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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JEAN AYLWIN : PRETTY BRITISH ACTRESS & SINGER : RAPHAEL TUCK : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features a striking portrait of Jean Aylwin (1885-1964), a pretty British actress and singer from the early 20th century. She gained fame for her performances in musical comedies and plays in London and she also toured internationally. Aylwin was associated with the popular Gaiety Theater productions. She had notable performances in several successful productions including “The New Aladdin” (1906), “The Girls of Gottenberg” (1907) and “Our Miss Gibbs” (1909). Aylwin also appeared in two silent films. She married in 1913 but the marriage ended in divorce in 1924. She was accused of adultery with a noted composer of her time. After her divorce, her career declined. She later worked as a housekeeper. In 1926, she briefly worked as a BBC radio broadcaster. In this portrait, Jean Aylwin is presented with a soft, coquettish elegance that was typical of early 20th-century stage and postcard imagery. She is shown seated and slightly angled toward the camera, her head gently tilted, with her hands clasped at her chest in a demure, almost confessional pose. Her expression is warm and inviting—large, dark eyes looking directly at the viewer beneath delicately arched brows, with a faint, knowing smile that suggests charm rather than overt theatricality. She wears an ornate period costume with layers of lace and sheer fabric, the bodice trimmed with ruffles that frame her neckline and sleeves. Dark ribbon accents at the sleeves and waist provide contrast against the pale, airy textiles. Her hair is styled neatly and topped with a frilled cap or bonnet, finished with a prominent dark bow that adds visual drama and balance to the composition. Overall, the image emphasizes her youthful femininity, grace, and approachability, qualities that clearly made her well suited for popular theatrical and postcard circulation of the era. Jean’s career in the performing arts overlapped with the golden age of postcards, and her image frequently appeared on souvenir postcards like this one. The card is published by Raphael Tuck, a notable postcard company active in England during the early 20th century. The card is part of the series, numbered T1255, and was published and printed in England. This postcard is in good condition (see scans).

This vintage postcard is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $14.00 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236552839717

Published in: on January 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MISS MARJORIE VILLIS : RISQUE PORTRAIT OF A STRIKINGLY PRETTY BRITISH ACTRESS

This vintage real photo postcard portrait feature British silent film actress, Marjorie Villis (1891-1981). Miss Villis is quite pretty and has a wonderful smile. This photograph captures her in a risque pose and a risque costume. What an amazing elaborate and busy costume. When I first saw this image, I immediately became motivated to find information about this provocative actress. I met little success in learning about Marjorie Villis. Photographs of her appear to be uncommon, and I could not find the postcard above anywhere online. I did learn that she sat for seven postcard portraits that can be found in the UK’s National Portrait Gallery, All of the portraits were taken by celebrated photographer, Alexander Bassano. The IMDb credits Villis with 15 film roles between 1915 and 1922. Villis was most noted for her roles in “The Rugged Path (1918), “A Romany Lass (1918)”, and  “Brenda of the Barge (1920). She had a relatively short career. I wonder why her career ended so abruptly? The first talkie feature film did not get released until 1927, so we know that, unlike many other silent film stars, Villis was not shut out of the film industry because of an unsuitable voice or foreign accent. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Company (London)  as part of a series (no.142 J). The wonderful portrait of Miss Villis was taken by S. Ward. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans)

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

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336231732840

Published in: on January 11, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARY PICKFORD : AMERICA’S SWEETHEART : ROTARY PHOTO : HAND TINTED RPPC 1920

This beautiful vintage real photo postcard features Mary Pickford, shown here in a soft, introspective portrait that perfectly captures the romantic visual style of the early 1910s. Pickford is posed in three-quarter profile, her gaze cast downward, with her signature long curls cascading over her shoulders. She wears a delicate, flowing gown rendered in subtle hand-applied color, with pale blue and warm cream tones carefully brushed over the original photograph, lending the image a dreamy, ethereal quality. The overall effect is gentle and luminous, emphasizing her youthful features and expressive eyes. This postcard was produced by Rotary Photo, one of the most prolific and collectible publishers of celebrity real photo postcards in the early 20th century. The image is identified by the ID No. S.62-2, printed at the lower edge, and the reverse confirms it was printed in England via (Rajer Bromide). Mary Pickford needs little introduction; often called “America’s Sweetheart,” she was one of the most beloved and influential actresses of the silent film era, helping to define early Hollywood stardom. This particular image emphasizes her emotional subtlety and screen presence rather than theatrical glamour, making it especially appealing to collectors of classic film portraiture. The reverse reveals the postcard was postally used and that it is bearing a British King George V one-penny red stamp, postmarked in 1920. The card was mailed to someone in Harrogate, England. The handwritten message reads, in part “Just a card to let you know I am quite well. Hoping you are the same. Best love…”.  (SOLD)

Published in: on January 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SIKH SOLDIERS BRITISH INDIAN ARMY : BASTILLE DAY : PARIS : POSTCARD : WW I 1916

This striking World War I–era postcard captures a powerful and historically important moment: Indian Sikh soldiers marching through Paris on July 14, 1916, France’s Bastille Day. The scene shows a column of turbaned Sikh troops advancing down a Parisian boulevard, sabers drawn, while a French woman steps forward to present flowers—an evocative gesture of gratitude and solidarity from the French public toward Allied colonial troops. The men are Sikh soldiers serving in the British Indian Army, identifiable by their turbans, beards, and traditional curved sabers (talwars), worn alongside British military uniforms and equipment. Sikh regiments were highly respected for their discipline and battlefield effectiveness, and tens of thousands served on the Western Front during the First World War. Many fought in France and Belgium between 1914 and 1918, sustaining heavy casualties far from home. This particular image documents their ceremonial participation in a Paris victory parade, rather than a battlefield scene. By 1916, Sikh and other Indian troops had become a familiar—and deeply symbolic—presence in France, representing the global reach of the Allied war effort. Public parades such as this one were meant to boost morale and emphasize unity among the Allies. The interaction in the foreground—flowers being handed to a senior Sikh soldier—adds a human and emotional layer to the photograph, underscoring the respect these men received from civilians who understood the sacrifices being made on their behalf. The caption under this postcard’s image can be translated as “July 14 in Paris, 1916 – The Indian Sepoys”. The term cipayes (sepoys) was commonly used in French to describe Indian soldiers serving under British command. The small monogram “ELD” at the bottom left of this postcard, is the publisher’s photographic logo and corresponds to Éditions Le Deley, a major Parisian postcard publisher active in the early 20th century. Le Deley was especially known for producing high-quality photographic postcards documenting current events, military subjects, and international themes during World War I. The reverse confirms the publisher as Le Deley, with a Paris address printed along the left edge. Le Deley issued thousands of wartime postcards and played an important role in visually documenting France’s experience during the Great War, including its colonial and Allied forces. (SOLD)

Published in: on December 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CAMILLE CLIFFORD : THE GIBSON GIRL : STAGE ACTRESS : HAND TINTED : ROTARY RPPC

Camille Clifford (1885–1971) was a Belgian-born stage actress and fashion icon best known as the quintessential “Gibson Girl”, a feminine ideal created by American illustrator Charles Dana Gibson. Born in Antwerp, Belgium, she was raised in Sweden and later in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1902, she entered and won a contest sponsored by Gibson seeking the perfect embodiment of his Gibson Girl drawings, which rocketed her to fame. Clifford’s signature look — an hourglass figure, piled-high coiffure, and aristocratic bearing — made her an immediate sensation in Edwardian society. She soon transitioned to the London stage, where her statuesque beauty often overshadowed her acting roles. Her most famous performance was in the musical comedy The Catch of the Season (1904), where she appeared as the aristocratic Lady Crystal. In 1906, Clifford married the Hon. Henry Lyndhurst Bruce, son of the 2nd Baron Aberdare, and largely retired from the stage after marriage, though she made occasional returns in the 1910s and 1920s. After her husband’s death in World War I, she lived a quieter life but remained a symbol of Edwardian elegance. This is a striking hand tinted Rotary Photographic Series real photo postcard featuring Miss Clifford, serial number (4180 I). It was published by Rotary Photo, one of the most prolific and respected postcard publishers in early 20th-century Britain.  In this image, Camille Clifford appears wearing an immense, lavishly plumed hat in rich tones of red and deep pink, its dramatic sweep perfectly framing her elaborately coiffed dark hair. Her gown, light and sheer with a delicate floral pattern, is accented by a high ruffled collar and ribbons tinted in shades of crimson and coral. The colorist has applied subtle blush to her cheeks and a soft rose tint to her lips, heightening her serene yet alluring expression. She gazes slightly upward and away from the camera, her eyes thoughtful and composed, embodying the calm confidence and refined beauty that made her one of the most photographed women of the early twentieth century. The reverse of the postcard is written and postally used, addressed to Mrs. Clinch, in Cheltenham. The message, written in ink, reads: Dear Aunt, Hope this finds all well again. Sorry to hear of your fall being queer. Today is the first real drizzly day we’ve had yet. How are those “lazy little devils” of girls? Nephew Ernie. The postcard bears a green half-penny King George V stamp, which was first issued in 1911. The postmark is partially legible but shows London, and appears to read 1912. This dating aligns perfectly with the height of Camille Clifford’s stage fame and with the active period of Rotary Photo, E.C. and Foulsham & Banfield, the photographers credited at the right. Together these details place the postcard firmly in the early 1910s, likely around 1912, when hand-colored photographic postcards of theatrical personalities such as Clifford were immensely popular with collectors throughout Britain.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 16, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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VICTORIAN BEAUTY ASKS “DO YOU THINK I’M SEXY?” IN GREAT YARMOUTH, ENGLAND

VICTORIAN BEAUTY ASKS “DO YOU THINK I’M SEXY?” : GREAT YARMOUTH : CABINET CARD - Picture 2 of 3

A Victorian beauty poses for her portrait in Great Yarmouth, England. She certainly has chosen a provocative pose. The young woman may be a stage actress or dancer. She is not helping the stereotypical  image of female stage performers who were viewed by much of the public as equivalent to prostitutes.  This  risqué  (for the era) image was photographed by Tilley Brothers studio. The photographers were successors to Boughton and Sons. Great Yarmouth is a coastal town in Norfolk, England. It has been a seaside resort since 1760.  SOLD

Published in: on November 9, 2025 at 12:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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DO DO WATTS : BRITISH STAGE AND FILM ACTRESS : CAREER WOMAN

This vintage real photo postcard features British stage and film actress, Dodo Watts (1910-1990), She had one appearance on Broadway in “The Middle Watch” (1929).When she retired from acting, she became a career woman. She owned a successful millinery firm in London. She also worked as a casting director for three films. She cast Diana Rigg in her role in “The Avegers” television series. Watts also worked as a theatrical agent. The IMDb credits her with19 film credits between 1925 and 1953. This card was published by Picturegoer as part of a series (no.537). The photograph seen on this card was taken by George Mannell. His firm was located in London, England. SOLD

Published in: on November 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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JEAN AYLWIN : SCOTTISH ACTRESS & SINGER : DOVER STREET STUDIOS : RPPC 1908

This vintage real photo postcard features a striking portrait of Jean Aylwin (1885-1964), a pretty British actress and singer from the early 20th century. She gained fame for her performances in musical comedies and plays in London and she also toured internationally. Aylwin was associated with the popular Gaiety Theater productions. She had notable performances in several successful productions including “The New Aladdin” (1906), “The Girls of Gottenberg” (1907) and “Our Miss Gibbs” (1909). Aylwin also appeared in two silent films. She married in 1913 but the marriage ended in divorce in 1924. She was accused of adultery with a noted composer of her time. After her divorce, her career declined. She later worked as a housekeeper. In 1926, she briefly worked as a BBC radio broadcaster.  Aylwin looks elegant in this dramatic studio pose. She stands three-quarter length with a thoughtful, hand-to-chin expression, the other hand set firmly at her hip. Aylwin wears a striking military-style costume—a fitted jacket heavily braided with ball buttons and tasselled cords, over a pleated skirt; a matching hat rests at her side. Her hair is dressed in full Edwardian waves, completing the theatrical look. Thd photographer of this portrait is the Dover Street Studios. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no1898K). The postcard has a Wandsworth (London) postmark from 1908. The postcard is addressed to someone in West Australia. The message on the card is “This is rather a pretty girl. I have seen her in a piece called Havana. Jack.” The front of this card is has rich, sharp sepia tones. Holding the card at a certain angle, one can see dimples caused by the postmark. (SOLD) 

Published in: on October 20, 2025 at 12:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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VALLI VALLI : PRETTY SILENT FILM & STAGE ACTRESS : RPPC 1908

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature British beauty and actress, Valli Valli (1882-1927). She was a British musical comedy actress and a silent film performer. She was born in Berlin but spent most of her life in England. Her sisters, Lulu and Ida Valli were both actresses. Her father was a merchant. She was educated in London and Paris. She made her stage debut in London at the age of twelve. At thirteen years of age she had a successful run in the musical comedy “Morocco Bound” in Berlin. The next year she performed at London’s Drury Lane Theatre in a pantomime version of Cinderella. As an adult, Valli was a beautiful woman. She performed mostly on the English stage but did tour the United States a number of times. These plays include “The Dollar Princess” and her final New York City performance in “Miss Millions” (1919). In all, she appeared in seven Broadway plays between 1905 and 1920. Valli appeared in four films during 1915 and 1916. These films included “The Turmoil” which was an adaptation of a Booth Tarkington novel. In 1917, she married Louis Dreyfus, head of a music publishing house, and later, a theatrical producer. Valli died from tuberculosis at the young age of forty-five.

Postcard 1 captures Valli, in a pensive, or possibly, dejected mood. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1760G). Miss Valli was photographed by the Bassano studio. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Valli, in a pensive or imploring mood, identical to the mood she exhibits in postcard 1. This card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.11415A).  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 captures Valli in her role as “The Gipsy” in “Queen of Hearts” . The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.11415A). (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

Published in: on October 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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