This striking early 20th-century real photo postcard (RPPC) depicts an unusual and memorable studio portrait of a young girl seated on a horse, accompanied by an older man standing beside her. The older man could very well be her grandfather. The photograph was clearly taken indoors, with a painted pastoral backdrop behind them and a patterned studio floor beneath the horse—an arrangement that would have required careful staging and speaks to the novelty appeal of the image. The girl is dressed in a winter coat with a fur-trimmed collar and gloves, suggesting the photograph was taken during colder months. The man wears a long overcoat, vest, bow tie, and brimmed hat. The horse appears calm and well-trained, further reinforcing the idea that this was a planned studio portrait rather than an outdoor candid. I could easily be mistaken about the horse’s calmness. The animals tranquility may be the work of a talented taxidermist. Photographs of horses brought into studios—especially with children as riders—are not all that common. This photo postcard was likely produced in the circa 1920’s based on clothing styles, studio backdrop, and postcard format. The AZO stamp box indicates that the postcard was produced between 1924 and 1949. In regard to condition, the postcard’s image shows strong subject matter with soft contrast. There is surface and mild corner wear present. The card exhibits mild age-related warping, typical for many early postcards; no creases or tears. The postcard’s overall condition is good, with honest age-related wear consistent with early 20th-century real photo postcards (see scans). The image remains highly displayable.
This cabinet card 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/336428056882
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Leave a comment