SANTA ON THE TELEPHONE : ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS POSTCARD : ELLEN CLAPSADDLE c1907

This is a delightful and highly collectible antique Christmas postcard, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1905–1910, produced during the Golden Age of postcards. The front of the card features a whimsical and charming holiday illustration titled “A Merry Christmas.” Santa Claus, dressed in a fur-trimmed red coat and cap, is shown speaking into an early candlestick telephone, while a young child listens eagerly on the other end. Between them runs a vertical banner reading “THINE OWN WISH I THEE,” lending the scene a poetic, old-fashioned charm. Santa’s sack overflows with toys—including musical instruments—while holly decorates the telephone post, reinforcing the festive theme. The image is colorful, lively, and filled with period detail. The artwork is signed Ellen H. Clapsaddle (1865-1934), one of the most celebrated and widely collected postcard illustrators of the era. The postcard was published by the International Art Publishing Co. (IAPC) and is marked on the reverse “New York – Berlin, Printed in Germany.” This international production reflects the high printing standards and rich color quality associated with German postcard manufacture of the period. The reverse is a divided back, unused, with no message or stamp. This postcard is in very good antique condition. There is light edge and corner wear, minor surface wear, and gentle age toning. There are no creases or tears observed. Overall, this is a clean, attractive example suitable for display or collection (see scans).

This cabinet card 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/336349936546

Published in: on December 18, 2025 at 1:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS GEL POSTCARD: SANTA : GILT EMBOSSED : GERMANY

This is a striking and richly detailed antique Christmas gel postcard, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1905–1910, produced in Saxony, Germany, a major center of high-quality postcard manufacturing during the Golden Age of postcards. The front presents a beautifully rendered and sentimental holiday scene featuring a solemn, Old World Santa Claus leaning through a window to present a doll to a young girl clasping her hands in anticipation. Santa is depicted in a long red hooded robe with green gloves and a flowing white beard—an earlier, more folkloric interpretation of Father Christmas that predates the standardized modern Santa image. Evergreen boughs and pinecones frame the scene above, reinforcing the traditional Christmas theme. This card is a gel postcard (also known as a gelatine postcard), printed on a gelatin-coated paper stock that gives the image its smooth surface and richly saturated colors. Gel postcards were most commonly produced in Germany between approximately 1902 and 1912 and are especially prized by collectors for their depth of color and refined print quality. In this example, the gel printing is combined with heavy embossing and extensive gold gilt highlights, including Santa’s robe, the evergreen branches, pinecones, decorative framing, and the elegant script “Christmas Greetings” at the lower right. The gilt remains bright and reflective, adding dimension and visual appeal. The reverse is a divided back, clearly marked “Made in Saxony.” The card is unused, with no message or postal cancellation. (SOLD)

Published in: on December 18, 2025 at 8:52 am  Comments (1)  
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SAILOR BOY IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA (FUTURE NAVAL OFFICER?)

This photograph captures a young boy dressed in a formal sailor suit. The outfit is unusual, as most children wearing nautical clothing in photographs of this era are not clad in such a fine suit. The photographer is Taylor of  Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a US naval port and it is very possible that this boys father was a high ranking naval officer stationed there. One can surmise that he was an officer because a child dressed in such finery must come from a well-to-do family.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CAMILLE CLIFFORD : THE GIBSON GIRL : STAGE ACTRESS : HAND TINTED : ROTARY RPPC

Camille Clifford (1885–1971) was a Belgian-born stage actress and fashion icon best known as the quintessential “Gibson Girl”, a feminine ideal created by American illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, she was raised in Sweden and later in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1902, she entered and won a contest sponsored by Gibson seeking the perfect embodiment of his Gibson Girl drawings, which rocketed her to fame. Clifford’s signature look — an hourglass figure, piled-high coiffure, and aristocratic bearing — made her an immediate sensation in Edwardian society. She soon transitioned to the London stage, where her statuesque beauty often overshadowed her acting roles. Her most famous performance was in the musical comedy The Catch of the Season (1904), where she appeared as the aristocratic Lady Crystal. In 1906, Clifford married the Hon. Henry Lyndhurst Bruce, son of the 2nd Baron Aberdare, and largely retired from the stage after marriage, though she made occasional returns in the 1910s and 1920s. After her husband’s death in World War I, she lived a quieter life but remained a symbol of Edwardian elegance. This is a striking hand tinted Rotary Photographic Series real photo postcard featuring Miss Clifford, serial number (4180 I). It was published by Rotary Photo, one of the most prolific and respected postcard publishers in early 20th-century Britain.  In this image, Camille Clifford appears wearing an immense, lavishly plumed hat in rich tones of red and deep pink, its dramatic sweep perfectly framing her elaborately coiffed dark hair. Her gown, light and sheer with a delicate floral pattern, is accented by a high ruffled collar and ribbons tinted in shades of crimson and coral. The colorist has applied subtle blush to her cheeks and a soft rose tint to her lips, heightening her serene yet alluring expression. She gazes slightly upward and away from the camera, her eyes thoughtful and composed, embodying the calm confidence and refined beauty that made her one of the most photographed women of the early twentieth century. The reverse of the postcard is written and postally used, addressed to Mrs. Clinch, in Cheltenham. The message, written in ink, reads: Dear Aunt, Hope this finds all well again. Sorry to hear of your fall being queer. Today is the first real drizzly day we’ve had yet. How are those “lazy little devils” of girls? Nephew Ernie. The postcard bears a green half-penny King George V stamp, which was first issued in 1911. The postmark is partially legible but shows London, and appears to read 1912. This dating aligns perfectly with the height of Camille Clifford’s stage fame and with the active period of Rotary Photo, E.C. and Foulsham & Banfield, the photographers credited at the right. Together these details place the postcard firmly in the early 1910s, likely around 1912, when hand-colored photographic postcards of theatrical personalities such as Clifford were immensely popular with collectors throughout Britain.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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EARLY 1900s FIG NEWTONS ADVERTISING TRADE CARD NATIONAL BISCUIT CO UNEEDA BAKERS

This is a charming early 20th-century advertising/trade card for the iconic Fig Newtons brand, produced by the National Biscuit Company. The card features vivid full-color printing of the Fig Newtons bar and cookies, alongside text: ‘Made with Only the Choicest Figs.’ On the reverse is the company’s advertising message noting Fig Newtons’ growing demand year after year. Printed on thin paper (rather than heavy cardstock), this piece likely was distributed as an insert or giveaway promotion around the 1905–1920 era. SOLD

Published in: on December 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ANNIE DUNSCOMBE : BURLESQUE ACTRESS : UNCOMMON CABINET CARD

This cabinet card features early theatre actress, Annie Dunscombe. She was certainly a beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, biographical information concerning Miss Dunscombe appears to be sparse, and further research is necessary. Dunscombe is mentioned in Michael Bennett Leavitt’s book, “Fifty Years of Theatrical Management” (1912). Leavitt writes of a theatrical season where many of the young actresses he worked with, were wed. Annie Dunscombe, then, a member of the chorus, married comedian, J. W. Bradbury.  This cabinet card portrait is by celebrated photographer, Marc Gambier (1838-1900). This image captures Miss Dunscombe in costume. Gambier was born and educated in Paris, France. At the age of 19, he came to America for a very short stint of time. He returned to France and became a student of the great painter, Le Creton. Subsequently, he became a student of another great painter, Camino. He then returned to America and for five years, studied and worked under esteemed photographer, Napoleon Sarony. He then launched his own photography business in New York City. He divided his time between his first love, painting, and his business of taking and selling photographs. Gambier was known as a great historical painter. He was a veteran of the French Army and while in the service, he sketched and painted several important battles. Research reveals that Gambier was listed in the 1880 US census. He was forty-one years old and living in New York City with his family. He is listed as living with his wife Emilie (age 28), daughters Louise (age 10) and Emilie (age 7), and son M. L. (age 2). Also in the residence was a young woman (age 25) who worked as a servant. Gambier was known for the many theatrical photographs he produced as well as for selling postage stamp sized portrait photographs, that people attached to their letters and postcards. This cabinet card has an extremely minor curl and is in veriy good condition (see scans). Annie Dunscombe portraits are uncommon.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $40.00 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336245539368

Published in: on December 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  

A LITTLE GIRL SHORT IN STATURE, BUT LONG ON NAMES: “MISS EVA EMMA ELLA FERBER” IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

According to a notation on the reverse of this photograph, the little girl featured in this cabinet card photograph is named “Miss Eva, Emma, Ella, Ferber”. Perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Ferber were very indecisive people and couldn’t pick a single  name for their daughter. Possibly, the three names that made the final cut were Eva,Emma and Ella; and when the couple couldn’t come to an agreement; they decided to give their daughter all three of the names. The girl with many names, has curly locks and big brown eyes, and is quite adorable. She is sitting on a stone wall beside a statue of a small dog (pug). A search of the U. S. census may have uncovered some biographical information about Miss Ferber. The 1920 census lists a young woman named Eva E. Ferber, age 24,  who lived with her parents in Cincinnati. Her father’s name was Charles and he was employed as an inspector for the Chamber of Commerce. Her mother’s name was Ella (one of the name’s assigned to Eva). The census reported that Eva was employed as a bookkeeper in a clothing store. Her parents were listed as being born in Ohio, but of German heritage. Data from other census reports indicated that Eva had an older brother named Charles and that her   father had once worked as a carriage trimmer.  The photographer of this image is Herman Mueller. To view other photographs by Mueller, click on the category “Photographer: Mueller”. Mueller was born in Germany in 1833. He came to the United States with his wife, Mathilda, and his daughters Maria and Alfrieda. Both of the daughters became photographers and assisted him in the gallery he established in Cincinnati. He was active there from about 1886 until at least 1905. This cabinet card photo is in fair condition. Note a few small scratches evident on the image (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $45.65 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236200681262

Published in: on December 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHILDREN POSE FOR DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

This Cabinet Card features two young children posing for their photograph at the studio of H. R. Koopman, in Roseland, Illinois. The photographer is Henry Ralph Koopman II and his father emigrated from Holland and was a well known minister in the community. The photographers brother, George, joined him in the photography studio business. The Chicago Historical Society’s magazine published an article about Koopman; “The Life and Times of a Neighborhood Photographer”. Roseland is a neighborhood located in the south side of Chicago. This cabinet card has a slight curve and is in overall very good condition. (See Scans) 

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $32.00 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336011493635

Published in: on December 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BIG SISTER AND LITTLE BROTHER IN KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE (THE DODGE SIBLINGS)

Two sibling pose for their portrait at the studio of C. N. Stowell in Keene, New Hampshire. The reverse of the cabinet card has an inscription that identifies the children as Amy and Dexter Dodge. Photographer, C. N. Stowell is listed in the Keene, New Hampshire business directory of 1897.  Amy Lee Dodge (1889-?) was married in 1919 to John Elliott Cook in Keene, New Hampshire. Her father was Willie Alfred Dodge and he mother was Mary Jane Palley. According to city directories, Amy worked as a telephone operator between 1911 and 1920. The 1930 US census revealed that Amy Cook (her married name) was living with her husband, her 4 year-old son, and a few in-laws. Her husbands occupation was listed as “farmer”.  Dexter Rudolph Dodge (1896-?) In the 1917 and 1918 city directories (Keene), Dexter is listed as a member of the US Army Reserve. Note that these were the years of World War I and it is unknown whether Dexter actually went overseas and saw combat.  The 1920 US census found Dexter working as a clerk in a jewelry store and living with his parents in Keene. In 1921 he married Helen Lucy Winch. Research found a 1942 draft registration card which reported that Dexter owned a jewelry store and was living in Worcester, Massachusetts. City directories from 1951 through 1957 list Dexter as “retired”. This cabinet card portrait has excellent clarity and is in very good condition (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $19.95 or Best Offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236200681237

Published in: on December 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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CLASSIC SCOTTISH BEAUTY ARRANGING CABINET PHOTOGRAPHS IN AN ALBUM

A pretty young woman arranges cabinet cards in a photograph album. The woman is Scottish, and she is photographed by Wohlgemuth & Company. The studio was located in Glasgow, Scotland. The studio operated between 1887 and 1914. However, a photography journal reported that Benjamin Wohlgemuth was elected to the Glasgow Photographic Association in 1879. The reverse of the image has a penciled inscription that includes a name and address. The name is difficult to decipher, but it is something close to Prince H. France. The address is 22 Short Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, New South Wales. This cabinet card portrait is in good condition (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $55.00 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236151071219

Published in: on December 10, 2025 at 12:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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