THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This vintage lithographic postcard depicts the historic Hotel Wellswood in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. The hotel is a large, three-story building with a wraparound porch adorned with decorative railings. An American flag hangs prominently from the front of the building, adding a patriotic touch to the scene. The structure is surrounded by tall trees, giving it a serene and picturesque setting.A sign reading “Hotel Wellswood” is suspended between two posts at the entrance, welcoming guests. The front yard of the property appears to be well-kept, with visible landscaping and a grassy area. To the right of the hotel, a smaller sign is visible, likely advertising the hotel’s services or additional information for visitors. Power lines and a utility pole in the foreground indicate the era’s infrastructure. The Hotel Wellswood was a notable establishment in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, during the early 20th century. An advertising card from the 1920s lists Mrs. Bertha S. Graves as the proprietor, indicating that the hotel was operational during that period. The hotel no longer exists. Hampton Falls is a small, picturesque town located in Rockingham County in southeastern New Hampshire. This postcard was published by the Frank W. Swallow Post Card Company. The firm was located in Exeter, New Hampshire. The postcard has a Hampton Falls postmark dated 1926.  SOLD

This vintage postcard features a Jewish synagogue located in Richmond, Virginia. The synagogue was named Beth Ahaba (House of Love) and was located at Franklin and Ryland streets. Beth Ahaba was founded in 1841 by Ashkenazic Jews. The building was dedicated in 1904. Architecturally, the building is shaped like a perfect octagon. Today, the congregation is composed of nearly 700 families. This divided back postcard was published by Southern Bargain House and was postmarked in 1910.  (SOLD)

This lithographic postcard captures a bustling streetscape at the corner of New York Avenue and Main Street in Huntington, Long Island, New York, in 1907. The scene showcases a prominent two-story wooden structure with a shingled façade and arched windows, identified by the large sign over its storefront: “Barr & Willis”. This building, likely a general store or dry goods establishment, anchors the intersection and features wide display windows and wooden benches out front. Adjacent to this store, to the right, is the Suffolk Hotel, operated by Chas. A. Hallock, as noted on a hanging sign:“SUFFOLK HOTEL – CHAS. A. HALLOCK, PROPRIETOR”. A second sign underneath reads: “COMMERCIAL RATES – FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS – CAFE IN (CONNECTION)?”. Visible on the storefront window of the Barr & Willis shop is an ad that appears to read: “BROOKLYN TINSEL – WHOLE LINE OF OUTDOOR AND INDOOR DECO’N GOODS.” Horse-drawn carriages line the dirt road, and early trolley tracks run along the street, capturing a transitional period between horse-and-buggy transport and electric trolleys. Leafless trees indicate a fall or winter season. At the bottom of the card’s front, written in ink and dated 8/21/07, the sender has penned a charming personal message: “Do you recognize this place? Did we get it here? ha! ha! I mean right to the corner. Bessie.” The postcard was postmarked in Huntington, N.Y., and again in Middle Island, N.Y. later that same day. It was mailed with a green one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp (U.S. Series of 1902). The postcard is addressed to a woman in Middle Island. The postcard was published by D. W. Treanor of Huntington, NY.  Huntington is a historic town on the north shore of Long Island, New York, facing Long Island Sound. Settled in 1653, Huntington played a pivotal role in colonial and Revolutionary War history. By the early 20th century, it had grown into a commercial and transportation hub for Suffolk County. This corner at Main Street and New York Avenue marked a key intersection at the heart of downtown Huntington.  (SOLD)

This original 8 x 10 glossy press photo captures a youthful Molly O’Day (1909-1998) in character for her role in The Patent Leather Kid (1927). She is posed confidently, wearing a two-piece costume that reveals her midriff — a daring choice for the 1920s — consisting of a bandeau-style top with soft ruffled trim and a matching skirt. Her attire, suggestive of a cabaret or showgirl character, was clearly intended to evoke a sense of allure and vivacity appropriate to the flapper era. Her expression is one of poise and subdued seductiveness, with a slight, knowing smile and eyes that seem to both challenge and engage the viewer. Her bobbed hair is tightly styled, in keeping with the flapper fashion of the time, and she wears light makeup that accentuates her cheekbones and lips. While this photograph would not be considered overtly risqué by today’s standards, in the context of the 1920s, it certainly leaned toward provocative. The exposed midriff and coquettish pose were part of the studio’s strategy to promote films with bold, modern female characters. The reverse of the photograph bears the original typed press caption, which names her and references The Patent Leather Kid. The handwritten “1927” corresponds with the film’s release year. The film was produced by First National Pictures and directed by Alfred Santell. Molly’s co-star was Richard Barthelmess. She played his love interest. This film is a silent drama with a strong boxing and war narrative. Barthelmess plays a tough New York prizefighter who finds redemption through love and heroism during World War I. Molly O’Day plays the spirited woman who softens the fighter’s hardened heart. The film was a major box office success, notable for its production values and emotional storytelling. It was a “million-dollar production,” a massive budget for the time, and was nominated for two Academy Awards at the first-ever Oscars. Molly was one of 11 children in a working-class Irish Catholic family. Her older sister, Sally O’Neil, was also a successful actress. Molly followed Sally to Hollywood and began her film career at just 16. Her big break came in 1927 when she won a “WAMPAS Baby Star” award, an honor given to promising young actresses. Her role in The Patent Leather Kid launched her into stardom. Known for her blend of wholesomeness and sex appeal, Molly became a popular figure in silent films and early talkies. Other notable films include: Gigolo (1926), Heroes In Blue (1927), and The Lovelorn (1927). Molly married actor Jack Durant in 1934, with whom she had four children. Her later years were marked by personal challenges, including struggles with weight and depression, which led her to step back from the industry in the 1930s. One of the more interesting footnotes to her career is that she underwent one of Hollywood’s earliest publicized weight-loss surgeries, which became a tabloid story in the early 1930s.  (SOLD)

This is a vintage original photograph (not a postcard) measuring approximately 6.25 x 4.125 inches, showing a striking military drill scene from 1922. The handwritten captions on the front identify the subject as: “Co. E, 110 Inf., Mt. Gretna Pa., 1922”. The photographer is identified as Luther Harpel (Lebanan, Pennsylvania). He was one of the most celebrated photographers in his region and is known for his military photographs. The image features soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard. They are marching in formation with rifles shouldered and a regimental flag flying. The backdrop of the wooded Pennsylvania countryside and the crisp uniforms capture an evocative moment in early 20th-century Guard history. The 110th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage back to the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Revolutionary War and later to Civil War service as the 13th Pennsylvania Volunteers. By 1922, the unit was part of the 28th Infantry Division (Pennsylvania National Guard), also known as the “Keystone Division.” During World War I, the 110th Infantry fought valiantly in France, taking part in key campaigns such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The regiment sustained heavy casualties but earned distinction for its service. In 1922, the regiment was engaged in annual training at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, a long-time National Guard training site where Pennsylvania troops drilled, maneuvered, and prepared for mobilization. This photograph likely records such a summer encampment. Later, the regiment would be mobilized again for World War II, fighting in Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Rhineland campaign. After the war, the 110th continued its service as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard, with descendants of the unit still active today. This is a rare and historically rich photograph.  (SOLD)

This is a striking 8 x 10-inch black-and-white headshot photograph of the late model and actress Felicia Tang, created as a publicity image during her early efforts to break into television and film. Measuring approximately 8 x 10 inches overall, with the printed image area about 9 x 8 inches, this professional portrait was used to promote Felicia’s talents to casting directors and producers across Hollywood. A printed label on the front of the photo identifies her representation by the Gordon Rayel Agency, a Beverly Hills talent firm. The photograph also bears a stamp from Sun Imaging Center, which likely indicates either the photographer or the processing studio responsible for this high-quality promotional image. In the photograph, Felicia Tang appears poised and confident—her expression is soft but assured, with a faint smile that suggests both approachability and glamour. Her dark, voluminous hair is styled to frame her face with elegance, while her makeup highlights her strong cheekbones and expressive eyes. She is dressed in a simple yet flattering top, revealing her photogenic beauty without overwhelming it with distraction. The image is tastefully lit, capturing the glow of her complexion and the professional composure she brought to her modeling and acting work. Born Felicia Lee in 1977, in Singapore, Felicia Tang was of Chinese-Malaysian descent and moved to the United States at the age of seven. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and began modeling in her late teens, eventually gaining fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a glamour and swimsuit model. She became known for her appearances on websites and in print media that featured exotic and adult-themed content. Her transition into television and film included minor roles and cameos, such as an appearance in Rush Hour 2 (2001), as well as The Fast and the Furious (2001). While she never secured a major recurring role on television, she cultivated a strong fanbase and carved a niche in independent media and internet-based video productions. Her striking looks, combined with her savvy for self-promotion, earned her a place among the top models in her genre during the early days of online modeling. In her personal life, Felicia began to shift away from modeling as she pursued a more grounded lifestyle. She converted to Christianity in 2009 after meeting Dr. Brian Randone, a former reality show contestant and preacher. The two were married, but tragedy struck shortly thereafter. In 2009, Felicia was found dead in their Monrovia, California home. She was only 31 years old. Brian Randone was charged with her murder but was later acquitted in 2011 after a widely publicized trial.  (SOLD)

This charming antique studio photograph measuring about 5 x 4 inches, features a poised young woman in what appears to be an Edwardian-era portrait with a rustic, theatrical flair. The sitter stands in a confident, slightly angled pose, her left hand resting at her hip while her right arm is raised to support a small wooden bucket resting over her shoulder. The prop suggests a staged pastoral or character study—possibly evoking a milkmaid or country theme, a popular motif in early studio photography. She is dressed in a fitted, patterned dress with a cinched waist and softly gathered skirt, the fabric adorned with a delicate floral design. At the neckline is a decorative bow or rosette, adding a touch of femininity to the ensemble. Her wide-brimmed hat, embellished with flowers, frames her face beautifully and enhances the period aesthetic. Her expression is calm and self-assured, with a faint, knowing smile.  SOLD

This touching 1887 cabinet card portrait captures two teenage girls posed gracefully in a lush, studio garden setting. One of the young women is identified on the reverse as Stella Pape (DeStella L. Pape, 1872–1956). She was about sixteen years old when this photograph was taken. One of the women sits tall and composed, her expression poised yet full of youthful curiosity, while her companion—slightly younger and seated beside her—leans forward with a softer, more reflective look. Together, they create an image that feels both intimate and timeless, showing the gentle friendship and grace of Victorian girlhood. Both girls are dressed in finely detailed 1880s gowns, complete with ruffled collars, pleated bodices, and corseted waists that reflect the fashion of the late Victorian era. Each wears floral adornments on their bodices and holds sprigs of blossoms in their hands, suggesting spring or early summer—a classic motif for Criley & Wagner’s “artistic photography.” The backdrop, featuring vines and a painted landscape, reinforces the romantic atmosphere typical of high-end portrait studios of the period. The studio responsible for this fine image, Criley & Wagner, operated in Butler, Pennsylvania during the 1880s and 1890s. A brief biographical note helps bring this cabinet card to life: DeStella “Stella” L. Pape was born in 1872 in Butler, Pennsylvania. In the 1900 U.S. Census, she is listed as living with her mother Mary and brother Nielsen in Butler. She later married George Reiber, a man twenty-one years her senior, and the couple welcomed a son, George Jr., in 1905. Stella eventually moved to Pittsburgh, where she passed away in 1956. She now rests beside her son, closing the circle of a life that began in this small Pennsylvania town over a century ago. Butler, Pennsylvania, the setting for this image, is a small city located about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Once a thriving industrial town, it’s now best known to many Americans as the site of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a 2024 campaign rally—an event that unexpectedly placed Butler in the national spotlight. This cabinet card is in very good antique condition, with rich tonal contrast and excellent clarity. The mount is clean and sturdy, showing only light edge wear typical of its age. The back is especially attractive, featuring ornate sepia-printed advertising for the Criley & Wagner studio, along with the handwritten inscription identifying Stella Pape and the year 1887 (see scans). I own at least three other cabinet cards from this studio. Remarkably, one of these cabinet photographs also features Stella Pape. In that photo, Stella is accompanied by three teenage companions.  (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features boxer, Jack “Kid” Berg (1909-1991). Berg was born in London (Whitechapel) to a working-class immigrant family of Lithuanian-Jewish descent. He grew up in a rough area of London, setting the stage for his entry into the world of boxing. From an early age, he showed natural ability in the pugilistic sport. Success in Berg’s boxing career made him one of the most famous Jewish boxers of the twentieth century. Berg began his boxing career at the age of 14. He was a ferocious competitor and gained a reputation for his relentless pace and sharp boxing skills. He earned the nickname “The Whitechapel Whirlwind” due to his energetic fighting style. Berg wore a Star of David on his boxing shorts. Berg rose to prominence in British boxing by winning the British Lightweight Championship. However, his ambitions extended far beyond the UK. In the late 1920s, he moved to the United States to further his career, a move that would bring him international fame. In 1930, Berg achieved his most significant career milestone by defeating Mushy Callahan in a 10th-round stoppage to claim the World Junior Welterweight Championship. This victory solidified his status as a world-class fighter. Over the course of his career, Berg faced several notable opponents, including: Tony Canzoneri, Billy Petrolle, and Kid Chocolate. Berg’s record reflects his remarkable skill and determination in the ring. He retired with a professional record of 157 wins, 26 losses, and 9 draws, including 61 wins by knockout.  After retiring from boxing in 1945, Berg remained involved in the sport as a trainer and mentor to young fighters. Berg also authored an autobiography, “Whitechapel Whirlwind,” which provides a detailed and colorful account of his life and career. Berg lived a flamboyant out-of-the-ring life. It has been reported that he had an affair with Mae West and he had a long-lasting friendship with Jack Comer, a colorful Jewish East Ender gangster. Berg was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as well as the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. This postcard features Berg as Light Weight Champion of Great Britain. The caption below Berg’s photo reports that he was managed by Harry Levene. Berg’s photo was taken by S. Bryant in New York.The photo was taken in or around 1934, the year he won the championship.  SOLD

This vintage real photo postcard is part of a series named “Les Plus Belles Femmes de France” (The Most Beautiful Women of France). This series is about the Provinces of France, and the model for this image represents La Savoyarde. This postcard is no. 29 in the series. There were a number of different series published. The Province series was one of the more popular series. The models in this series represent different French Provinces and wear traditional clothing from that particular area of the country. This postcard was published by well known photographer Alfred Noyer. The celebrated photographer supervised a large photo studio in Paris. The Noyer Studio operated from 1910 until the 1940’s. Many of his early postcards were reproductions of artworks. He also produced illustrated patriotic postcards during World War I. With the onset of the 1920’s he began producing postcards of children and women. Many of the postcards he produced of women were nudes or risque images. Some of his postcards list his name while others are simply marked “AN”. The photographer of this postcard portrait is Jean Agelou (1878-1921). Agelou was a French photographer of the 1910’s and 1920’s who is best known for his erotic and nude photographs. He was born in Egypt and not much is known about his private life. Agelou generally used models between the age of 20 and 24 years-old. He had a favorite model. Her name was “Fernande” and in addition to modeling, she was Agelou’s lover. Her full name was Fernande Barrey (1893-1960). She was a prostitute by trade. She also modeled for for painters (Amadeo Modigliani and Chaim Soutine). Fernande later became a painter. Although the 1900’s was the “golden age” of erotic photograph, photographers who took such risque photos had to use discretion. As a result, Agelou signed his work “JA”. In 1908, nudity in photographs was banned in France and photographers had to cover nude women images with strategically placed undergarments or other materials. Nude images had to circulate on the down low. They were sent in the mail inside of envelopes. Fernande remained popular and her erotic photographs were enjoyed by soldiers on both sides during World War I. Jean Agelou died in 1921; the result of a car accident. His brother George, who managed Jean’s business, also was killed in the crash. SOLD