GERMAN SCHOOLBOY POSES WITH GIANT PRETZEL : FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL : RPPC 1928

This evocative scalloped edge vintage real photo postcard captures a young school-aged child posed formally in a studio setting, dated 1928, during the late Weimar Republic period in Germany. The child stands confidently beside a sculptural studio prop resembling intertwined branches, resting one hand upon it while wearing a traditional school outfit of the era. Slung over the shoulders is a rigid school satchel (Schultasche), a detail that firmly anchors this image in everyday German childhood life of the 1920s. Most striking is the oversized pretzel-shaped prop placed prominently in the foreground. Far more than a whimsical accessory, the pretzel is a long-standing symbol in German culture, often associated with good fortune, nourishment, and childhood traditions. Its exaggerated size suggests a playful studio device meant to charm parents and relatives, blending symbolism with visual appeal.The painted studio backdrop—featuring a tree trunk and rustic fencing—adds a pastoral, storybook quality, contrasting gently with the child’s serious, composed expression. This blend of innocence and formality is characteristic of early 20th-century European studio portraiture. The sign beside the child translates as : “My First Day of School – 1928”. This inscription confirms the occasion and elevates the postcard from a simple portrait to a commemorative milestone image. Postcards like this were often produced to mark important life events—first school day, confirmations, or birthdays—and were commonly sent to extended family members. The clean, unused reverse suggests this example was preserved as a keepsake rather than mailed. The overall condition of this postcard is very good. The card has light, even age toning consistent with period silver gelatin postcards. There is minor surface wear at it’s corners. There are no creases. The image remains sharp with excellent contrast. Please review scans carefully for full condition details.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $36.00 at auction

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236546499067

Published in: on January 4, 2026 at 12:08 pm  Comments (1)  
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CUTE KIDS IN CHEF HATS : HAPPY NEW YEARS : ROTOPHOT : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD

A wonderfully playful German New Year “Prosit Neujahr” real photo postcard published by RPH (Rotophot), Berlin—a major early 1900s European postcard producer best known for high-quality photographic subjects and big, numbered series.  The image is pure studio charm: two children in oversized chef-style caps (party hats styled like tall cooks’ toques), posed hand-in-hand as if about to dance into the New Year. One cap reads “PROSIT” (a festive toast—“cheers!”) and the other reads “NEUJAHR” (“New Year”). Their little salute gestures and the crisp studio lighting give this card that classic pre-war holiday-photo look. At the lower left you’ll find the RPH monogram in a circle and the printed series number S.1281/3, identifying this as a Rotophot issue. Overall, this postcard presents nicely with minor edge/corner wear (see scans). The card was mailed to someone in in Laubach, Germany. The postcard has a green 5 (phennig) stamp from Germany. The message is difficult to clearly decipher but it is clear that it is a traditional New Year greeting. It appears to read “Heartfelt New Year’s greetings and a happy New Year …”. This card is likely from sometime around 1905 to 1907.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336367805881

Published in: on December 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHILD WITH ASSORTMENT OF TOYS : ROMANIA : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD 1925

This evocative real photo postcard, written and dated 1925, presents a beautifully staged studio portrait of a very young child posed behind an elaborate miniature world of toys—an image that feels both intimate and faintly theatrical, as was common in European children’s portraiture of the interwar period. Spread carefully across the tabletop in front of the child is an impressive assortment of early 20th-century toys, each rendered with remarkable clarity. On the left stands a wooden pull horse on wheels, its form sturdy and utilitarian, likely hand-painted. Nearby is a small toy donkey or horse mounted on a simple wheeled frame. At center is a miniature cart with large spoked wheels, suggesting rural life and transport—imagery deeply familiar to Eastern European households of the era. To the right appears a toy goat or sheep, delicately harnessed, positioned near a detailed model boat complete with mast and rigging—an ambitious and unusual toy that adds narrative complexity to the scene. Also visible are tiny toy houses, a small lidded container or barrel, and a painted doll figure standing upright at the far right, dressed in what appears to be a sailor-style outfit. Collectively, these objects create a miniature village or imagined world, emphasizing themes of childhood, play, and aspiration. The child—identified in the message as two years and eight months old—stares directly at the camera with a solemn, almost uncanny composure, heightening the emotional impact of the image. The photograph is warm-toned and evenly exposed, suggesting professional studio work rather than a casual snapshot. This postcard is not only visually compelling but also richly documented, with a handwritten message on the reverse that firmly anchors it in time and place. The following is the English translation of the message on this postcard: “We offer you, as a keepsake and souvenir, the portrait of our son. Ovidiu Radian (Mleanu) 2 years and 8 months old Ismail, May 1, 1925.” The postcard is addressed to a family in Romania. The card originated from Ismail, a particularly important location historically. In 1925, Ismail was located in Basarabia, a region that at the time was part of Greater Romania (1918–1940). Today, Ismail is located in modern-day Ukraine. The postcard is in very good antique condition for a 1925 real photo postcard. The image remains strong with nice tonal depth. Light surface/handling wear consistent with age. The reverse shows expected age toning and a faint circular postal marking, along with the handwritten message. There is only minor corner/edge wear  (see scans). 

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $68.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336367805876

Published in: on December 24, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SAILOR BOY IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA (FUTURE NAVAL OFFICER?)

This photograph captures a young boy dressed in a formal sailor suit. The outfit is unusual, as most children wearing nautical clothing in photographs of this era are not clad in such a fine suit. The photographer is Taylor of  Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a US naval port and it is very possible that this boys father was a high ranking naval officer stationed there. One can surmise that he was an officer because a child dressed in such finery must come from a well-to-do family.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A LITTLE GIRL SHORT IN STATURE, BUT LONG ON NAMES: “MISS EVA EMMA ELLA FERBER” IN CINCINNATI, OHIO

According to a notation on the reverse of this photograph, the little girl featured in this cabinet card photograph is named “Miss Eva, Emma, Ella, Ferber”. Perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Ferber were very indecisive people and couldn’t pick a single  name for their daughter. Possibly, the three names that made the final cut were Eva,Emma and Ella; and when the couple couldn’t come to an agreement; they decided to give their daughter all three of the names. The girl with many names, has curly locks and big brown eyes, and is quite adorable. She is sitting on a stone wall beside a statue of a small dog (pug). A search of the U. S. census may have uncovered some biographical information about Miss Ferber. The 1920 census lists a young woman named Eva E. Ferber, age 24,  who lived with her parents in Cincinnati. Her father’s name was Charles and he was employed as an inspector for the Chamber of Commerce. Her mother’s name was Ella (one of the name’s assigned to Eva). The census reported that Eva was employed as a bookkeeper in a clothing store. Her parents were listed as being born in Ohio, but of German heritage. Data from other census reports indicated that Eva had an older brother named Charles and that her   father had once worked as a carriage trimmer.  The photographer of this image is Herman Mueller. To view other photographs by Mueller, click on the category “Photographer: Mueller”. Mueller was born in Germany in 1833. He came to the United States with his wife, Mathilda, and his daughters Maria and Alfrieda. Both of the daughters became photographers and assisted him in the gallery he established in Cincinnati. He was active there from about 1886 until at least 1905. This cabinet card photo is in fair condition. Note a few small scratches evident on the image (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $45.65 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236200681262

Published in: on December 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHILDREN POSE FOR DUTCH PHOTOGRAPHER IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

This Cabinet Card features two young children posing for their photograph at the studio of H. R. Koopman, in Roseland, Illinois. The photographer is Henry Ralph Koopman II and his father emigrated from Holland and was a well known minister in the community. The photographers brother, George, joined him in the photography studio business. The Chicago Historical Society’s magazine published an article about Koopman; “The Life and Times of a Neighborhood Photographer”. Roseland is a neighborhood located in the south side of Chicago. This cabinet card has a slight curve and is in overall very good condition. (See Scans) 

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $32.00 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336358151173

Published in: on December 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BIG SISTER AND LITTLE BROTHER IN KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE (THE DODGE SIBLINGS)

Two sibling pose for their portrait at the studio of C. N. Stowell in Keene, New Hampshire. The reverse of the cabinet card has an inscription that identifies the children as Amy and Dexter Dodge. Photographer, C. N. Stowell is listed in the Keene, New Hampshire business directory of 1897.  Amy Lee Dodge (1889-?) was married in 1919 to John Elliott Cook in Keene, New Hampshire. Her father was Willie Alfred Dodge and he mother was Mary Jane Palley. According to city directories, Amy worked as a telephone operator between 1911 and 1920. The 1930 US census revealed that Amy Cook (her married name) was living with her husband, her 4 year-old son, and a few in-laws. Her husbands occupation was listed as “farmer”.  Dexter Rudolph Dodge (1896-?) In the 1917 and 1918 city directories (Keene), Dexter is listed as a member of the US Army Reserve. Note that these were the years of World War I and it is unknown whether Dexter actually went overseas and saw combat.  The 1920 US census found Dexter working as a clerk in a jewelry store and living with his parents in Keene. In 1921 he married Helen Lucy Winch. Research found a 1942 draft registration card which reported that Dexter owned a jewelry store and was living in Worcester, Massachusetts. City directories from 1951 through 1957 list Dexter as “retired”. This cabinet card portrait has excellent clarity and is in very good condition (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $19.95 or Best Offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236200681237

Published in: on December 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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CUTE LITTLE BOY : WILLIAM AUGUST RAICHLE : TRAGIC STORY : GALESVILLE, WISCONSIN

This vintage divided back real photo postcard features an adorable little boy. He is identified on the reverse of the card as William August Raichle. He was 1 year and 14 days at the time of this photograph. His story is a sad one. He appears in the 1920 US census as an 8 year-old. He was born in 1912 in Washburn, Wisconsin. In 1920 he and his family lived on Bryce Street in Webster, Wisconsin. He lived with his father, Carl A Raichle, mother (Lydia E.), and two sisters, Geneva P. (age 6), and Alvira E. (age 4). Carl worked in retail. Carl died in about 1927. By the time of the 1930 US census, William had an additional sister (Arlene). The year 1934 was a tragic year for the Raichle family. That was the year that William died in a car accident near Rochester, Minnesota. He was riding in a car with three other young adults that collided with a snow plow and overturned. The snow plow had no lights and the accident took place, according to a newspaper account, in a “treacherous sleet storm”. Although there were other injuries, William was the only fatality. William appears to have been an “All American” kid. He was an eagle scout and had worked as a State Park Guide. It is so unfortunate that William’s life ended so tragically. His funeral took place at the Zion Church in Galesville, Wisconsin. He was buried in Pine Cliff Cemetery in Galesville. This postcard has a Noko stamp box. This stamp box indicates that the postcard was published sometime between 1907 and 1929. This is consistent with the 1913 publication date of this postcard. (SOLD)

Published in: on November 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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PRIEST & KIDS : 1st COMMUNION : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO c 1956

This original vintage press photograph (measuring approximately 8 by 10 inches) beautifully captures a celebratory moment in a church or parish hall, taken by noted African-American Cleveland photographer Jimmy Baynes. The scene shows a priest, dressed in his clerical robes, cutting a large frosted cake surrounded by children and adults. The children are dressed formally, with several girls wearing white communion dresses and veils, suggesting this may be a First Communion or confirmation celebration. The boys wear smart suits in both light and dark colors, complete with ties or bow ties. Their attire reflects both the solemnity of the religious occasion and the joy of the gathering. Some children smile brightly toward the camera, while others look on with curiosity and seriousness, lending authenticity and personality to the scene. Behind the children stand several women, elegantly dressed, who appear to be family members or parishioners sharing in the celebration. The priest’s presence at the cake table underscores the ceremonial importance of the event, blending sacred tradition with communal joy. The composition is lively and warm, with details like the children crouched at the front grinning toward the photographer, the ornate veils of the girls, and the cutting of the cake all contributing to a vivid record of mid-20th century African-American community life. The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s. This is a powerful image not only for its documentary value but also for its warmth and charm, preserving a moment of community, faith, and celebration. (SOLD)

Published in: on November 12, 2025 at 12:19 pm  Leave a Comment  
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VICTORIAN GIRL W/ LARGE HAT & BOWS : MORRISTOWN NEW JERSEY : VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPH

This cabinet card features a full-length studio portrait of a young girl posed beside a chair. The photographer’s mark at the bottom reads “Ensminger, Morristown, New Jersey”. The girl appears to be around 5 to 7 years old. She is dressed in a dark, heavy dress or coat with prominent white lace trim at the collar and cuffs, characteristic of children’s fashion around the 1895–1905 period. Her long hair, possibly a wig or enhanced with hairpieces for the photo session, is styled to one side and adorned with two large ribbon bows, adding a touch of charm and formality. She wears a wide-brimmed hat tilted forward, which also features oversized decorative bows—this style was quite popular in Edwardian children’s portraiture. Her high-button black boots are visible under the hem of her dress, and she rests one hand on a wooden chair, adding a subtle compositional balance to the portrait. Her expression is solemn, yet alert—typical of long-exposure portrait photography of the era. The neutral studio backdrop and ornate rug on the floor enhance the formality and timelessness of the portrait. The reverse of the card is marked simply in ink with the handwritten notation: “Mrs. M. S.” This may be a clue to the identity of the child’s mother or the recipient of the photograph—perhaps a keepsake. Henry Ensminger was a notable photographer based in Morristown, New Jersey, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He operated a photography studio in Morristown from approximately 1894 to 1922, producing a variety of portrait photographs.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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