WWI ERA FRENCH COLONIAL SOLDIER : TIRAILLEUR MALGACHE : WEARING SIDEARM : RPPC

This striking real photo postcard features a Tirailleur Malgache—a Malagasy rifleman serving in the French colonial army. The term “Tirailleur” referred to light infantrymen recruited from various parts of France’s overseas empire, including Madagascar, Senegal, and Indochina. This image captures one of these proud soldiers from Madagascar wearing his heavy wool double-breasted greatcoat, high collar with decorative insignia, and the distinctive kepi-style wool cap characteristic of colonial troops during the First World War and interwar years. The soldier’s right hand rests confidently at his side, while a sidearm in a leather holster—most likely a Lebel or Ruby automatic pistol—is clearly visible at his hip, signifying his rank or specialist role within his regiment. His expression is solemn and dignified, reflecting both the discipline and the sacrifice associated with the Tirailleurs who served France across multiple fronts. The postcard was published by A.N. Paris, a French publisher known for high-quality photographic military and ethnographic studies.  (SOLD)

Published in: on May 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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A CURIOUS BOY : LEHNERT AND LANDROCK : EGYPTOLOGY : ETHNOGRAPHY : RPPC

This photogravure vintage postcard features a culturally evocative scene: a woman seated indoors near a barred window, partially draped in cloth and adorned with large hoop earrings and a headscarf. She gazes toward a young boy outside the window, who peers in with curiosity. The boy wears traditional attire and a cap, adding to the ethnographic charm of the composition. The room is softly lit, with a curtain drawn to the side, enhancing the intimate and contemplative mood. This postcard, entitled “A Curious Boy” was published by the celebrated ethnographic photography firm, Lehnert & Landrock as part of a series (No.223). The company was located in Cairo Egypt. Rudolf Franz Lehnert (1878-1948) & Ernst Heinrich Landrock (1878-1966) were the principals of the firm. Lehnert was of German origin, while Landrock was from Bohemia. The pair met in Switzerland and decided to go into business together. Lehnert was the photographer and Landrock was the administrator. Landrock organized trips, managed the photo studio and photo production, and marketed the photographs and prints. They were photographers in Tunis and in Egypt, They also opened studios in Munich (Germany) and Leipzig (Germany).  They produced many photographs from Egypt and Tunisia. Their first studio was in Tunis. They photographed monuments and sites in those countries, but were most known for their erotic images of Arab women, often posing in harem themes. Sometimes the photographers seemed more concerned about producing erotic photographs rather than documenting everyday life in these Middle Eastern countries. Lehnert and Landrock were well acclaimed for their work and the duo have images in a number of museums, including Philadelphia’s Penn Museum an the Musee de l’elysee in Lausanne, Switzerland. (SOLD)

Published in: on March 26, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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TUNISIAN LOVERS : LEHNERT AND LANDROCK : ORIENTAL TYPES : ETHNOGRAPHY : RPPC

This vintage postcard features “Les Amoureux” which translates to English as “Lovers”. The pair are dressed in their traditional garb. Both offer the photographer beautiful smiles. The postcard was published by the celebrated ethnographic photography firm, Lehnert & Landrock as part of the III series (No.2532). R
udolf Franz Lehnert (1878-1948) & Ernst Heinrich Landrock (1878-1966) were the principals of the firm. Lehnert was of German origin, while Landrock was from Bohemia. The pair met in Switzerland and decided to go into business together. Lehnert was the photographer and Landrock was the administrator. Landrock organized trips, managed the photo studio and photo production, and marketed the photographs and prints. They were photographers in Tunisia and in Egypt, They also opened studios in Munich (Germany) and Leipzig (Germany).  They produced many photographs from Egypt and Tunisia. Their first studio was in Tunis. They photographed monuments and sites in those countries, but were most known for their erotic images of Arab women, often posing in harem themes. Sometimes the photographers seemed more concerned about producing erotic photographs rather than documenting everyday life in these Middle Eastern countries. Lehnert and Landrock were well acclaimed for their work and the duo have images in a number of museums, including Philadelphia’s Penn Museum an the Musee de l’elysee in Lausanne, Switzerland. (SOLD)

Published in: on October 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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THREE EGYPTIAN SHOESHINE BOYS : EGYPTOLOGY : ETHNOGRAPHY : RPPC

This photogravure vintage postcard features a portrait of three Egyptian shoeshine boys resting. The children have their shoeblack kits in front of them. The wood boxes hold the tools of their trade. The postcard was published by the celebrated ethnographic photography firm, Lehnert & Landrock as part of a series (No.7085). The company was located in Cairo Egypt. Rudolf Franz Lehnert (1878-1948) & Ernst Heinrich Landrock (1878-1966) were the principals of the firm. Lehnert was of German origin, while Landrock was from Bohemia. The pair met in Switzerland and decided to go into business together. Lehnert was the photographer and Landrock was the administrator. Landrock organized trips, managed the photo studio and photo production, and marketed the photographs and prints. They were photographers in Tunis and in Egypt, They also opened studios in Munich (Germany) and Leipzig (Germany).  They produced many photographs from Egypt and Tunisia. Their first studio was in Tunis. They photographed monuments and sites in those countries, but were most known for their erotic images of Arab women, often posing in harem themes. Sometimes the photographers seemed more concerned about producing erotic photographs rather than documenting everyday life in these Middle Eastern countries. Lehnert and Landrock were well acclaimed for their work and the duo have images in a number of museums, including Philadelphia’s Penn Museum an the Musee de l’elysee in Lausanne, Switzerland.  SOLD

Published in: on March 2, 2024 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  
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INDIAN WOMAN HUSKING RICE : TRADITIONAL GARB : ETHNOGRAPHIC : MAHATTA : RPPC

This ethnographic real photo vintage postcard features a portrait of a young Indian woman husking rice. She is wearing traditional clothing. A basket in the forefront holds her supplies. This postcard was published by the photography firm, Mahatta & Co.. The firm still is in existence. It has been owned by the Mahatta family since it was established in 1915. The photography studio had branches in a number of Indian cities. It is currently operating in New Delhi. The firm’s history is very much intertwined with India’s history. The Mahatta company photographed many famous people including Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Jacqueline Kenney and the Dalai Lama.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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EGYPTIAN WOMAN : PARTIALLY CLAD : EGYPTOLOGY : RISQUE : ETHNOGRAPHY : RPPC

This vintage postcard features a partially clad young Egyptian woman lying on the ground and smoking a cigarette. She appears in a risque pose on this suggestive postcard.  The postcard is from the “Scenes et Types Series” (no.161). This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

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Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5157

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$25.00

5157

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5157

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$35.00

Published in: on December 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SARA TRIBESMAN : MOUNTED HUNTER : HOLDING A SPEAR : CHAD : BY PAULEAU : RPPC

This scallop edged vintage real photo ethnographic postcard features a mounted hunter who was a member of the Sara tribe. He is holding a spear. The photograph, as stated on the reverse of the postcard, was taken in Chad (A.E.F.). AEF stands for French Equatorial Africa, the federation of French colonial possessions in Equatorial Africa. The AEF was composed of Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon. The photographer of this image is quite well known and well respected. Rene Pauleau produced beautiful and informative photographs of Africa and African people. The card was produced in Cameroon. This vintage postcard is a remnant of Colonial African history. It is in good condition (See Scans).

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Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5150

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$32.00

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5150

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$42.00

Published in: on November 16, 2023 at 7:26 am  Leave a Comment  
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INDIGENOUS WOMAN AND CHILD : TAOS, NEW MEXICO : ETHNOGRAPHIC : RPPC (1918-1930)

This vintage real photo postcard features an indigenous mother and daughter in Taos, New Mexico. They are wearing traditional clothing consistent with their culture. Note the native rug on the floor as well as the painting in the background. The woman and child seen in this ethnographic photograph may be from the Taos-speaking (Tiwa) tribe of Puebloan people. Many members of this community still live in the pueblos outside the city of Taos. The pueblos are thought to be the oldest continually inhabited communities in the United States. This postcard has an AZO stamp box indicating that it was published sometime between 1918 and 1930. The card is in very good condition (see scans). SOLD

Published in: on June 12, 2023 at 12:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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YOUNG EGYPTIAN WOMAN : SHEER HEAD COVERING : EGYPTOLOGY : ETHNOGRAPHY : RPPC

This vintage postcard features a pretty young Egyptian woman dressed in traditional costume. She is wearing a head and face covering hijab (veil).  The postcard was published by the celebrated ethnographic photography firm, Lehnert & Landrock. The company was located in Cairo Egypt. Rudolf Franz Lehnert (1878-1948) & Ernst Heinrich Landrock (1878-1966) were the principals of the firm.. Lehnert was of German origin, while Landrock was from Bohemia. The pair met in Switzerland and decided to go into business together. Lehnert was the photographer and Landrock was the administrator. Landrock organized trips, managed the photo studio and photo production, and marketed the photographs and prints. They were photographers in Tunis and in Egypt, They also opened studios in Munich (Germany) and Leipzig (Germany).  They produced many photographs from Egypt and Tunisia. Their first studio was in Tunis. They photographed monuments and sites in those countries, but were most known for their erotic images of Arab women, often posing in harem themes. Sometimes the photographers seemed more concerned about producing erotic photographs rather than documenting everyday life in these Middle Eastern countries. Lehnert and Landrock were well acclaimed for their work and the duo have images in a number of museums, including Philadelphia’s Penn Museum an the Musee de l’elysee in Lausanne, Switzerland.  SOLD

Published in: on April 21, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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A FEI CARRIER : TAHITI : LOIN CLOTH : ETHNOGRAPHIC : PHOTO BY G. SPITZ

This Tahitian vintage postcard features a “Fei Carrier”. What is a fe’i, you may ask? Fe’i are the most popular variety of bananas in French Polynesia. One would imagine the weight of the banana laden pole must be quite heavy. However, the carrier, clad in a loincloth, appears up to the task. This photo was taken by Charles Georges Spitz (1857-1894). I found little information about Spitz except that he was a former sergeant in the Marine infantry and he landed on the island of Tahiti in 1878 on the ship “Le Navarin”. In short time he received his military discharge and he settled in Papeete as a “jeweler-photographer”. His talent as a photographer is well recognized and his photographs are quite valuable. SOLD

Published in: on November 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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