GERALDINE FARRAR : PRETTY AMERICAN OPERA SINGER AND SILENT FILM STAR

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo, Postcard 1, features Geraldine Farrar (February 28, 1882 – March 11, 1967). She was an American soprano opera singer and film actress. She was one of the most popular singers of the early 20th century and she appeared in several silent films as well as on stage. She was also a successful recording artist and a leading figure in the world of opera. She was known for her beauty, as well as her powerful and expressive voice. She was also known for her striking stage presence and her ability to convey emotion through her singing. Farrar had a particularly successful career at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she performed for many years. She also performed in many other major opera houses around the world including La Scala (Milan), The Royal Opera House (London), and the Opera-Comique (Paris). Geraldine Farrar was born in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1882. She began her career as a singer in vaudeville and later studied voice in Paris. In 1902, she made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she quickly became one of the most popular singers of her time. Farrar retired from the opera stage in 1922 and settled in New York City. She continued to perform in concerts and recitals for several more years. She also appeared in a few films, including a silent film version of Carmen, in which she played the title role. This postcard photo of Geraldine Farrar was taken by Julius Cornelius Schaarwachter (1847-1904). The photographer has five portraits in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. Farrar is dressed in costume for her performance in the opera “Faust”, by composer, Charles Gounod. SOLD

Postcard 2 is a rare close-up portrait postcard of Miss Farrar. SOLD

Postcard 3 is a rare photo of Geraldine Farrar that was published by Paul Fink (Berlin) as part of a series (No.S26). The postcard was postmarked in 1911. SOLD

PRETTY YOUNG WOMAN RECLINING ON A COUCH AND READING A “FORBIDDEN BOOK” (RISQUE)

This vintage real photo postcard features a pretty young woman reclining on a couch and reading a book. The caption on the card indicates that she is reading a “Forbidden Book”. She is likely reading a racy novel. This postcard is a bit risque for it’s era (c. 1905). This postcard was published by Paul Fink (Germany) as part of a series (No. 5009/3). He was a fine art printer that operated between 1899 and 1905. The stamp box of this postcard has an interesting story. “NBC” (Neue Bromsilber Convention) was a price cartel established in 1909 that continued until the 1930’s. The purpose of the cartel was to ensure that the minimum price charged for postcards was kept at a sufficiently profitable level. (SOLD)

Published in: on November 14, 2021 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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TWO ADORABLE LITTLE GIRLS POSE FOR THEIR PORTRAIT : BOTH WERE POPULAR PHOTO POSTCARD MODELS

This vintage real photo postcard features two adorable little girls. This photograph is stunning. The card was published by PFB as part of a series (no.230). PFB stands for Paul Fink, a publishing firm located in Berlin, Germany. The company existed between 1899 and 1905. Fink was a fine art printer and they published many “elaborate” postcards. Many of these cards utilized embossing in their production.  The postmark on the reverse of this card indicates it was stamped in the 1920’s. The reverse of the card also reveals that it was published by the Philco Publishing Company of London, England. Philco published postcards between 1905 and 1934. Perhaps Philco bought out PFB and the rights to publish PFB photo cards. This postcard has excellent clarity and is in very good condition (see scans). SOLD