VICTORIAN GIRL WITH DOLL & MIRROR : BY WISSLER CANTON, OHIO : CABINET CARD

This endearing cabinet card captures a tender childhood moment — a small girl, dressed in a light gown, stands before a tall decorative mirror, holding her beloved doll close as she studies her own reflection. The mirror, draped with a fringed lace shawl and adorned with flowers, creates a composition that is both artistic and deeply human. The photographer of this portrait photo was Jacob S. Wissler (1850-1925) of Canton, Ohio. Wissler was a photographer listed in the Canton Business Directories beginning in 1882 and on up to 1900. The back of the mount is richly printed in red ink with Wissler’s elaborate logo and the phrase “Fine Crayons a Specialty,” dating the image to the late 1880s. The studio’s artistry and the touching innocence of the subject make this photograph a charming representation of Victorian sentimental photography. (SOLD)

Published in: on June 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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AN ADORABLE CHILD AND A PHOTO BOOK IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

book-boy

This vintage photograph captures a most adorable child sitting on a stool/table, resting one foot on a nearby chair. I am uncertain as to whether the child is a boy or a girl but for the purpose of this entry, I will refer to the child as a boy. From his perch, the child looks toward the camera with very engaging eyes and expression. He is wearing an outfit that is part nautical and part “Little Lord Fauntleroy”. He is holding an open book or magazine. There appear to be copies of photo postcards on the book/magazine pages. This photographic portrait was taken by the Schneidt Studio in St. Louis, Missouri. George Gustav Schneidt (1887-1965) and his son operated the studio until 1965.

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $45.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236704356060

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Published in: on June 21, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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VICTORIAN GIRL W/ BONNET & FLOWERS : GENELLI STUDIO : ST LOUIS, MO CABINET CARD

This enchanting Cabinet Card portrait features a young girl standing on the stoop of a painted, theatrical backdrop that resembles a rustic doorway framed with foliage. Her cheerful pose and sweet, innocent smile evoke a sense of charm and childhood delight. The child appears to be around six or seven years old and is dressed in a carefully arranged costume reminiscent of a flower girl or a young performer. She wears a pinafore-style dress over a puff-sleeved blouse, complete with ruffled lace at the cuffs and collar. A wide ribbon is tied around her waist and shoulders, adding a touch of formality to her ensemble. The crowning feature of her outfit is a large, dramatic bonnet, trimmed in lace and adorned with a dark pom or feather on top. Her curly hair peeks out from beneath the hat, adding to her endearing appearance. In her arms, she clutches a parasol and a small basket overflowing with artificial flowers, suggesting a staged studio scenario—perhaps intended to capture a seasonal or pastoral theme. Her expression is one of warmth and genuine amusement, and her body language, slightly leaning, adds a sense of playfulness to the composition. The photograph was taken at the Genelli Photo Studio, located in St. Louis, Missouri. The studio’s name is elegantly printed in red script on the front of the card. On the reverse, the Cabinet Card boasts a visually striking design in metallic gold ink against a rich green background. Though not true gold leaf, the ink emulates a gilded look with reflective, metallic tones that were popular in high-end photographic advertising of the period. The back features decorative scrollwork, artist’s brushes, and a camera motif, promoting the studio’s specialty: “Fine Colored Pastels a Specialty.” It also lists D. F. Hulbert as the proprietor. Hulbert was an active photographer in St. Louis during the late 19th century.  (SOLD)

Published in: on June 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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TWO FASHIONABLE KIDS FACE WINTER IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Two very well dressed children pose in their winter coats and hats at the studio of H. C. Gabriel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The children are posed in a faux outdoor scene complete with snow on the ground and snow covered fences. Herman C. Gabriel is noted in the 1900 U. S. census. The census reveals that he was born in Austria in 1833. He was married in 1873 to Johanna Gabriel. He was living with his wife and 22 year-old, American born daughter, Emma. His occupation is listed as “Photographer”. Herman Gabriel is cited in the American Photographer (1916) for winning second place in a photography competition. This Cabinet Card portrait is in very good condition and has excellent clarity (see scans).

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $66.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236384923186

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Published in: on June 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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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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