GLADYS COOPER : BEAUTIFUL BRITISH ACTRESS : PRESS PHOTO (1921) AND FIVE POSTCARDS

PRESS PHOTO 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

This 1921 press photo (Press Photo 1)features British actress, theatrical manager, and producer Gladys Cooper (1888-1971). Her 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. This press photo focuses on her beauty. In fact the caption of the photograph states “Gladys Cooper : The Most Beautiful Actress In England”. This press photo was produced by the Keystone View Company. Cooper was about 33 years of age at the time this photograph was taken. (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features the Gladys Cooper’s fascimile autograph. This “hand-painted” postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of the “British Beauty” series (B1-5). The firm was located in London. (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo as part of the “Rotary Photographic” series (11856H). The firm was located in London. (SOLD)

Postcard 3  is “hand-painted” and published by Rotary Photo as part of the “British Beauty” series (B56-6). The message on the card wishes the recipient many happy returns on her birthday. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans).  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 captures Cooper in her role as “Peggy” in “Peggy And Her Husband” (1914). Cooper’s photograph on this card was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (6929 J). The firm was located in London. (SOLD)

Postcard 5 features Cooper’s photograph taken by celebrated female photographer, Rita Martin. This uncommon postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of the “British Beauty” series (A542). The firm was located in London. (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features a portrait of Cooper that was taken by Bertram Park (1883-1972). He was an English portrait photographer. He photographed many celebrities including members of royalty. A number of engravings of his work were used on British and British Commonwealth stamps. Park was also very involved in producing theatrical photographs. His wife, Yvonne Gregory was also an esteemed photographer. In addition, she served as one of his models. The couple produced books on photographing nudes. Park was also an expert on rose cultivation. This  postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (302W). The firm was located in London.  (SOLD)

Postcard 7 captures a fashionable Miss Cooper standing next to a beautiful luxurious classic automobile.  Cooper’s photograph on this card was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No11861Y). The firm was located in London.  (SOLD)

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PRESS PHOTO 1
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POSTCARD 1

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POSTCARD 2

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POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6

POSTCARD 7

Published in: on May 23, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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REVEREND ELTON COX : HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA : CIVIL RIGHTS : INTEGRATION 1964

This vintage press photo features an African American clergyman named Reverend Elton Cox (1931-2011). He was photographed while joking with some neighborhood children who appear to be going to, or returning from school. Reverend Cox is in the neighborhood for a reason. The community is segregated. There is a wire fence dividing the white area from the black area. The caption on the reverse of the photograph points out that the houses on each side of the fence are basically the same. The fence is an unnatural boundary. Reverend Cox is determined to find a way for the Black and White residents in the community to integrate. He had a tough battle ahead of him to reach that goal. Racism, unrealistic fear, and unfair discriminatory laws all stood in the way. It is now nearly 60 years after this photograph was taken. I wonder whether the neighborhood is integrated today. Most would hope so. This photograph was taken in 1964 by a United Press International (UPI) photographer. Elton Cox was a civil rights movement activist and preacher. He was part of the Freedom Riders protest in 1961 and interviewed in the documentary about it. He was nicknamed “Beltin” Elton”. He grew up in Kankakee, Illinois. He had to take a break from high school to work to help support his family. He graduated high school at age 20 and went on to Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Next he studied for a Divinity degree at Howard University. He was ordained in 1958. He became a pastor at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in High Point. He quickly went to work to support the civil rights movement. His work included starting desegregation efforts at local schools. Cox had strong beliefs in non-violence. James Farmer, then of the NAACP, hired Cox to help push for civil rights in the south. He worked with students and organized non-violent sit-ins. Despite his non-violent approach, Cox was arrested seventeen times over the decades. One arrest, in Louisiana for “disturbing the peace” resulted in a conviction that was appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court where his conviction was overturned. Later in life, Cox returned to High Point to work as a Minister. Next, he worked as a chaplain at a VA hospital in Illinois. His final position was working as a school counselor in Jackson, Tennessee. Elton Cox is one of many unsung heroes of the civil rights movement. SOLD

Published in: on March 16, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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BLOOD BANK EVENT : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO : AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

This original black-and-white press photograph was taken by noted Cleveland photographer Jimmy Baynes, whose stamp appears on the reverse. Baynes was a prolific photojournalist and chronicler of Cleveland’s African American community during the mid-20th century. His work documented civic events, political gatherings, cultural programs, and the everyday lives of African Americans in Cleveland. His images today stand as a vital record of local history and are increasingly valued by collectors of press photography and African American ephemera. The photograph depicts a group at the Associated Community Blood Banks booth (Cleveland, Ohio). The booth is labeled “54 Associated Community Blood Banks” on the backdrop. Five individuals are present. One of the individuals is a young woman wearing a white uniform and holding testing equipment. She is likely a  nurse or a blood bank technician. The scene captures both the professionalism and community service focus of Cleveland’s blood bank efforts in the late 1960s or 1970s, with an emphasis on outreach, participation, and health education. The candid but posed composition reflects Baynes’s signature style of highlighting people within civic and cultural spaces. The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 30, 2025 at 12:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MERRILL’S MARUDERS : BURMA : WW ll : JUNGLE FIGHTERS : PRESS PHOTO

This vintage press photo features members of Merrill’s Maruders, a specialized American fighting group that fought the Japanese in the jungles of North Burma. They fought much like the Japanese soldiers. This American unit used Guerilla war tactics. The American unit was officially known as the 5307th Composite Unit. They conducted long-range penetration missions behind enemy lines. They were established in 1943 and named after their commander, Brigadier General Frank Merrill. All members of the Maruders were volunteers from various Army division. Many were already skilled in jungle warfare. The US soldiers faced many challenges besides facing Japanese forces. The Americans had to deal with harsh weather, disease and supply shortages. The unit completed their mission in 1944 and were disbanded. Many consider the Maruder’s as the predecessor to US modern day special forces. In 1962, a popular movie was released that told the story of this famous 3000 man unit. The movies, unsurprisingly, was titled “Merrill’s Maruders”. This photo includes eleven members of Merrill’s outfit. They are cooking a meal over a flame. Note the large can of compressed corned beef. Despite the tough conditions, the men are smiling as the pose for this news photograph. The photo was taken by the International News Photo. SOLD

Published in: on October 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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THE STATUE AND IT’S MODEL : TONI SEVEN : AMERICAN COVER GIRL AND ACTRESS

The photographer of this press photo must have been in a playful and creative mood at the time that this photograph was taken. The image features a statue and its model, side by side, in identical poses. The caption of the photograph, affixed to the reverse, indicates that the model is “beautiful” Hollywood star, Toni Seven. It also states that she was the fiance of Senator Warren G Magnuson of Washington state. The photograph was taken in 1949. Toni Seven (1922-1991) was born as June Elizabeth Millarde. Her mother was noted stage and silent film actress, June Caprice. Caprice also worked as a model. Toni’s father, Harry F Millarde, was a film director. Toni’s father died when she was just 8 years old. She was orphaned at age 13 when her mother died. Her grandparents took on the responsibility of raising young Toni. She was raised in the town of Great Neck, located on Long Island in New York state. An article in Time Magazine (1949) indicates that she was financially secure. It was reported that she was a heiress to a fortune worth 3 million dollars. It appears that Toni Seven was genetically loaded to become a performer. As Toni Seven, she was a popular American cover girl and actress, In the early 1940’s she played minor roles in three films. One of these films was the well known “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (1942). She later appeared in two more films. When World War II began, she became a volunteer at the “Hollywood Canteen”, The canteen offered food, dancing and entertainment to servicemen, many of whom were preparing to go overseas. Everything at the canteen was free for uniformed servicemen and servicewomen, She was named pin-up of the year by US soldiers in the European theater in 1945. In 1944, she changed her name to Toni Seven. She thought it would be fun to sign her name “Toni 7”. When the first pin-up exhibition in the United States was held in 1944, Toni Seven was featured along with many other beautiful models, including Jane Russell. In 1946, Seven reclaimed her original name. In 1949, newspapers ran articles asserting that Toni was romantically involved with Washington US Senator, Warren Magnuson. Although the caption of this press photo states that she and Magnuson were engaged, the pair never married. However, the couple dated on and off between 1948 and 1953. Looking at Toni Seven’s biographical data, it is clear that her acting career was unremarkable. Toni appeared in only five films. Stellarstar writes in the blog “Those Obscure Objects of Desire” that “Toni Sevin is proof that a girl who lands in Hollywood, has money to burn, a great press agent and more than enough beauty, can still end up a complete unknown”. Toni was successful in other areas of her life. She was a great horsewoman, and also excelled at swimming and tennis. She despised gossip but created some when she dated Errol Flynn and other celebrities. This press photo belonged to the Intercontinental agency, located in Paris, France. An additional photograph of Miss Seven can be found below.  SOLD

PHOTO OF TONI SEVEN (NOT FOR SALE)

REVERSE OF PRESS PHOTO

Published in: on October 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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STYLISH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO c1956

This dynamic vintage press photograph captures a joyous and stylish moment at what appears to be a mid-century African-American social event or pageant, photographed by Jimmy H. Baynes, a notable African-American photographer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio. The image dates likely to the late 1950s or early 1960s, an era when such gatherings were vital community affairs celebrating Black excellence, fashion, and music. The central focus is a beautifully posed group of six African-American women, all elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening wear. The women wear a range of fashionable 1950s attire, from a sharp houndstooth pantsuit and flowing evening gowns to a crisp white suit. Their hairstyles are elegant and era-appropriate, and their expressions range from joy to pride to graceful composure. The setting appears to be a formal banquet hall or community venue, likely in Cleveland. Each woman holds a trophy, suggesting the conclusion of a pageant, award ceremony, or fashion competition. The photograph is the work of Jimmy H. Baynes, a prominent African-American photographer who chronicled the Black social and cultural scene in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century. His work often captured the heart of the community—beauty pageants, civic events, family milestones, and musical gatherings—preserving an important visual history that is increasingly recognized and appreciated by collectors and scholars.  The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s.  (SOLD)

Published in: on September 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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MADAME LE GAI : PANTOMIMIST : VAUDEVILLE : PIN-UP : HOLLYWOOD PHOTO 1918

This is a stunning and rare sepia-tone glamour portrait of a woman identified as Mme Le Gai, described on the reverse as a “Pantomimist” and “Vaudevillian.” Believed to date from around 1918, this photograph showcases an elegant, mysterious woman in elaborate costume—perhaps a stage or cabaret performer—gazing confidently into the camera. She wears a richly adorned hat with plumes, a beaded glove-like bracelet, and a delicately embroidered gown with satin and lace textures. Her theatrical pose and sensual expression make this image a prime example of early Hollywood pin-up photography, though its style is also heavily influenced by European cabaret traditions. The handwritten inscription on the back appears to read: “Mme Le Gai / Pantomimist / Vaudevillian.” There is some ambiguity—“Mme” could stand for Madame or Mademoiselle, and the surname may also be interpreted as Le Gai or Le Gaï. The elegant script suggests a deliberate stage name, possibly borrowed from the famed Parisian pantomime houses of the same name. “Le Gai” (French for “the merry” or “joyful”) was also used in naming French performance venues such as Le Théâtre Gai or variations like Le Gai Paris. This connection strengthens the possibility that the subject either performed in or took inspiration from these Parisian theatrical traditions. Though solid biographical confirmation of Mme Le Gai has not yet been found, the visual evidence, style, and inscription point to her role as a vaudeville-era pantomime performer, likely active in the United States or France around World War I. Her alluring presence and costume are consistent with the kind of studio portraiture used for performer promotion, possibly circulated as publicity or collectible pin-up material during the silent film and vaudeville boom.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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STYLISH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO c 1956

This dynamic vintage press photograph captures a joyous and stylish moment at what appears to be a mid-century African-American social event or pageant, photographed by Jimmy H. Baynes, a notable African-American photographer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio. The image dates likely to the late 1950s or early 1960s, an era when such gatherings were vital community affairs celebrating Black excellence, fashion, and music. The central focus is a beautifully posed group of eight African-American women, all elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening wear. Each woman wears a dress that reflects the fashion of the era—from sleek satin to lace, florals, and polished tailoring. Their heels, jewelry, and stylish hairdos speak to pride and sophistication. Several wear ribbons or corsages, suggesting this might be a pageant, cotillion, or civic recognition event. The women’s expressions range from warm smiles to dignified calm, exuding confidence and unity. In the background, we see a small jazz ensemble, including a guitarist in a white jacket and a saxophonist, adding to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. The wall décor includes two large theatrical masks (tragedy and comedy), enhancing the impression that this event took place at a community center, fraternal hall, or social club with cultural significance. The photograph is the work of Jimmy H. Baynes, a prominent African-American photographer who chronicled the Black social and cultural scene in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century. His work often captured the heart of the community—beauty pageants, civic events, family milestones, and musical gatherings—preserving an important visual history that is increasingly recognized and appreciated by collectors and scholars. This original black-and-white photograph measures approximately 8 x 10 inches and is in very good condition with only minimal corner wear. The contrast is strong, the image is sharp, and all details are well preserved (see scans). The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s.  SOLD

Published in: on August 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CROWN PRINCE WILHELM AND PRINCESS CECILIE OF GERMANY (PRESS PHOTO)

wilhelm

This vintage press photograph features Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife, Crown Princess Cecilie. The photo was taken by George Grantham Bain in 1915 and it likely appeared in a number of newspapers.Some readers may be wondering about these Royals. Who are these people? Prince Wilhelm (1882-1951) was the last Crown Prince of Prussia and the German Empire. He married Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1886-1954) in 1905. The pair’s marriage wasn’t rock solid. The Crown Prince had affairs with both American opera singer Geraldine Farrar and dancer Mata Hari. The photographer of this photograph was a pioneer news photographer. George Grantham Bain (1865-1944) was a New York City photographer known as “the father of photographic news”. He was a chemistry graduate of St Louis University and also received a law degree there. He then became a reporter for two St. Louis newspapers in succession and one of his assignments was Washington DC correspondent. He then worked for United Press International and in 1898 started the Bain News Service. Forty thousand of Bain’s glass negatives are in the collection of the Library of Congress. This vintage press photo was published by the Bain News Service.  SOLD
220px-Ggbain                                                 Photo of George Grantham Bain

wilhelm 1

Published in: on July 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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PORTRAIT OF JIHAN SADAT – DAUGHTER OF THE LATE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT – ANWAR SADAT

This press photo features Jihan (Jehan) Sadat. She is the daughter of the late Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat (1918-1981). He was the third President of Egypt and served from 1970 to 1981. He was assassinated while in office. He negotiated a peace treaty with Israel’s Menachem Begin and the two shared the Nobel Peace prize. This photograph was taken by John Whitman of Camera Press, located in London, England. It was taken in 1983.  SOLD

Published in: on July 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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