CHARMING YOUNG GIRL IN VICTORIAN ATTIRE : IDENTIFIED : PROVO, UTAH : CABINET CARD

This beautifully preserved cabinet card features a young girl with delicate facial features, gazing thoughtfully off to the side. Her soft, wavy curls frame her face, adding to her angelic and innocent appearance. Her expression is one of quiet contemplation, with wide eyes that suggest curiosity and perhaps a hint of shyness. She is dressed in a stylish Victorian outfit, consisting of a dark, long-sleeved dress adorned with a lace-trimmed collar that cascades over her shoulders. A ribbon is neatly tied at the front, adding a refined touch to her ensemble. On her head, she wears a plush velvet hat, slightly tilted, giving her a fashionable and well-dressed look indicative of the late 19th century. Her hands rest gently atop one another in a relaxed yet poised manner, further enhancing the timeless elegance of this portrait. The lighting and soft focus around the edges draw attention to the girl’s delicate features, making this a striking example of high-quality Victorian-era portrait photography. This cabinet card was produced by T.E. Daniels Jr., a photographer based in Provo, Utah. The back of the cabinet card contains an elegantly written inscription: “May Holliday”—likely the name of the young girl in the portrait. Additionally, there is a faint purple studio stamp from T.E. Daniels Jr., Photographer, Provo, Utah, along with a catalog number 3095. This image has excellent clarity. The contrast and fine details remain crisp, capturing the textures of the girl’s lace, her velvet hat, and even the soft waves of her hair. (SOLD)

Published in: on May 6, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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THREE YOUNG CHILDREN POSE FOR THE COLUMBIA VIEW AND BUTTON COMPANY (MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE OR PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Three young children pose together for a cabinet card portrait by the Columbia View & Button Company of Memphis, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This photograph precipitates a number of questions. Was this photograph taken outdoors, or is this an in-studio portrait? Was this image produced in Memphis, or, in Pittsburgh? Finally, why is the photographic studio called a “View & Button Company”? Lets attempt to answer the previous questions. It is not clear if this is an indoor, or outdoor photograph; nor is it apparent in which of the studios, the image was produced. However, one source reports that the Pittsburgh studio existed between circa 1893 and 1900. This cabinet card is marked on its front as being photographed in 1901. Does the 1901 date preclude the possibility that the image comes from the Pittsburgh studio? The answer is a resounding no. The date on the card  was preprinted and the source is not certain the Pittsburgh studio definitely closed in the exact year 1900. The third question concerns the reason the name of the studio includes the terms “View & Button” . The likely  answer is  that the studio originally produced stereoviews and photograph buttons. The buttons were generally portraits and varied in size. They could be worn or displayed on a piece of furniture or shelf. Large photographic buttons were most popular between 1900 and 1930. The smaller pinback buttons were popular beginning the 1890’s. There is some other information that may prove to be important in learning more about the image. On the reverse of the cabinet card, there are two names written. These names likely identify two of the subjects in the photograph. The two subjects names are Mary  Baker and Guy Baker. Searching census data with a common name like”Baker” was an exercise in frustration, in regard to identifying these probable siblings. After viewing this cabinet card, one notes that the three children in this photograph are not fashionably nor expensively dressed. They are different from most of the children seen in cabinet cards. The majority of children tend to wear their sunday best, which is generally much nicer than these children’s wardrobe. One surmises that these children are not from an affluent family. This cabinet card is in very good condition (see scans).

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $68.48 at auction

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336231732823

Published in: on May 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
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PORTRAIT OF FIVE ADORABLE SIBLINGS ON A FRONT PORCH : CYKO : RPPC 1911

This vintage real photo postcard captures five siblings posed on a front porch. They are likely in front of their own home. The oldest child is sitting on a rocking chair and has the baby of the family on her lap. The writer of this postcard addressed it to “Uncle Joe” and introduces him to each child by their first name. The stamp box indicates that this postcard was produced by Cyko.  SOLD

Published in: on March 19, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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A GIRL WITH HER DOG : CHARMING RPPC : JACK RUSSELL DOG : 1926

This charming vintage real photo postcard captures a delightful scene of a little girl lovingly holding her dog. She wears a short-sleeved dress with decorative trim—possibly silk or rayon—featuring a playful geometric pattern or layering. Her hair is styled in tight curls—indicative of a child’s fashionable curls in the 1920s. The dog, small and alert, could be a toy or miniature Chihuahua‑type, with pointy ears and a poised stance. I believe it is most likely a Jack Russell Terrier. The pair sit against a painted backdrop with floral imagery, creating a refined and innocent studio portrait. The postcard is from publisher Perfect, with the signature “Perfect” scripted on the lower left of the front. The card is postally used, with handwriting on the reverse, a green 10-centime stamp from Belgium, and a postmark dated 1926, likely from Sottegem, Belgium. The handwritten message on the reverse is in French is addressed to recipient in Belgium. Translated, the missage message reads: “Kindly and affectionately”.  (SOLD)

Published in: on March 6, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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TWO ADORABLE YOUNG SIBLINGS POSE FOR THEIR PORTRAIT IN ONEIDA, NEW YORK

 

oneida

This charming late nineteenth-century cabinet card was photographed by W.J. Richardson of Oneida, New York, and depicts a beautifully dressed young girl standing beside a seated toddler boy in a carefully arranged studio interior. The girl wears her hair in long braids and is adorned with decorative buttons or breast ornaments that add visual interest to her otherwise modest Victorian dress. She stands confidently, her posture poised and composed. She is adorable. Beside her, the younger boy sits with a softer, slightly tentative expression, creating a lovely contrast between sibling composure and childhood vulnerability. The “big sister” seems to be assuming a protective posture in relationship to her sibling. Both children share pleasant smiles. The careful posing, the understated backdrop, and the children’s clothing all reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the 1880s–1890s, when cabinet cards were at the height of their popularity. The mount style and photographic tone strongly suggest a date in the late 1880s to early 1890s. The image retains strong contrast with tonal depth. There is light, even age toning consistent with photographs of this period. The mount shows gently rounded corners, and the cabinet card remains solid and structurally sound. The cabinet card has gold beveled edges which are in good condition. Overall, the card presents in very good antique condition and displays beautifully (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $35.00 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236680105947

Published in: on March 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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FIRST COMMUNION PORTRAIT : LOVELY YOUNG EUROPEAN GIRL IN LANDESHUT OR ROTHENBACH

This cabinet card features a young girl posing for her first communion portrait. The photograph was taken at one of the two locations of the Czechatz studio. The sites of these two studios were Landeshut (Poland) and Rothenbach (Germany). Landeshut is also known as Kamienna Gora. This cabinet card is in excellent condition (see scans).

This real photo postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $19.85 or best offer. 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236344328947

Published in: on March 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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GLADYS COOPER & DAUGHTER JOAN : BRITISH ACTRESS & BEAUTY : PIN-UP : RPC 1920s

This rare vintage real photo hand-painted postcard features British actress, theatrical manager, and producer Gladys Cooper (1888-1971). Cooper’s career spanned over seven decades and she acted on stage, film, and television. She was a popular “pin-up” model for British troops during World War I. In 1967, she was awarded the coveted title of Dame of the Order of the British Empire. Cooper was known for both her talent and her beauty. In fact, she was considered by many to be the most beautiful actress in England. This is a real photo postcard featuring Gladys together with her daughter Joan. The postcard was published in Britain by Rotary Photo, this card is catalogued B.172-2. The postcard features Gladys seated in a wicker chair, dressed in a light coat and striking wide-brimmed hat with bold black and white stripes. Her expression is calm and direct, gazing steadily at the camera. Joan leans into her mother’s embrace, wearing a light dress, her long curls framing her face, and looking tenderly toward the viewer. The intimate pose conveys both warmth and strength. Cooper’s bold autograph facsimile appears at the bottom right. The reverse of the postcard is divided back and has a message. The following is an approximate transcription. “Dear Friend, Thanks for card, pleased to hear you are enjoying yourself. Jones’ leg is better I hope you have gone for good. Weather has taken up & it won’t be very long before you are more like yourself. Yesterday was glorious, but today is dull & very damp. Remember me to your mother. With kindest regards to you both.” (SOLD)

Published in: on February 23, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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BOY IDENTIFIED AS ELSWORTH BAKER TOLMAN : NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS : OLD PHOTO

This vintage photograph features a handsome young boy dressed in dark clothing. He is holding a stick of some kind. Is it a toy? It almost looks like a sword. It has been pointed out to me by a Cabinet Card Gallery visitor that the boy actually has a violin under his arm. The “stick” is likely a bow. The child appears to be wearing a uniform (band?). The boy is identified on the reverse of the photograph. His name is Elsworth Baker Tolman and he lived most of his life in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was born in 1891. His father and mother were named Elmer and Adrianna respectively. The boy’s father was a musician. The 1910 census shows that Elsworth was working as a dry goods salesman. Elsworth was in the Army during World War l. He was a Captain and was assigned to an Engineering unit.  Records from the 1930’s reveal that he was working as an engineer and in 1939 he married Dorothy Tolman. In 1940, he was employed as a fire insurance Engineering Inspector. This photo was taken by Martin H. Frommell at his New Bedford, Massachusetts studio. 

Published in: on January 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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LITTLE GIRL IN CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE (BUNDLED UP FOR WINTER)

This cabinet card features an adorable little girl bundled up in her winter clothing. She is wearing quite the interesting hat. The photograph is by S. A. Bowers of Concord, New Hampshire. The front of the card announces that the Aristotype printing method was used in producing this image. This method employs  collodion or gelatin chloride paper. SOLD

Published in: on January 15, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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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 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336376546860

Published in: on January 4, 2026 at 12:08 pm  Comments (1)  
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