This photograph captures a young boy dressed in a formal sailor suit. The outfit is unusual, as most children wearing nautical clothing in photographs of this era are not clad in such a fine suit. The photographer is Taylor of Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a US naval port and it is very possible that this boys father was a high ranking naval officer stationed there. One can surmise that he was an officer because a child dressed in such finery must come from a well-to-do family. (SOLD)
SAILOR BOY IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA (FUTURE NAVAL OFFICER?)
MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS AND SISTERS IN SAXTONS RIVER, VERMONT
This cabinet card, photographed by P. W. Taft, features two young adult women and two young girls. Perhaps the two older girls are sisters and the two young girls are daughters of the older woman. The family constellation in this image is impossible to determine. It is interesting to note that the two little girls are both wearing dresses styled after a sailor suit. The two dresses are similar, but not identical. Taft’s studio was located in Saxtons River, Vermont. To view other photographs by Taft, click on the category “Photographer: Taft”. Preston William Taft (1826-1901) was listed in the Windham County Business Directory 1884) as having a photography business in Saxtons River. Research reveals that he established a Daguerreotype, and later Photography business in 1856 and operated the studio until 1878. He was married in 1850 to Rose Melissa Miller and the couple had three sons and a daughter. Sons Frank (born 1851), Charles (born 1863), and Edward (born 1868), all became photographers. The daughter’s name was Nettie (born 1865). It is likely that this cabinet card was produced by one of P. W. Taft’s sons since, judging by characteristics of the cabinet card, it was likely photographed after he had left the business. To view other photographs by P. W. Taft, click on the category “Photographer: Taft”. SOLD
U.S. NAVY SAILOR : LANE STUDIO : BROOKLYN, NEW YORK : CABINET CARD 1890’s
This original cabinet card photograph, measuring approximately 4¼ x 6½ inches, features a striking portrait of a young U.S. Navy sailor, captured in formal studio attire. The sailor wears a traditional dark naval jumper with a wide collar and a neatly tied neckerchief. His uniform displays the eagle and chevron insignia on his right sleeve, identifying him as a petty officer in the United States Navy, likely from the late 1880s to 1890s, based on the style of dress and photograph mount. He also wears a flat, round sailor’s cap with a trailing ribbon, typical of American naval uniforms from this period. The sailor has a composed, thoughtful expression, with a full mustache and clear eyes gazing slightly off camera, conveying quiet confidence and professionalism. The photograph was taken by Lane Studio, located at 461 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York, a prominent address in the borough’s thriving commercial and photographic district during the late 19th century. The word “Carbonette” on the card refers to a photographic printing process used around the 1890s, known for its rich tonal quality and lasting image stability. It was considered a premium finish for portrait photography during that era. (SOLD)
FOUR CHILDREN WITH KITTENS : BY MARTINOT FRERES : GRENOBLE, FRANCE : CABINET CARD
This enchanting cabinet card portrait captures a tender domestic scene from the late 19th century. The image features four children—three girls and a boy—posed formally in a studio setting. Their expressions are a blend of poise and innocence, with a touch of curiosity and seriousness common in portraits of the period. Each child is neatly dressed, their attire reflecting the middle-to-upper-class fashion of the Victorian era. The two older girls, seated on a stone bench, gently cradle small kittens in their laps, adding a heartwarming, spontaneous touch to the otherwise composed image. Their delicate white dresses are adorned with ruffles and lace, and they wear matching striped stockings and black shoes. Their hair is neatly styled, with ribbons typing it back, creating a soft angelic appearance. Beside them stands their older brother, dressed in an immaculate dark nautical outfit, complete with a wide sailor collar, decorative buttons, and a silk tie. His right hand holds a large straw hat, and his confident posture suggests a protective older sibling role. The youngest child, a toddler, stands in front on a miniature chair, wearing a ruffled white dress with puffed sleeves and a curious expression. Her chubby cheeks and tousled bob haircut lend her a particularly charming presence. The photographer of this beautiful image is Martinot Frères, whose studio was located in Grenoble, France..The elaborate typography and decoration on the back of the card advertise the studio’s prestige, including a mention of awards received at the Exposition de Bordeaux in 1882. The inclusion of this medal suggests a respected reputation and hints at the high quality of the photography. (SOLD)
OLD MILL WATERFRONT : EAST NEW YORK, BROOKLYN NY : VINTAGE POSTCARD c1910s
This vibrant, hand-tinted postcard captures a nostalgic waterfront scene titled, “Scene at the Old Mill, East New York, Brooklyn, New York.” A peaceful waterway stretches into the distance, flanked on both sides by wooden piers, weathered clapboard boathouses, and numerous small fishing boats and rowboats moored at the docks. Several American flags wave proudly from the buildings and masts, suggesting a patriotic atmosphere—perhaps near the Fourth of July. The canal is lively yet serene, with a few boats actively drifting in the calm water and others docked beside wooden walkways. The pastel tones of the sky, combined with the charming architectural details of the boathouses—painted in soft yellows, pinks, and blues—lend the postcard an idyllic charm, reminiscent of early 20th-century East New York before urbanization transformed the landscape. This postcard was published by the Commercial Art Post Card Co., New York, N.Y., a prolific publisher active in the early 20th century, known for scenic views and hand-colored lithographs. It is a divided back postcard with the stamp box indicating one cent for U.S. and Canada—suggesting a date range from the 1910s to early 1920s. (SOLD)
PORTRAIT OF FOUR ADORABLE CHILDREN : SIBLINGS : FASHION : RPPC
This vintage real photo postcard features a portrait of four young siblings. The children are adorable. Note that three of the four children in the image are wearing sailor suits. This photo was taken at a time that the “nautical look” was in vogue. SOLD
TWO HANDSOME AFFECTIONATE SAILORS : IN UNIFORM : PRIVATE STUDIO : RPPC 1930-1950
This vintage real photo postcard features two handsome uniformed sailors in an affectionate pose. This is a studio photograph and is likely one-of-a-kind. The card’s EK stamp box indicates that the photo was taken sometime between 1930 and 1950. SOLD
THE U.S. ARMORED CRUISER NORTH CAROLINA : WORLD WAR l : RPPC : (1908)
This vintage real photo postcard features the U. S. Armored Cruiser North Carolina. The ship was a Tennessee class armored Cruiser of the United States Navy. The ship was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and launched in 1906. It was commissioned in 1908. The ship had a crew of 945 men. Much of the ship’s career was spent in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It conducted training and visited foreign ports. The ship was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea twice. The first time its mission was to protect Americans in the Ottoman Empire (1909) and it’s second mission was also to protect Americans during World War I. The ship was later used to bring American soldiers back from France following the war. In 1920, she was renamed “Charlotte: and she was decommissioned the following year. This postcard was published in 1908 by The Valentine Souvenir Company (New York). SOLD
THREE VIEWS OF A CHILD IN UNION, OREGON (COMPOSITE CABINET CARD)
Photographer W. L. Richards of Union, Oregon, created this composite photograph of a young child wearing different outfits. The child is wearing the “sailor look” in all three images. W. L. Richards is listed in the Portland City Directory (1914) as a photographer. SOLD
NORTHPORT YACHT CLUB & HARBOR : LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK : RPPC 1906
This vintage postcard features a pretty view of the Northport Yacht Club and Northport Harbor. Although this postcard spells Northport as “North Port”, the card’s spelling is incorrect. It is not unusual for a publisher of postcards to spell the name of a town or person incorrectly. Northport is located on the Northshore of Long Island. The town is at the edge of the Long Island Sound. Connecticut is located on the other side of the Sound. Note the wooden boats in the foreground. The Northport Yacht Club was established in 1899. It was located on Bayview Avenue. The club was established by a group of affluent men who worked in New York City but had second homes in the Northport area. Just a few weeks later a second yacht club, the Independent Yacht Club, was established on Woodbine Avenue. This club was launched for and by the local townspeople. In 1927, the Independent Yacht Club changed it’s name to the Northport Yacht Club. This club closed in 1944 and was replaced by the Edgewater Yacht Club in 1945. The club had no building until 1948. In 1952 the Edgewater club changed it’s name to the Northport Yacht Club. The building seen in this postcard photo is the Northport Yacht Club (formerly the Independent Yacht Club) located on Woodbine Avenue. The message written on this postcard is a sad one. The writer states that “Charles is very much worse” and indicates that he is suffering from diabetes. Insulin was not used on humans until 1922. One can only imagine what a diabetic’s life was like before that.
This card was printed in Germany and the publisher is not listed. This postcard, unlike Charles, is in good condition. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 