes the recipient a “Happy Christmas”. Two adorable children are standing under a copiously decorated Xmas tree. The kids are accompanied by a large doll and a toy sail boat. This French postcard has a French stamp affixed to the front of the card. The card has a 1908 postmark. The postcard was published by PC as part of a series (No.4013) and is in very good condition (see scans). SOLD
A boy dressed in jacket and tie, poses with his bicycle, in the studio of I. B. Klopfenstein, in Inman, Kansas. Note the castle in the background. The castle is an interesting choice for a backdrop, considering that the studio and the lad are located on the Great Plains of America. The pasty faced boy looks intently at the camera. His bicycle lacks the accessories often seen in images of people posing with bikes in cabinet card photography. This bike lacks a horn, basket, or repair kit. The photographer, Isaac B. Klopfenstein is listed in a number of state and federal censuses. In 1885 he lived in Lincoln, Kansas but by 1895, his residence was reported to be Inman, Kansas. He was of German heritage and was born in 1864, somewhere in Ohio. The reverse of the cabinet card has a pencilled name that identifies the boy in this photograph. The inscription reveals that he is “Master Charlie Williams”. Research efforts to gather further information about the lad were stymied because of the abundance of people in Kansas named “Charlie Williams” during that era. When was this photograph taken? It is safe to say that the image was produced 1889 or later. The town of Inman, Kansas was founded in 1887 but was originally named “Aiken”. The town was renamed in 1889. The new name was Inman, named after nearby Lake Inman. Who is Inman? Inman was the name of the Army Major who originally surveyed the area. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features a group portrait of the Citizens Band of Newberry, Pennsylvania. The community band members are all wearing full uniforms. This photograph was taken circa 1908. Newberry township is in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Newberry is a section of the town of Williamsport which is in central Pennsylvania. Williiamsport has been the home of the Little League World Series since 1947. The photographer of this band portrait is William Henry Holtzinger (1869-1933). Census data as well as Williamsport business directories indicate Holtzinger was a photographer as early as 1898, and as late as 1932. He died of chronic myocarditis in 1933. Two photographs of Mr Holtzinger can be seen below. (SOLD)
William Holtzinger in his Knights of Malta uniform
Portrait of William Holtzinger, Lucy Long Holtinger (wife), and Arthur Jacob Holtzinger (son)
This ethnographic real photo vintage postcard features a portrait of a young Indian woman husking rice. She is wearing traditional clothing. A basket in the forefront holds her supplies. This postcard was published by the photography firm, Mahatta & Co.. The firm still is in existence. It has been owned by the Mahatta family since it was established in 1915. The photography studio had branches in a number of Indian cities. It is currently operating in New Delhi. The firm’s history is very much intertwined with India’s history. The Mahatta company photographed many famous people including Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Jacqueline Kenney and the Dalai Lama. (SOLD)
CABINET CARD 1
CABINET CARD 2 (SOLD)
CABINET CARD 3
CABINET CARD 4
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 