This striking vintage postcard features a mounted military officer posed on horseback in front of a substantial masonry building, likely a barracks or institutional structure. The officer sits upright and composed, wearing a formal military tunic, high riding boots, gloves, and a peaked cap, with a neatly groomed mustache that was characteristic of European officers in the early twentieth century. The horse is well-tacked and calm, suggesting a formal or ceremonial portrait rather than an action scene. The setting and the deliberate pose indicate that this image was intended as an official or commemorative photograph rather than a casual snapshot. Based on the style of uniform, the cut of the tunic, and the overall presentation, the soldier is most consistent with an Imperial German Army officer, likely cavalry or mounted infantry. The use of a horse, combined with the structured uniform and cap style, places this image firmly in the pre–World War I to World War I era, approximately circa 1905–1915. The absence of later war-era steel helmets and the elegance of the uniform suggest a date closer to the years just before or at the very beginning of the First World War. The postcard was published by Vve G. Hallaux-Mertens, whose imprint appears on the reverse and lists an address indicating the publisher was located in what is today Antwerp, Belgium. This Belgian publisher attribution is particularly interesting given the likely German military subject, reflecting the complex political and military landscape of Europe in the years surrounding World War I. The postcard is printed with a divided back format typical of the early twentieth century. The reverse is unused, with no message or postage, allowing the publisher’s imprint to remain clear and legible. Condition is very good overall for a postcard of this age. The photographic image remains clear with good contrast and strong detail in both the uniform and the architectural background. There is light edge and corner wear consistent with normal handling over more than a century. No creases, tears, or losses are visible, and the postcard presents well both front and back (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $28.00 or best offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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