A GENTLEMAN WITH “MUTTON CHOPS” IN HAMBURG, GERMANY (PHOTO BY EMILIE BIEBER)

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This carte de visite photograph is by celebrated photographer Emilie Bieber. She was a very successful and talented female photographer. Female photographers were uncommon in the cdv era. Bieber is definitely one of my favorite photographers. You may view additional photographs by Miss Bieber by typing her name in the cabinet card gallery’s search box. Bieber had two locations in Germany; Berlin and Hamburg. She ran her Hamburg studio from 1852 through 1872 when she was joined by her nephew, Leonard Berlin-Bieber. Emilie Bieber died in 1884. This cdv portrait features a well dressed gentleman with wonderful mutton chops. He is not wearing an accompanying mustache. Printing on the reverse of the carte de visite brags about the medals won by this studio. Awards were earned from exhibitions in Berlin (1865), Hamburg (1868), Paris (1870), Vienna (1873), as well as other photography competitions. This record of photographic honors informs us that this cdv was produced in 1873 or shortly afterward.

This carte de visite portrait is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $25.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236662529848

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Published in: on July 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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FRENCH GIRL STANDING ON A CHAIR HOLDING HER DOLL : MOULINS, FRANCE : CDV

This delightful carte de visite (CDV) captures a young French girl—identified on the reverse as Marcelle, age five —standing atop a wooden chair and holding a cherished doll. The image was produced by photographer L. Sénac, whose studio was located in Moulins, a commune in central France. The child is dressed with obvious care and attention. She wears a pleated skirt with horizontal bands of trimming and a blouse featuring puffed sleeves gathered at the wrist. A large, wide lace collar cascades over her shoulders, adding a touch of elegance typical of the late 19th or very early 20th century. Her long hair is parted and tied into twin pigtails with matching ribbons—each tied into neat bows that frame her face. Her expression is calm, solemn, and slightly curious—a common look in early childhood photography when long exposure times discouraged smiling. In her arms, Marcelle cradles a striking doll. The doll appears to be a bisque-head type with painted features and inset eyes, dressed in a white dress with striped stockings and black shoes. Its curly wig and dark bonnet suggest it was a fashionable toy of the time—possibly German-made, as many high-quality dolls of that period were. The girl’s firm grip on the doll and the central positioning of the toy in the composition suggest that it was a beloved possession, likely included to soothe the child or highlight her status and affection. A noteworthy detail in this CDV is that the girl is standing on a chair—a common practice in studio portraiture to elevate small children to better capture them within the camera’s frame. Her feet, clad in boots and striped stockings, are clearly visible, adding to the charm and authenticity of the image. Turning to the reverse of the CDV, we see elaborate lithographed artwork typical of the era. The back bears the branding “Photographie Artistique,” with additional French text advertising reproductions, enlargements, and group photography. At the very top is the handwritten note identifying Marcelle.  (SOLD)

Published in: on May 16, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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CARTE de VISITE PORTRAIT : HANDSOME WELL DRESSED GENTLEMAN : MADISON, WISCONSIN

This striking carte de visite (CDV) features a well-dressed gentleman posed in a confident and composed studio portrait by E.R. Curtiss (1836-1906) of Madison, Wisconsin. The sitter stands in a classic mid-19th-century pose, one hand resting on a book while the other is held behind his back, projecting an air of quiet authority and intellectual refinement. The gentleman’s appearance is particularly appealing, with softly curled hair, a neatly groomed mustache, and a full beard that frames his face. His expression is calm and direct, with a steady gaze that gives the portrait a strong presence. He is dressed in a dark, well-tailored coat with a velvet collar, buttoned vest, and bow tie—attire that reflects the formal style of the late Civil War to Reconstruction-era period. The reverse bears an ornate backmark for E.R. Curtiss, Madison, Wisconsin, featuring an American eagle motif and decorative scrollwork.  He operated a photo studio in Madison, Wisconsin. Curtiss was born in Southington, Connecticut and married Eva A. Lingenfetler of Fonda, New York in 1859.  An interesting physical characteristic of this example is that it is printed on slightly thinner cardstock than is typically encountered with CDVs.  Based on the style of dress, pose, and mount design, this CDV likely dates to approximately the late 1860s to early 1870s. The condition of this cdv is good overall. The image remains clear with good contrast and detail. There are scattered small surface specks and light marks visible. The corners show light wear and the mount exhibits typical handling wear for its age. The reverse shows moderate soiling and spotting but retains a strong, legible backmark. The thinner cardstock is intact with no structural issues. Overall, this 150 year-old photograph is a solid and displayable image with appealing subject matter (see scans). 

This carte de visite is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for  $18.00 at auction

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336575595451

Published in: on May 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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TWO PRETTY FASHIONABLE AND WELL ACCESSORIZED WOMEN : CARTE de VISITE

This carte de visite photograph features two pretty and fashionable women posing for their portrait at the Smale & Fowler studio. During his career, Smale operated studios in both Ottumwa and Des Moines, Iowa. Webster B. Smale (1858-1928) is listed in the Des Moines Business directory from at least 1889 through 1903. The women seen in this image are very well accessorized. Note their hats and the belt worn by the woman who is standing. Be sure to also note the hypnotizing pattern of the sitting woman’s skirt.  SOLD

Published in: on November 5, 2025 at 10:28 pm  Leave a Comment  
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HANDSOME FAMILY PORTRAIT : ADORABLE POODLE DOG : AALBORG, DENMARK : CDV

This carte de visite portrait of an attractive family includes two men, one woman, one child, and the family’s pet dog. The dog appears to be a poodle or perhaps part poodle. This photograph was taken by Ernst Gopel (1862-1919). He operated a studio in Aalborg, Denmark between 1895 and 1919. (SOLD)

Published in: on September 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MYSTERIOUS VICTORIAN BEAUTY WITH LACE & FAN : 19th CENTURY ELEGANCE : CDV

This carte de visite presents an elegant and mysterious woman from the late 19th century, captured in a striking, staged portrait. She gazes directly at the camera with an enigmatic expression, her dark eyes hinting at amusement or perhaps secrecy. Her face is partially obscured by a beautifully detailed folding fan, adorned with delicate flowers, which she holds just below her nose, adding an air of flirtation and intrigue. The fan’s design suggests an appreciation for fine accessories, possibly hinting at a woman of refined taste or theatrical flair. Her hair is voluminous and curly, styled in a way that suggests fashion-forward sensibilities for the time. A decorative flower adorns her locks, further enhancing her romantic and dramatic appearance. She is dressed in a richly textured, dark garment, possibly velvet or lace, with intricate embellishments. A beaded bracelet encircles her wrist, another indication of elegance. This portrait seems to capture not just an image but a persona—perhaps that of an actress, performer, or a woman who enjoyed playing with identity and allure. Her playful concealment behind the fan suggests confidence, charm, and perhaps a bit of mischief.  SOLD

Published in: on July 14, 2025 at 3:49 pm  Leave a Comment  
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YOUNG WOMAN IN ELEGANT DRESS WITH CAMEO JEWELRY : CDV : YORK, PENNSYLVANIA : 1870

This is a beautiful antique carte de visite (CDV) photograph featuring a young woman dressed in elegant Victorian attire, dating from the 1870s to early 1880s. Her high-collared dress showcases intricate details, likely made of silk or a similar luxurious fabric, adorned with ornate embellishments. She is wearing layered jewelry, including a prominent cameo necklace, chains, and a possible pendant, highlighting her refined sense of style. The subject’s hairstyle, with tightly curled bangs and a carefully styled updo, is indicative of Victorian fashion trends during this period. Her expression is calm and composed, as was customary for formal portraiture in the 19th century. This photograph was taken at the Carlisle studio, in York, Pennsylvania. This photo has gold beveled edges. SOLD

Published in: on July 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CARTE de VISITE PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN IN AMAGERTORV, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

This carte de visite photograph features a young woman posing for her portrait at the studio of Christensen & Morange. The studio was located in Amagertorv, Copenhagen, Denmark. Amagertov is the most central square in central Copenhagen.  SOLD

Published in: on June 2, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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YOUNG GIRL WITH RINGLETS WEARING INTERESTING ATTIRE (EARLY CDV : 1860’s)

This carte de visite photograph features a lovely little girl wearing unusual attire. I would guess that her dress is indicative of a specific ethnic group. I do not know what ethnicity that might be. The detailed stitching on her dress is pretty. Note the striped accessory (scarf?) on the side of her dress, as well as her feathered headband. Her ringlet curls are adorable. This cdv was taken at the R. A. Lord studio in New York City. He operated his studio in the 1860’s. He photographed civil war soldiers and civil war era citizens during the conflict. A couple of his photographs are in the collection of California’s J. Paul Getty Museum.  SOLD

Published in: on May 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (4)  
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MISS VIOLET CAMERON: SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS

CABINET CARD 1

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CABINET CARD 2
V CAMERON 3_0002CABINET CARD 3

CAMERON FRONTCABINET CARD 4 MISS VIOLET CAMERON : SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS : CDV ; AD FOR MINERAL WATER - Picture 1 of 2CARTE de VISITE 1

Violet Cameron (1862-1919), was an English stage star. She was the niece of burlesque legend Lydia Thompson. Cameron  began her stage career as a child in 1871. She played several child roles at the Drury Lane Pantomime theatre. As an adult, she played many prominent roles in the most important English theatres. In 1886 she came to America and played in “The Commodore” and “Kenilworth”. In 1893 she had great success in the stage play “Morocco Bound”. She was involved in several scandalous love affairs during her stage career.  

Cabinet Card 1 is a product of Elliot & Fry, a prominent London photography studio.

Cabinet Card 2 was produced at the studio of W & D Downey in London, England.

Cabinet Card 3 is also by Downey. She looks lovely in her ruffly dress and her plunging neckline (relative to the cabinet card era) highlights her necklace. The reverse of the cabinet card has the stamp of Charles Ritzmann of New York City indicating that it was once owned by the esteemed purveyor of theatrical photographs.

Cabinet Card 4 also comes from the Downey studio. Cameron appears to be wearing a wedding dress in this cabinet card portrait. 

The reverse of Carte de Visite 1 has an advertisement for Taunus Mineral Water. The natural sparkling water came from Springs located near Frankfurt, Germany. Miss Cameron’s portrait for this carte de visite was taken by the celebrated Walery studio in London, England.

MISS VIOLET CAMERON : SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS : CDV ; AD FOR MINERAL WATER - Picture 2 of 2

CARTE de VISITE 1

Published in: on April 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (25)  
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