FELIX BRAMI : BANTAM WEIGHT BOXER : STAR OF DAVID ON HIS BOXING SHORTS

This vintage photograph features French bantam-weight boxer, Felix Said Brami (1940-2018). He was born in Tunis, Tunisia and was of Jewish descent. His boxing career spanned from 1961 through 1975. The website BoxRec states that he was in the super fly-weight division. Brami had an impressive record of 44 wins, 10 losses, and 3 draws. Twenty-two of his victories were by knockout. Brami won his first 20 fights. He was ranked as high as #6 bantamweight in the world by The Ring magazine in 1964, He was ranked in the top ten bantamweights in the world between 1963 and 1966. He held the French junior lightweight title from 1971 through 1975. Note the Star of David on Brami’s boxing shorts. I imagine that the star represents Brami’s heritage. Note the Star of David embroidered on his boxing trunks. Brami may have developed the idea in imitation of Max Baer. Baer was Jewish and a national hero after he won a bout against German boxer, Max Schmeling, in 1933. This photo indicates that Brami’s manager was G. Charles Raymond. The card’s portrait was photographed by the Belonie studio.  SOLD

Published in: on November 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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JEWISH BAR MITZVAH BOY : BY FROOMKIN NYC : VINTAGE PHOTO : FOLDER STYLE c 1920

This vintage portrait photograph captures a poised young Jewish boy, likely taken around the 1920s, dressed formally for what appears to be his Bar Mitzvah. He sits confidently in a high-backed carved chair with lion-head arms, wearing a well-tailored three-piece suit. Draped over his shoulders is a traditional tallit (Jewish prayer shawl), a ceremonial item typically worn during religious rites of passage such as a Bar Mitzvah. In his hands he gently holds what appears to be a small prayer book or sacred text. His expression is one of calm maturity and seriousness, with just the faintest trace of a smile. His hair is neatly combed, and his polished shoes and well-fitted clothing reflect the importance of the occasion. The photograph was taken by Max Froomkin, a Russian-American professional photographer located at 85 Avenue B, New York—a neighborhood historically known for its vibrant Jewish immigrant community on the Lower East Side. The photograph is beautifully mounted in a decorative folder with an embossed Art Nouveau-style frame. This is a touching and visually striking example of early 20th-century Jewish portraiture in America, and it offers both historical and cultural value. (SOLD)

Published in: on September 18, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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JEWISH TEMPLE : SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS : HORSE & CARRIAGES : JUDAICA POSTCARD

This vintage lithographic postcard features a Jewish Temple, located in San Antonio, Texas. Note the two horse and carriages at the curb in front of the temple. The temple appearing on this postcard is “Temple Beth El”. The congregation was founded in 1874 and its first temple was opened in 1875. Many of the temple’s members were German immigrants who came to Texas in the 1850’s and 1860’s. In 1903, the congregation opened another temple to replace the first which was outgrown. The second temple, built on the site of the first, is pictured on this postcard. The second temple was replaced in 1927. This postcard is from the 1900’s or 1910’s. It was published by Paul Ebers, located in San Antonio. SOLD

MOUNT SINAI, LONG ISLAND, NY : PIPE STAVE HOLLOW CABIN RENTAL : ANTI SEMITISM

This vintage postcard features two sides, each depicting lithographic prints of cabins located in “Historic Pipe Stave Hollow” in Mount Sinai, Long Island, New York. The purpose of the postcard is to advertise cabin rentals in a secluded, rustic area near the Long Island Sound, and it offers a glimpse into mid-20th-century marketing practices, including discriminatory policies. The lithographic image on the front showcases a cabin surrounded by a dense grove of trees. The setting is tranquil and woodsy, suggesting a retreat-like atmosphere. The caption below the image reads: “$2,000 Cabin in Historic Pipe Stave Hollow, Mount Sinai, Long Island.” This implies that the cabin was valued at $2,000—a significant sum at the time. The image emphasizes the natural beauty of the area, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, creating an idyllic appeal for potential renters. The reverse side contains another lithographic image, this time of a smaller, simpler cabin nestled among the trees. The text below describes the rental terms “Rent: $165 for a furnished cabin from March to November, Amenities: The cabin features four rooms, an inside flush toilet, a kitchen sink, and an outdoor shower, and Setting: The cabins are located in a “rocky wooded glen near Long Island Sound,” further promoting the serene, natural environment. Other cabins in the same area are advertised for higher rents ($200–$300), likely reflecting size or location differences. “Pipe Stave Hollow” in Mount Sinai, Long Island, is described as a historically significant location. This area may have derived its name from a historical use of the land, such as for the manufacturing of pipe staves (wooden pieces used in barrels or pipes), a practice common in colonial times. This postcard is anti-semitic. The postcard explicitly states, “We prefer Christians,” revealing a discriminatory and anti-Semitic policy that was unfortunately commonplace in certain regions and industries during the early 20th century. This statement provides insight into the social and cultural climate of the period, emphasizing the exclusionary practices that were socially tolerated at the time. This postcard likely dates to the 1920’s or 1930’s. SOLD

JEWISH NEW YEARS PHOTO : HEBREW, GERMAN, & ENGLISH : CUTE CHILDREN : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card photograph actually served as a Happy Jewish New Years (L’shana Tova) card. This photograph was likely given to friends and family by the proud parents of the two children seen in the photo. Printed on the card are New Years greetings written in Hebrew, German, and English. This photograph was produced by the Charyn Studio located on Grand Street in New York City. 
Victor Charyn (1876-1928) was born in Russia and emigrated to the United States.  Some research would likely uncover more biographical information about him. A similar Jewish New Year’s photo from the Charyn Studio can be found at the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City.  SOLD

JUDAICA : HEBREW WRITING : CUTE LITTLE BOY : NEW YORK CITY : MAX SIMON : RPPC 

This vintage divided back real photo postcard features an adorable little boy. He is wearing a sailor outfit. Note his socks. There is a bow at the top of each sock. Also note the message on the reverse of the postcard is written in Hebrew. The card is dated 1924. The photographer of this child’s portrait is Max Simon. Simon was extremely likely, a Jewish man. He operated a studio at 331 Grand Street in New York City.  (SOLD)

RIVERHEAD, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK : JEWISH GIRLS : YIDDISH :VINTAGE POSTCARD 1913

This uncommon vintage postcard announces that Jewish girls in Riverhead, Long Island, New York are good catches. I am hoping that this card is not viewed as anti-semitic and instead is seen as Jewish humor. The artist created a scene with a Riverhead banner and a pretty young woman walking by. This postcard was published by G. D & D. (New York & London). The card is part of a series (No.5007). The series included identical cards representing other towns and cities. I have found that these cards were postmarked circa 1913. SOLD

Published in: on June 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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CLAIRE ROMMER : FILM ACTRESS :SAVED FROM NAZIS BY ARISTEDES De SOUSA MENDES

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German film actress, Claire Rommer (1904-1996). Her filmography on IMDb credits her with 49 film appearances between 1922 and 1934. She made her film debut at the age of eighteen. She also began her career as a soubrette appearing in operettas and comedies on the Berlin stage. However, her fame came from her film work. She played both leading and supportive roles. She played in silent films and made a successful transition to sound films. She even sang in some of her talkies. She was married to a prosperous Jewih man, named Adolf Strenger. Because of her marriage, in 1938 she was banned from any participation in the German film industry. It was thought that she was probably not Aryan like her husband. The rise of the Nazis forced the couple to leave Germany and emigrate to the United States via Portugal.The pair left Europe with the assistance of Aristedes de Sousa Mendes. He was a Portuguese Consular stationed in France. Mendes defied orders from his government and issued thousands of visas to Jews, allowing them to escape with their families and their lives. He was a hero for his work as a Holocaust rescuer. Ultimately, Mendes was severely punished for his defiance. After leaving Germany, Rommer’s film career ended. In the US, she divorced her husband and married a meat industry multi-millionaire.

Postcard 1 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/1). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in excellent condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.1933/2). Claire Rommer’s photo portrait was taken by celebrity photographer, Alexander Binder. This vintage photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no.3010/1). Miss Rommer’s portrait was taken by famed celebrity photographer Alex Binder, who operated his studio in Berlin. The postcard was postmarked in 1928. (SOLD)

CAMP MASSAD BETH : JEWISH CAMP NEAR DINGMANS FERRY, PENNSYLVANIA : POCONO MOUNTAINS

This vintage lithographic postcard features Massad Beth, a Jewish camp located in the Pocono Mountains near Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. The camp was a Zionist Jewish summer camp. The camp was about camping, but also about learning the Hebrew language and Jewish culture. The camp was founded as a day camp in 1941 and grew into three sleep away camps in Pennsylvania. At it’s peak, the camp had over a thousand campers and staff each summer. The camp closed in 1981. The camps alumni include Noam Chomsky (linguist), Alan Dershowitz (attorney), and Ralph Lauren (fashion designer and executive). This card was published by Planned Color Advertising. The firm was located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. SOLD

Published in: on January 11, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARGARET HALSTON: BEAUTIFUL SHAKESPEARIAN ACTRESS AND FILM STAR

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Margaret Halston, in her role as Desdemona in Othello, is the subject of Postcard 1. The card was published by Percy Guttenberg of Manchester, England. The postcard is part of the “Revival Series” (no.122). Margaret Halston (1879-1967) was an English actress born in London, England as Clara Maud Hertz. A number of references mention that she was of Jewish descent. She was known for both theater, film, and television performances. Among her popular performances was in “Tell Your Children” (1922), “The Holly and the Ivy” 1952, and “Touch and Go” (1955). She began her acting career in amateur theatre and she made her professional stage debut at the Haymarket Theater in 1895. Her roles became larger over time until she became a leading actress appearing in plays such as  ‘Hamlet   ‘ (1896), “Antony and Cleopatra” (1897), and “The Taming of the Shrew” (1897). At the turn of the century she became part of Frank Benson’s theatre group and took numerous roles in Shakespearian theatre. It is reported that she acted in almost all of Shakespeare’s plays. She later worked in George Alexander and Herbert Beerbohm-Tree’s theater groups. She became involved in film in 1916 when she made her debut with “A Bunch of Violets”. Over the next few years she appeared in a small number of silent movies. She adapted well to sound films and appeared in a number of them. IMDB credits her with appearing in sixteen films between 1917 and 1956. The site also lists three television credits between 1938 and 1955. Miss Halstan was certainly an entertainment star. It is interesting to note that she twice played in the role of “Queen of Transylvania” in the theatrical production of “My Fair Lady” (1957-1958, 1961-1963). There are three portraits of her in the National Portrait Gallery.

Postcard 2 features Margaret Halston, in her role in “As You Like It”. She is the subject of this real photo postcard published by Percy Guttenberg of Manchester, England. The postcard is part of the “Revival Series” (no.122). The photographer of this image is Alexander Percy Guttenberg (1870-?). He came from a family that produced a number of photographers. His father, Marcus Guttenberg (1828-1891) began as a daguerreotypist in Hungary, Prussia, Poland and Germany before starting a photography business in England (1851). One source reports that he established 24 studios in England but settled in the Manchester area. Percy, like his father, was also very successful. In fact, there are fourteen of his photographs in England’s National Portrait Gallery. Percy was famous for his work photographing actors and actresses. This portrait postcard, is in excellent condition (see scans). 

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POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2