PRETTY WOMAN PLAYING THE VIOLIN IN KJOBENHAVN, DENMARK

A pretty woman poses for her photograph at the studio of  Hansen & Weller in Copenhagen, Denmark. The studio’s address was 28 Bredgade. The woman is playing her violin with her bow. Her hair is up and she appears to be wearing a corset , giving her a lovely figure. One of the photographers is George Emil Hansen (1833-1891). He was a pioneer Danish photographer. His father and brother were also photographers. He won photography awards in London (1862) and Berlin (1865). Hansen was the photographer of the Danish Royal Family. His photographic work spanned from 1856 through 1891. There is a gold lettered word embedded in the lower right corner of the image. The word is “emeret”; and research may illuminate the word’s meaning. “Emeret” most likely signifies that the person in the photograph had retired from a notable profession, such as acting or teaching, or was being honored post-career. It is likely a Scandinavian variant or typographical version of the Latin word “emerita” (female form of emeritus).   SOLD

 

 

 

Published in: on June 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

WOMAN AND A MANDOLIN IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

This cabinet card portrait presents a formally posed woman seated with a mandolin cradled in her lap. The photograph is the work of Larson, a professional photographer operating out of 301–303 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, as embossed on the card mount. The woman gazes directly at the camera with a composed, self-assured expression—serious, yet approachable. Her hair is carefully curled and parted, a fashionable look for the late 19th century. She wears a high-necked dress in the style typical of the 1890s, featuring leg-of-mutton sleeves (voluminous at the shoulder and tapering to the wrist), which were highly popular during that time. The bodice of her gown is accented with a checkered or textured insert, and she wears a decorative bow or tie at the collar—adding to the refined, modest elegance of her ensemble. Her appearance suggests that she may have been of middle-class status, and possibly musically trained or involved in performance or amateur music circles. The instrument she holds is a mandolin, distinguished by its tear-drop shape and small, bowl-back body. Mandolins were popular instruments in the late Victorian era, especially among women, as they were considered both genteel and suitable for parlor entertainment. Her grip on the instrument appears practiced—though whether she was photographed in the midst of playing or simply posing with it, we cannot be sure. Still, her inclusion of the mandolin signals her musical ability or at least her cultural refinement. The photo was taken by the Larson Studio, located at 301–303 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. Herman Larson was a Swedish immigrant who came to America through Sweden in the early 1900’s. In Sweden, he held a degree of Master Photographer and was knighted by the King of Sweden for his excellent work there in the late 1800’s. In 1904 he established his photography studio in downtown Minneapolis. Much of Larson’s work came from the theological, church and public schools in the area. The studio remains in business today and its web site discloses that it still possesses Larson’s panoramic circuit camera. (SOLD)

Published in: on June 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

EXTRA LARGE CABINET CARD : JULIA CALHOUN : SILENT FILM ACTRESS : NEWSBOY : NEW YORK

This vintage large format cabinet card features American stage and silent film actress, Julia Calhoun (1870-?). She was adept at playing roles in comedy films including  a number of roles opposite Oliver Hardy from about 1914 into the 1920’s. Her photograph appears in the Billy Rose Theater Collection at the New York Public Library. She was married to Kirkland Calhoun, also an actor. Julia Calhoun, according to the IMDb, appeared in 32 films between 1912 and 1923. Some of her more well known films include “The Human Orchid (1916)”, “The Man that Stayed at Home (1919)”, “The Match-Breaker (1921)” and “Just Like a Woman (1923)”. This cabinet card was published as  part of the Newsboy tobacco advertising collection (No.54). This photograph measures about 6 x 9 inches. SOLD

Published in: on June 21, 2025 at 2:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

COLVILLE, WASHINGTON : STREET VIEW : MAIN STREET : GREAT SIGNAGE : OLD CARS c1949

The image portrays a vibrant downtown block of Colville, Washington. The view looks down a main street lined with parked cars and pedestrians strolling the sidewalk. Most of the automobiles are mid- to late-1940s American models, easily identified by their rounded fenders, grille styles, and size — notably sedans from Ford, Chevrolet, and Plymouth. The cars suggest a post-WWII era, likely no later than 1951. Several business signs appear clearly in the photograph. These signs include advertising for Fonk’s Five & Dime, A & K Meats, Newland’s Tavern, Sterling’s Variety Store, Gamble Store, a traditional barber’s pole, and a Coca Cola sign. The caption on the bottom of the image notes that the photo was by Leo’s Studio and number 449-155 in a series. The stamp box on the reverse contains an EKC (E. C. Kropp Company) logo, which was widely used between 1939 and 1950. When combined with the types of cars shown in the image (none appearing post-1950), a strong estimated date for this postcard is circa 1948–1950. SOLD

Published in: on June 20, 2025 at 7:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

LAPARCERIE : FRENCH ACTRESS & POET : REUTLINGER : SIP : RPPC 1902

This vintage real photo postcard features a beautiful French actress, theater director, and poet, named Cora Laparcerie (1875-1951). Laparcerie looks quite beautiful, and goddess like, in this profile postcard portrait. Note her ornamental hair band. She played various theatrical productions, including classical plays and original French drams. Laparcerie began her career at the Odeon theater in Paris. Soon she was taking on major roles in French theaters. She was married to Jacques Richepin, the son of poet, Jean Richepin. The pair were a notable couple in French artistic circles. Laparcerie managed several prestigious Parisian theatres. In her later career she concentrated on writing poetry, theater columns and early radio dramas. This postcard was published by SIP and Laparcerie’s photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. This is an undivided back postcard (at least pre 1907).    SOLD 

Published in: on June 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

TWO BOYS PLAYING SOLDIER IN ST. GALLEN, SWITZERLIND

Two boys are dressed in what appears to be military style, as they pose for photographer Otto Rietmann in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The older boy is holding a sword and wearing a gun powder horn. The younger boy is holding something that looks like a decorated lance. Perhaps a visitor to the cabinet card gallery can add additional information about this image.  SOLD

Published in: on June 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

GENERAL WESLEY MERRITT : CIVIL WAR : CHANCELLORSVILLE, GETTTYSBURG, APPOMATTOX

This cabinet card features a portrait of civil war General Wesley Merritt (1836-1910). During the war, he served on the side of the Union. Merritt graduated from West Point in 1860. Initially, as a second lieutenant, he served under John Buford in Utah. In 1862, he was named a Captain in the 2nd Cavalry and participated in the defense of Washington D.C.. In 1863, he was appointed adjutant for Major General George Stoneman. Merritt participated in Stoneman’s Raid in the Battle of Chancellorsville. He participated in the Gettysburg campaign as commander of the Reserve Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. He saw no real action until the third day of the battle. He took part in the attack, led by Brig Gen Judson Kilpatrick on the Confederate right. He sustained a slight wound in the Battle of Brandy Station. His actions at Brandy Station contributed to his promotion to Brigadier General. Upon the death of John Buford, Merritt took over command of the 1st Division of the Cavalry Corps. He led the division during Grant’s Overland Campaign in 1864. Merritt later became the commander of the 1st Division Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Shenandoah, under Major Gen. Phillip Sheridan. He participated in Sheridan’s Valley Campaigns of 1864. His division routed the confederates in the Third Battle of Winchester. He was second to command under General Sheridan during the Appomattox Campaign and was present for the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. He had a long and accomplished career in the military, after the civil war. He commanded the Cavalry in the Southwest and participated in the Indian Wars. After serving on the frontier, he spent five years as superintendent of West Point. In 1895 he was promoted to major general in the regular army. In 1898, he commanded the Eighth Army Corp in the Spanish American War. After the victory, Merritt became the first American military governor of the Philippines. Merritt retired from the army in 1900. His military career had a 40 year duration. This cabinet card appropriately shows General Merritt in military uniform. Nielen’s Studio, in Cincinnati, Ohio is credited just below Merritt’s image. Andries Nielen (1850-1940) was born in Holland. He emigrated to the United States and in time, became the head of a tea and spice firm in Cincinnati. He retired in 1905 and he travelled around the world. He began a new career as a photographer and postcard publisher. He also was an amateur philosopher. He ran a publication espousing his philosophy as well as published the “wisdom” of others. SOLD

Published in: on June 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,

A PRETTY YOUNG WOMAN IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

An attractive young woman poses for her portrait at the Gray Studio in Boston, Massachusetts. Take special note of the detail of the subject’s face. The photographer did an excellent job with lighting and posing the subject. The image portrays her skin and facial features with accuracy and clarity. Note her bright eyes and how the photograph details the young lady’s hair. George E. Gray’s (1856-?) studio was located on historic Tremont Row.  The 1900 US census lists Gray as living with his wife Minnie and his children Stanley (age 10) and Doris (age 5). He is listed as being born in Maine, although other sources report New Hampshire. The family also had a Swedish live-in woman (age 24) who was their “servant”. The census stated that George and Minnie married in 1889 and George was working as a photographer. The 1920 US census finds 64 year-old George and 50 year-old Minnie living with their son and George was still working as a photographer. In fact, Boston business directories confirm that George worked as a photographer from at least 1882 through 1931.   SOLD

Published in: on June 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , ,

EBERHARD FABER INK BLOTTER: MAKING PENCILS FOR THE WAR EFFORT : UNCLE SAM : 1941

This original 1941 ink blotter, issued by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Co., is a striking piece of World War II-era advertising that highlights the vital role of stationery and writing instruments in wartime production. Measuring approximately 3 1/8 x 5 3/4 inches, this blotter is not only a functional office supply from the past but also a fascinating collectible reflecting the patriotic spirit of the time. The artwork features a Uncle Sam-like figure dressed in a patriotic red, white, and blue vest with stars and stripes. He is seen writing on a piece of paper, reinforcing the idea that even stationers serve the country by supplying essential tools for planning, designing, and producing materials necessary for the war effort. In the background is a busy industrial scene including factories and airplanes, emphasizing wartime manufacturing.The lower portion of the blotter contains two bold banners stating: “Production Begins with a Pencil” and “Production Will Win the War”. The blotter is marked Courtesy of Eberhard Faber Pencil Co. and was distributed by Simax Stationery Company of New York City, a firm specializing in printers, office outfitting, and engraving. Eberhard Faber was a major force in American pencil manufacturing, with roots tracing back to 1761 in Germany. The company’s U.S. operations began in the mid-1800s, and by the early 20th century, they were one of the most respected stationery brands. Known for their high-quality pencils, including the iconic Blackwing 602, Eberhard Faber supplied artists, writers, and engineers. During WWII, their products were essential for military and industrial planning, as reflected in this ink blotter’s theme.This blotter is in excellent condition. The colors remain vibrant, and the artwork is clear and legible, making it an excellent display piece for collectors of vintage advertising, WWII memorabilia, or office ephemera. (SOLD)

Published in: on June 15, 2025 at 1:51 pm  Comments (4)  
Tags: , , , , , ,

PORTRAIT OF HOWARD BRISCOE : RAILROAD CARPENTER : BARABOO, WISCONSIN

The handsome young man in this photograph is named Howard Briscoe. His name is inscribed on the reverse of this cabinet card photo. Briscoe lived in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He lived there all, or most of his life. Briscoe was born in 1878. His father was a miller by trade, Briscoe’s wife was named Julia Simon Briscoe. Howard Briscoe worked as a carpenter for a railroad company. The photographer of this image, Mr. Mould, is mentioned in a number of photographic journals. He placed an ad for his studio in a book about Sauk County, Wisconsin (1891). The Photographic Times (1898) reports on his appointment to a lobbying committee of the Photographers Association of Wisconsin. The Encyclopedia Dubuque (1911) reveals that Sim Mould operated a photographic studio at 107 Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. The cabinet card gallery has other photographs by Mould, Place his name in the search box to view these other images. The town of Baraboo is situated on the Baraboo river. The town was settled by Abe Wood and originally called Adams. In 1852 it was renamed Baraboo. In the town’s early history it became the home of several sawmills. In the nineteenth century the town served as the headquarters of several circuses, including Ringling Brothers. Baraboo became known as “Circus City”.  SOLD

Published in: on June 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »