This is a striking and unusual antique real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring a young man posed confidently beside a full-sized alligator, its jaws open to display its teeth. The sitter rests one hand casually on the alligator’s head while standing behind a simple railing, creating a dramatic and memorable image that blends portraiture, novelty, and spectacle. The man is well dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and straw boater-style hat, placing the image squarely in the late 1910s to early 1920s. The backdrop is a painted tropical scene with palm trees and water, clearly a studio setting rather than an outdoor photograph. The alligator—almost certainly a taxidermy or carefully staged prop—was a popular novelty element used by certain studios during this era, particularly in Florida and other southern or tourist-oriented locations. During the early 20th century, alligators were frequently employed as studio props to convey adventure, exoticism, and regional identity. Studios catering to tourists or novelty portrait seekers often featured taxidermied alligators, faux swamps, and painted tropical backdrops. These images were meant to be eye-catching souvenirs—proof of having “visited the wild” or participated in something daring. Alligator imagery was especially common in Florida-related studio work, sideshows, and amusement venues, where such props became iconic symbols of place and bravado. The postcard is printed on AZO photographic paper, with the stamp box showing four triangles pointing up, a configuration that dates production to approximately 1918–1930. The card is unused, with no writing or postal markings, allowing the image to remain the sole focus. This postcard is in very good antique condition overall. The postcard has light edge and corner wear. There are no tears or creases. The image remains clear and strong, with excellent contrast and sharp detail (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $25.00 at auction
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236533679981
A uniformed soldier sits against a fence and he is holding two adorable lambs on his lap. This is a study in contrast. A military warrior represents battle and lethality, while the young lambs represent peace and calm. Before anyone gets “up in arms”, I want to state that I know that soldiers can represent peace and protection. Note the soldier’s high boots. They appear to be for weather protection rather than for long marches. SOLD
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