CARMEL MYERS : JEWISH AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS : BEN HUR : RPPC

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These images feature American silent and sound film actress, Carmel Myers (1899-1980). Carmel Myers was an extraordinary actress who captivated audiences during the early years of Hollywood. She had striking beauty, magnetic screen presence, and versatile talent. Myers was born in San Francisco to Jewish immigrants. Her father was a Rabbi from Russian and her mother was from Austria-Hungary. She grew up in a theatrical household and was exposed to the performing arts from a young age. She participated in both school plays and local theater productions. At the age of 16, Carmel Myers made her professional debut on stage, impressing both critics and audiences with her natural talent. It wasn’t long before she gained the attention of film producers. In 1916 she made her screen debut in the silent film “The House of Mystery”. This was the start of a more than twenty year career in the film business. During the silent film era, Carmel Myers became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Known for her expressive eyes, graceful movements, and remarkable versatility, she effortlessly transitioned between comedic and dramatic roles. Her notable films during this period include “Ben-Hur” (1925), where she portrayed the seductive courtesan Iras. Many of her early roles were playing a “vamp”. Carmel Myers was also an early advocate for actors’ rights and was instrumental in establishing the Motion Picture Artists Association. She fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and creative control for performers, contributing to the formation of movie industry unions. With the advent of sound in films, Carmel Myers smoothly made the transition from silent movies to “talkies.” Her resonant voice and impeccable timing added another dimension to her performances. She starred in a range of films throughout the 1930s, including comedies, dramas, and musicals, collaborating with renowned directors and actors of the time. her most popular sound films were “Svengali” (1931) and “The Mad Genius” (1931). Her final film appearance was in the 1945 production of “Blonde Ransom,” marking the end of her illustrious acting career. However, Myers remained involved with both radio and television. Carmel Myers lived a private life outside of the spotlight, rarely divulging details about her personal affairs. She was married three times, first to an attorney and song writer in 1919, in 1929, she married a second attorney, and thirdly, she married a Paramount Pictures executive in 1951. Her first two marriages ended in divorce, and her third marriage ended with her husband’s death. After her husband’s death, she wrote a book about handling grief effectively. After retiring from acting, Carmel Myers devoted herself to philanthropy and community work. She supported various charitable organizations and advocated for social causes.

Image 1 was published by A. Noyer and is of French origin. The card has the MGM logo on it’s front. (SOLD)

Image 2 is a vintage ink blotter that advertises the Frog Switch & Manufacturing Company, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The blotter has a calendar for January, 1923. The blotter also features a photograph (litho) of Carmel Myers. (SOLD)

Image 3 This press photo shows Myers in a classic glamour pose, her head turned slightly with a dramatic upward gaze that conveys both elegance and intensity. Her dark hair is softly styled with curls around her face, and she is draped in a fur wrap that slips over her shoulder, adding to the sense of sophistication and allure. In the lower left corner appears the photo’s numbering “V111-1”, while the lower right bears the imprint AFEDA, N.Y., the New York studio known for high-quality publicity portraits of stage and film stars of the era. Apeda was a photography studio in New York City. It was founded in 1906 by Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Sr. (1876–1951) and Henry Obstfield.  The studio was known for pursuing two business strategies: shooting original portraiture and reproducing uncopyrighted images by other photographers of newsworthy scenes or celebrities under its own trade name. The second strategy resulted in them being brought to court for copyright infringement. They won the case. Dreyfoos was the head photographer and his focus was on sports, theatre and celebrity portraiture.  (SOLD)

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Published in: on September 2, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Marie Tempest: English Singer and Actress

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Marie Tempest (1864-1942) was a famous soprano in late Victorian light opera and Edwardian musical comedies. She later became a a leading comic actress. She toured in North America and  other parts of the world. She was also a significant force behind the founding of the actors union Actors’ Equity in England. She was born in London, England and educated in Belgium. Her later musical education took place in Paris and London. She had her debut in 1885 in the operetta Boccaccio in London. After a few years in other performances, she performed on Broadway over a three year span. She was in numerous productions including The Tyrolean, and The Fencing Master.  She was considered on the few rivals to Lillian Russell. Tempest was a difficult star but mellowed in middle age. She was a very active actress and performed in numerous productions over the years. She was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1937.

Image 1 is a cabinet card that was photographed by famous celebrity photographer Falk, of New York City.  

Image 2 is a cabinet card that was produced by A. Bassano of London, England.

Image 3 features the esteemed Edwardian stage actress and soprano, Miss Marie Tempest. This postcard presents Tempest nicely dressed and wearing a very elaborate hat. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.184L). Miss Tempest’s photo was taken by the Foulsham and Banfield photo studio.  (SOLD)

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Published in: on August 29, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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MOLLIE FULLER: STAGE ACTRESS AND VAUDEVILLE PERFORMER

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CABINET CARD 1 (SOLD)

CABINET CARD 2 (SOLD)

This cabinet card is a portrait of Mollie (Molly) Fuller (1868-1933), a Boston born stage and vaudeville performer. She appeared in two Broadway plays but is better known for her vaudeville career. She was the second wife of Frederick Hallen (1859-1920) and the couple were a popular team on the vaudeville stage for nearly twenty-five years. They were known for their short comedic plays. Mollie’s resume includes performances in “Adonis” and in “Evangeline”, both plays by  Edward Rice. He biggest hit was her starring role in “The Twentieth Century Girl” (1895). When producer Edward Albee learned Mollie was near blind an impoverished in Chicago, he arranged to bring her to New York. He commissioned a theater piece to be written for her to perform in. She returned to the stage to perform in the resulting playlet “Twilight”. Mollie was the sister of Loie Fuller (1862-1928). Loie was a pioneer of modern dance and theatrical lighting techniques. Among Loie’s skills was her talent as a “skirt dancer”. She died in Hollywood, California, at the age of 68 in 1933. At the time of her death she was receiving assistance from “Troupers”, a national vaudeville players association. This cabinet card was issued by “Newsboy” which was a tobacco company that used cabinet cards as premiums to encourage sales of their tobacco products. This image is number forty-one of a series.  SOLD

CABINET CARD 2

Published in: on August 25, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FANNIE WARD : PRETTY STAGE & SILENT FILM STAR : PHOTO BY LIZZIE CASWALL SMITH : RPPC 1905

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature pretty American stage and silent film actress and film producer, Fannie Ward (1872-1952). She was also the star of light comedies on Broadway. She began her career in the early 1890s, and appeared in over 100 films between 1895 and 1920. She was known for her roles in silent comedies and melodramas, and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her time. She played starring roles in “Madam President”, “The Shop Girl” and many others. Her screen debut was in Cecil B DeMille’s sexually charged, “The Cheat” (1915). Ward also produced several films, including the 1913 film “The Chink in the Armour,” which was directed by her then-husband, Frank Keenan. She retired from acting in 1920, but continued to work in the film industry as a producer until her death in 1952. In addition, after her retirement from the screen, she opened a beauty salon in Paris called “The Fountain of Youth”. The name of the salon is a bit ironic. Ward was known for her youthful appearance. It was not ununsual for her to play the parts of women one of two decades her junior. Ward held feminist beliefs which she wasn’t shy to talk about. In 1909, she told a reporter that her husband hated her work and then pointed out the hypocrisy of society’s support of men pursuing their interests (ie. art, sports, travel) but not supporting women who did the same. In addition, Ward worked as a film producer, a role not usually populated by women.

Postcard 1 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1661A). The firm was located in London. Miss Ward was photographed by celebrated female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. This posted postcard has a 1905 postmark.  SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1661C). Miss Ward looks lovely in her fur hat and fur stole. The firm was located in London. Miss Ward was photographed by the popular female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on August 23, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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DOLORES DEL RIO : BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS : STAR OF AMERICAN AND MEXICAN CINEMA : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty Mexican actress, dancer, and singer; Dolores del Rio (1904-1983). Del Rio’s performing career spanned more than half of a century. She was the first major Latin American actress to become an American film star (1920’s & 1930’s). Del Rio was also a major star in Mexican films. Dolores was known for her beauty as well as for her talent. She was discovered in Mexico and her Hollywood film career started in 1925. She began her career with a number of successful films, including “Ramona” (1928) and “Evangeline (1929). During the silent film era, she was considered the female version of “latin lover”, Rudolph Valentino. Del Rio was one of the fortunate actresses whose career was not destroyed by the advent of sound films. She acted in a wide range of film genres. “Bird of Paradise” (1932) and “Madame Du Barry” (1934) were among her successful films of the 1930’s. In the early 1940’s, her Hollywood career began to flounder sparking Del Rio to return to Mexico to become a major star of Mexican cinema. She continued acting in Mexican films through the 1950’s. Beginning 1960 she acted in both Mexican and Hollywood films. During the late 1950’s through the early 1970’s, Del Rio acted in theater and television. Dolores was born in Durango City, Mexico. Her parents were part of Mexican aristocracy whose lineage could be traced to Spain. Dolores was the cousin of actor Ramon Novarro (another silent film”latin lover”), and of Mexican cinema actress, Andrea Palma. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), Dolores’s family lost its fortune. Her family felt threatened by Pancho Villa’s insurgence. It was time to “get out of town”. Her father fled to the United States while she and her mother escaped to Mexico City. Acting was an integral part of Dolores’s getaway. She and her mother felt compelled to dress as peasants to insure safe passage on the train to Mexico City. Her parents reunited there in 1912. Dolores attended a college in Mexico City operated by French nuns. After seeing Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova perform; Dolores decided to become a dancer and took lessons from a well respected teacher. At age 17, Dolores married Jaime Martinez del Rio. He was from a wealthy family and was educated in England. The couple honeymooned in Europe for two years and Dolores formed close relationships with a number of members of European aristocracy. When the couple returned to Mexico, they settled in Mexico City. In 1925, Dolores met American filmmaker Edwin Carewe, and he was spellbound. He convinced Dolores and her husband to move to Hollywood where he promised to make Dolores a star. Her husband hoped to write screenplays there. When they arrived in Tinseltown, Carewe launched a public relations campaign to raise excitement about his beautiful find. He built up her aristocratic background by saying such gems as Dolores was “the first lady of high Mexican Society” and that she had come to Hollywood with a collection of shawls and combs valued at fifty thousand dollars. Dolores made her film debut in “Joanna” (1925), where she played a vamp of Spanish-Brazilian origin. Her first starring role was in the comedy “Pals First” (1926), directed by Carewe. That same year, Dolores appeared in the war film “What Price Glory?”. The movie was a huge financial success and helped Dolores become one of the “WAMPAS Baby Stars” of 1926. Other members of her “class” were Mary Astor, Joan Crawford, Janet Gaynor, and Fay Wray. By then, her film career was rocketing. Her role in Resurrection” (1927), a popular film based on a Tolstoy novel, further propelled her career. While her career was succeeding, her personal life was a “hot mess”. Her marriage to Del Rio ended in 1928. He had much difficulty being in the shadow of his famous and successful wife. Six months after Dolores filed for divorce, Del Rio died in Germany. While dealing with her grief, she had to deal with constant harassment from her discoverer, Edwin Carewe. He wanted to be more than her agent and her director since he had first launched her career. In 1929, Dolores announced to the press, that despite Carewe’s claims, the pair were just friends and business companions. She added that they had no plans for marriage. Soon thereafter, she cancelled her contract with him. The end result was a legal dispute that was settled out of court. Carewe’s anger did not end there. He disparaged her the press and refilmed “Resurrection” starring Lupe Velez, another popular Mexican film star. In 1930, Del Rio married MGM art director, Cedric Gibbons. They became one of Hollywood’s most followed couples of the early 1930’s. In 1932, the film, “Birds of Paradise”, was released to rave reviews. The film starred Del Rio and actor, Joel McCrea. The movie was a South Seas love story. A scandal arose from the film because of a scene featuring the pair swimming naked. Controversy continued in Del Rio’s appearance in “Flying Down to Rio” (1933). In this film, Del Rio was the first actress to wear a two piece bathing suit on screen. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced together for the first time on film, in this movie. Del Rio and Astaire also did an “intricate” dance number in the film. Del Rio found herself in political hot water when she and Ramona Novarro and Lupe Velez attended a special screening of a Mexican film which was accused of promoting Communism in California. Del Rio was accused of being a Communist for her attendance at the screening. In 1940, Del Rio began an affair with actor/filmmaker, Orson Welles. The dalliance resulted in Del Rio and Gibbons divorce. In 1954, Dolores was scheduled to co-star in a Spencer Tracy film, but the US government would not give her permission to work in the United States. The government believed she was sympathetic toward communism for attending the aforementioned film screening and for signing a petition supporting a world peace conference. After some time, she was able to remedy the problem by writing a persuasive letter to the US authorities. Later in life Del Rio did express some “political” beliefs. She stated that she wished she could play Mexican roles to show what life in Mexico was really like. She felt such an opportunity could help diminish the ugly stereotypes that existed about Mexicans in American society. She stated that it was her great wish to make fans realize the beauty, wonder, and greatness of Mexicans as a people. She asserted that the great majority of Americans view Mexicans as a “race of bandits, or laborers, dirty, unkempt, and uneducated”. Why do these false negative stereotypes sound so familiar? Del Rio wanted to show “the best that’s in my nation”. It has been pointed out by more than a few writers that Dolores del Rio was no “Latin bombshell”. Instead, she was noted for her elegance. The IMDb reports that Del Rio has 63 film credits ranging from 1925 through 1978.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.656). The reverse of the card has a gold seal stating “Ross Splendid”. This postcard has a Netherlands stamp and was postmarked in Rotterdam in 1932. SOLD

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.3378/2). SOLD

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Published in: on August 8, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARCELLE LOUYS : MOULIN ROUGE PERFORMER : PARIS, FRANCE : RPPC : (1909)

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This vintage real photo postcard features Marcelle Louys, a pretty stage performer at the Moulin Rouge. The venue is located in Paris, France. The cabaret opened in 1889 and is best known as the birth place of the can-can dance. The Moulin Rouge remains in business and is a popular tourist destination. This postcard was published by EPR as part of a series (no.144). The postage stamp on this card is from France and the postmark is from 1909. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans)

This Vintage Real Photo Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.89 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336252248981

Published in: on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FOUR PORTRAITS OF FRENCH ACTRESS REGINA BADET

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POSTCARD 1

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                                                                    POSTCARD 2  (SOLD)

REGINA BADET : FRENCH ACTRESS & DANCER : PORTRAIT BY PAUL BOYER : RPPC: - Picture 1 of 3

POSTCARD 3  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature French actress and dancer, Anne Regina Badet (1876-1949). She was a major star of the Opera-Comique in Paris. She made her debut at the Grand Theatre de Bordeaux where she became a principal dancer  She received much acclaim for her portrayal of Conchita Perez in “The Woman and the Puppet (1910)”. Postcard 1 shows her in this role. Her stage acting led her to a brief film career (eleven movies between 1908 and 1922). The Los Angeles Herald (1906) described Badet as the “new Paris pet” and that her dances in the Opera “Aphrodite” had “caused a furor among theater goers. A critic wrote that he went to see the performance because the opera was a “masterpiece” and because he wanted to see the star soprano, Mary Garden, interpretation of her role. Instead, he reports he was most drawn to the performance by Regina Badet.  Miss Badet  retired from stage and screen in the early 1920’s.

The photographer of the image on Postcard 1 is listed as “Bert”. I believe that this is a photographer who partnered with celebrated photographer Paul Boyer, renowned for his celebrity and theater images. This postcard was published by F. C. & C.   

Postcard 2 offers a second portrait of Miss Badet. The pretty actress is wide eyed and wearing a lot of jewelry. The photograph was taken by Henri Manuel (1874-1947). In 1900, Manuel opened a portrait studio in Paris with his brother Gaston. He quickly became well known for his portraits of politicians, artists, and athletes. His images were used by news agencies . His studio became the largest studio in Paris and it attracted many young photographers who sharpened their skills there. In 1925 the brothers expended their business to include fashion photography. They worked for such designers as Chanel, Patou, and Lanvin. The studio shut down during World War II and many of their photographic plates were destroyed. Manuel was the official photographer for the French government from 1914 through 1944.   SOLD                                                                                                                                                                                    Postcard 3 features a photograph of Miss Badet that was taken by celebrated photographer, Paul Boyer.   SOLD

Postcard 4 features a photograph of Badet taken by the Oricelly studio. SOLD

Published in: on July 8, 2026 at 11:30 am  Comments (1)  
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ELLEN BAXONE :OPERA SINGER & ACTRESS : MOULIN-ROUGE : REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features French opera singer and actress, Ellen Baxone (1881-1964). She began her theatrical career as an operetta and comic opera singer in 1901. She began performing at the Moulin-Rouge in 1903. She performed in many stage productions and also in one short film in 1917. She married Ivo Radonich in 1918, although she had a son by him in 1908.. He was an officer in the cavalry of the Montenegrin army and cousin to both the king of Montenegro and the king of Italy. Upon her marriage, she ended her theatrical career. Their marriage lasted about two years. This postcard close-up portrait of Miss Baxone shows her beauty. The photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. He was a well known and talented celebrity photographer who operated out of Paris, France. The postcard is hand colored. The card was published by Misch & Co. as part of a series (no.35). The postcard has a postmark from 1908.  SOLD

In Postcard 2 , Ellen Baxone is adorned in a luxurious silk gown, exuding the opulence characteristic of the era. Her attire is complemented by delicate accessories, and her hair is styled in the fashionable manner of the early 1900s. Baxone’s expression is poised and serene, reflecting the grace and sophistication that made her a celebrated figure on the stage. This postcard was mailed to a young woman in Ostend, Belgium. Roughly translated, the message states “Dear Rosina, On the occasion of the new year, I wish you a thousand best wishes and good health. Good fortune to you and your dear parents. I warmly greet you and your dear parents. Your classmate who remembers you. Rosa di Barletta. This postcard is part of a series published by Reutlinger, with this particular piece being number 4 in the collection. Reutlinger’s postcards were widely distributed during the Belle Époque period, serving both as collectibles and as a means for fans to connect with their favorite performers. This postcard is a real photo postcard (RPPC), a popular format in the early 20th century that involved developing a photographic image directly onto postcard stock. This image was created by a photographic process called “Emaillographie”. It is interesting that the first five letters of the technique is “Email”. SOLD

Postcard 3 offers a close-up portrait of Miss Baxone that showcases her beauty. The photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. He was a well known and talented celebrity photographer who operated out of Paris, France. The postcard is hand colored. The card was published by SIP as part of a series (no.1585). The postcard is from circa 1907. SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

Published in: on July 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BEBE DANIELS: BEAUTIFUL AND MULTI TALENTED ACTRESS (VINTAGE REAL PHOTO POSTCARD)

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POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

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POSTCARD 2

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POSTCARD 3

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                           POSTCARD 4   (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature actress Bebe Daniels (1901-1971). The top postcard was published by Cinemagazine (Paris Edition) and is part of a series (no. 121?). Miss Daniels is absolutely beautiful. She is nicely dressed and her outfit includes furs. She is wearing a large ring and a necklace with a cross. Bebe Daniels was an American actress, singer, dancer, writer and producer. She was born in Dallas, Texas to show business parents. Her father was a theater manager and her mother was a stage actress. She started her career in Hollywood as a silent film child actress. She became a star in musicals such as “42nd Street”. She worked opposite Harold Lloyd and was under contract with Cecil B. DeMille.  She later became a popular radio and television actress in Great Britain. In the 1920’s she was under contract with Paramount Pictures and made the transition to adult roles. In 1924 she played opposite to Rudolph Valentino in “Monsieur Bearcaire”. She also recorded songs for RCA Victor. When talkies began, she was hired by RKO. While with RKO her movies included a number of musicals such as “Dixiana” (1930) and  “Love Comes Along” (1930). Over the course of her career, she appeared in 230 films. She retired from Hollywood in 1935. After World War II she was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Truman for her service during the war. An interesting story concerning Miss Daniels is that while appearing in a Chicago hotel, several thousand dollars worth of her jewelry was stolen from her hotel room. Al Capone, the notorious gangster, was a longtime Daniels fan and put out an order that the thief had just 24 hours to return it “or else”. The jewelry was returned the following day. (SOLD)

The second postcard of Miss Daniels was published by Iris Verlag for Paramount Films (Fanamet). Fanamet was an Austrian film distribution company. The postcard was part of a series (no. 977). This profile portrait also displays the beauty and appeal of Miss Daniels.Iris Verlag was the most important Austrian publisher of film star postcards. It operated from Vienna during the 1920’s and 1930’s. Iris Verlag was a different company than Germany’s Ross Verlag. Iris cards restricted itself to one postcard format and did not publish scene card series popularized by Ross. The early Iris cards had a sepia brown tone while the cards from the 1930’s were closer to “black and white”.

The third photo postcard features Bebe Daniels dressed as a “harem princess”. She is wearing a two piece dress with lots of see-through material. She is dressed and posed to look beautiful and sexy. I believe that the mission was accomplished. The postcard was published by Ross Verlag in Germany circa 1920’s. The postcard is part of a series (no. 3213/1) and Paramount Studio is credited. This postcard portrait of Miss Daniels is rare.

Postcard 4 is from a series (No. 37) called “Les Vedettes de Cinema (Stars of the Cinema)”. The postcard includes the logo of Paramount Studios. This real photo postcard is published by Cinemagazine and was produced in France. (SOLD)

Postcard 5 features Miss Daniels in a beautiful portrait. She is nicely dressed and her outfit includes furs. She is wearing a large ring and a necklace with a cross. This postcard was published by SSSS sometime between 1924 and 1929. (SOLD)

 

 

Published in: on June 29, 2026 at 11:30 am  Comments (1)  
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LYA MARA : GERMAN SILENT FILM STAR : PRODUCER FREDERIC ZELNICK’S WIFE : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German silent film star, Lya Mara (1897-1960). She was born in Latvia. Mara was trained as a ballerina. She was a stage performer before World War I. Her rise to fame was rapid and her career spanned a number of continents. Her first film in Germany was in 1918. It was produced by renowned producer, Frederic Zelnick, whom she married in 1918. Zelnick promoted her into major stardom. Her popularity in film was illustrated by the hundreds of photographs of her produced into postcards, cigarette cards, and trade cards. She had exotic looks, expressive eyes, and ability to convey complex emotions non verbally. These attributes made her perfect for appearing in silent films. In film she displayed a combination of sex appeal and naivety. A serious car accident in the 1920’s interrupted her career. At the end of the 1920’s she appeared in a number of Austrian films. She was unsuccessful in making the transition into sound films. In 1933, with Hitler in power, Zelnick and Mara hightailed it to London. She spent the last years of her life in Switzerland. Her long filmography spans from 1916 to 1931.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1218/3). Mara’s photograph was taken by Ernst Schneider. He was considered to be one of the most celebrated studio photographers in Berlin during three decades (1900’s, 1910’s, 1920’s. He photographed many celebrities from the world of theater, opera, circuses, and film. He was also one of the most prominent fashion photographers in Berlin. In addition, he was well known for his nude photography and he published books showcasing his work in this domain. Sometime around 1908 Schneider began working with postcard publishers “Rotophot” and “Neue Photographische Gesellschaft” (NPG). In 1919 he began working with Ross Verlag. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Mara posed in a risque dynamic and theatrical stance, holding a tambourine aloft with both hands. She is dressed in a flowing layered skirt with pointed fabric panels, a midriff-baring top adorned with strands of beads, and numerous bangles and jewelry. Her footwear consists of strapped dance shoes, complementing her lively pose. Her playful smile and expressive gaze capture both glamour and motion, giving the portrait a sense of performance frozen in time. The photograph was taken by Atelier Balázs, Berlin, and published by Ross Verlag (No. 1740/4), one of the most prominent publishers of cinema postcards in Germany. The image is associated with a Zelnik Film production, as noted in the lower right corner. (SOLD) 

Postcard 3 features smiling German silent film star, Lya Mara (1897-1960) and her two adorable dogs. One of these pups is a dachshund. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.764/3). Lya Mara’s portrait was taken by the Becker and Maass studio (Berlin). (SOLD)

Published in: on June 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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