OLIVE MAY : AMERICAN STAGE ACTRESS : BROADWAY STAR : SHAKESPEARE : FIVE PHOTO POSTCARDS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard, (Postcard 1), features American stage actress, Olive May (1871-1938). She was born in New York City. May made her stage debut in 1893 and quickly became a popular leading lady. She appeared in a number of successful plays, including “Arizona” (1900), “The Merry Widow” (1907), and “The Girl from Utah” (1911). She also was noted for appearing in Maude Adams company and for her Shakespearian roles. The IBDb reports that May appeared in 21 Broadway plays between 1894 and 1928. May was also a popular singer. She was married twice. She had a four year marriage to playwright Henry Guy Carleton and a three year marriage to actor John Albaugh Jr. Widowed at 39 years of age, she never married again. Besides being a talented actress, May was known for her beauty. Many consider her to be one of the prettiest of the real photo postcard actresses of her time. Her beauty is evident in this postcard. She appears to be in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her intricate headdress. She is posing with a a copy of “The Bystander” magazine. The magazine began publication in 1903 and covered topics such as theater and literay news, politics, and sports. The magazine also included short stories and cartoons. In 1940 the magazine merged with “The Tatler”. This postcard was published by Rotophot and printed in Germany. Also listed as a publisher was Giesen Brothers & Co. (London). The photograph of Olive May seen on this card was taken by Dover Street Studios.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Miss May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her intricate headdress. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of the Silverprint Photographic Series (No.3843). It was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 displays the beauty of Olive May. The photograph on this card captures her in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her long white gloves. This postcard was published by Raphael Tuck (No.1727S) as part of the “Celebrities of the Stage” series. It was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 features Miss May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her pretty lacey hat and pigtails. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (No.2378). It was printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1905 postmark.  (SOLD)

Postcard 5 features Miss May possibly in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her long white gloves. Co-starring in this photograph is an adorable little terrier. The dog is sitting on a high stand and Miss May protectively has her hands lightly wrapped around it. The actress was photographed for this card by the esteemed photographer, Alexander Basssano. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo (No.1727S) and was printed in Great Britain.  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

GABY DESLYS: BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS, DANCER AND SINGER

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7(SOLD)

POSTCARD 8 (SOLD)

Vintage real photo Postcard 1 features a portrait of the multi talented actress, dancer, and singer, Gaby Deslys (1881-1920). Miss Deslys performed at the beginning of the twentieth century in both Europe and the United States. She was extremely popular worldwide. In fact, she was able to earn four thousand dollars a week when performing in the United States. She performed several times on Broadway. She had a dance named after her, “The Gaby Glide” (1911). You can find the sheet music, with Gaby on the cover, elsewhere on ebay. Her love life was the topic of much public gossip. She probably added to the sensationalism surrounding her by posing in a number of risque postcards. She was courted by many wealthy and powerful men, including the King of Portugal. Her life was cut short by the “Spanish” influenza. Postcard 1 is not at all common. It was published by E. A. Schwerdtfeger Company of London and printed in Berlin (no. 0291/1). The company also had an office in New York (opened in 1910). This publishing house printed many different types of real photo postcards but was known for its hand-colored real photo postcards of actresses and fashionable women in exotic costumes. The photographer was the Talbot studio. The creator of Miss Deslys’s hat is also credited (Lewis). This particular real photo postcard stands out because it offers a colorized and very clear view of this beautiful and talented performer.  SOLD

Postcard 2 was photographed by Edouard Stebbing. He was active in Paris between 1890 and 1910. Stebbing taught at a University in Paris and invented the stebbing camera, and was known for his work with emulsions. It is reported that he was friends with the artist Monet. He died in 1914 and his wife (Celestine) died five years earlier. Stebbing was a prolific photographer during the Belle Epoque Paris. He appears to have been an expatriate from England. He published many articles in British Photographic journals. Stebbing photographed many theatrical stars. A frequent publisher of these postcards was Monsieur G.Piprot, of “Etoille” or “Star” publishing in Paris. The “Photographic Times and American Photographer” (1883) cited Stebbing as “one of the bright lights of the French Photographic Society. The card has a 1908 postmark.  SOLD

Postcard 3 is not common. It was published by Rotary Photo of Great Britain as part of a series (no.11843 A). This postcard portrait was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. Gaby Deslys was certainly a beautiful and talented performer.  SOLD

Postcard 4 was published by Rapid Photo of Great Britain as part of a series (no.4245). The company was active between 1901 and 1910. The firm specialized in taking theatrical portraits and was located in London. This postcard portrait was taken by the Bassano studio.  SOLD

Postcard 5 was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons of Great Britain as part of the Celebrities of the Stage series (no.T745). The company produced a variety of postcards including an extensive catalog of celebrity (stage and screen) portrait postcards. The firm began publishing this Deslys postcard in 1903. Miss Deslys was photographed by Dover Street Studio for the portrait seen on this postcard.  (SOLD)

Postcard 6 was published by J. Beagles of Great Britain as part of a series (no.70H). This real photo postcard is uncommon. This risque vintage real photo postcard features Deslys wearing a provocative costume for her time. She is flashing an infectious smile. Note her corset assisted wasp thin waist.

Postcard 7 was published by Societe Industrielle de Photograpie (SIP) of Rueil, France, and is part of a series (no.1537).The photographer was Edouard Stebbing who was active in Paris between 1890 and 1910. Stebbing taught at a University in Paris and invented the stebbing camera, and was known for his work with emulsions. It is reported that he was friends with the artist Monet. He died in 1914 and his wife (Celestine) died five years earlier. Stebbing was a prolific photographer during the Belle Epoque Paris. He appears to have been an expatriate from England. He published many articles in British Photographic journals. Stebbing photographed many theatrical stars. This real photo postcard is uncommon.  (SOLD)

Postcard 8 is an uncommon vintage real photo postcard. It was published by Davidson Brothers of Great Britain. Davidson Brothers was located in both London and New York City. The firm operated between 1901 and 1911.  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6(SOLD)

POSTCARD 7  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 8 (SOLD)

MISS GAYNOR ROWLANDS : ENGLISH STAGE ACTRESS; SINGER, AND DANCER

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature English actress, singer, and dancer, Gaynor Rowlands (1883-1906). She carried the nickname of “The Nightingale of Wales”. She started her career in Empire Theatres’s Ballet. Upon graduation, she joined the company chorus line of George Edwarde’s Gaiety Theatre. She toured India in 1901/02. She quickly became a star and she became the most photographed of the “Gaiety Girls”. She was a popular subject of photo postcards and theatre magazine articles. Rowland’s life was cut short when she died of heart failure at the age of twenty-three after surgery for appendicitis. Eight portraits of Gaynor are in England’s National Portrait Gallery. The IMDb reports that she has one film in her filmography. lt was released in 1905.

Postcard 1 is a pretty portrait of Miss Rowlands that was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of the Glosso Postcard Series (No. 5709) and the “Celebrities of the Stage Series”. The writer of this postcard used only one word to describe Gaynor. That word is “Lovely”. There is no doubt about the date that this postcard was written and sent. Not only does the postmark reveal that this card was mailed in 1905, but the writer wrote the same date on the front of the postcard. The card was mailed from Hounslow, a borough of London. This postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 is a portrait postcard that was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No. 1615U). Note Miss Rowland’s necklace and earrings. The message on this card offers Christmas greetings. The postcard was postmarked on Christmas day in 1908. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1887 T). Embedded in the image is the logo for “Play Pictorial”. The postcard was posted with a British stamp and a postmark from 1906. The card is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 4 was published by Davidson Bros. as part of the “Glossyphoto” series (No.1417). The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD) 

Postcard 5 was published by Ralph Dunn & Company which operated out of London, England. The card is part of a series (no.418). The postcard was manufactured in Berlin, Germany and is in very good condition (see scans).                                                                                                        

Postcard 6 was published by Rapid Photo as part of the Silverprint series (No.3923). The postcard is of British origin.   (SOLD)                   .

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3549

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$17.49

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3549

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$26.49

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3924

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$21.64

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #3924

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$30.89

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5146

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$12.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5146

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$22.00

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2
POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6

ALICE RUSSON : IRISH STAGE AND SILENT FILM STAR : RPPC (1908)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

This vintage real photo postcard (Postcard 1) features Irish actress, singer, and dancer, Alice Russon. She acted in musical comedies and silent films. Russon’s stage work included “The Girl from Kay’s” (1904), “Cinderella” (1907), and “The Arcadians” (1911). In 1906, she appeared in a variety show headlined by Will Rogers. In 1912 and 1913, she performed in Australia. According to IMDb, Russon appeared in three British silent films including “Democracy” (1918) and “All Men are Liars” (1919). Russon was married to actor, Vernon Davidson. It is reported that she was an amateur photographer. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of the Rotary Photographic Series (No. 4139 B). The card has a postmark from Cambridge, England (dated 1908). The message on the reverse of the card, like today’s text messages, is short and sweet. The writer simply writes “Getting on alright”.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No. 1803 O). Russon’s photograph was taken by Sydney Wood.  (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Philco as part of a series (No. 3437 D). Russon’s photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios. The card has a postmark dated 1908. The message on the reverse of the card, states that the writer attended the theatre the night before writing. She reports that she saw actress, Marie Studholme and that Miss Studholme was “very good, pretty and just as nice as she looks on postcards”. This postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Postcard 4 was published by Raphael Tuck as part of a series (No.T160). (SOLD)

Postcard 5 was published by Philco as part of a series (No. 3437 D). This photo captures Miss Russon in costume for her role as “Cinderella”. Russon’s photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios. The card has a postmark dated 1908. The message on the reverse of the card, states that the writer attended the theatre the night before writing. She reports that she saw actress, Marie Studholme and that Miss Studholme was “very good, pretty and just as nice as she looks on postcards”. (SOLD)

Postcard 6 features Russon looking quite pretty as she sits on a wall holding a parasol. She is wearing a frilly dress and has flowers in her hair. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (No.3230). The card has a postmark from London, England (dated 1906). (SOLD)

Postcard 7 was published by J. R. R. E. as part of a series (No.10). Russon’s photograph was taken by James Cooper & Son Studios. The card has a postmark dated 1904.  (SOLD)

Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5096

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$24.50

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5096

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$34.00

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

GRACE ELLISTON : STAGE ACTRESS : BROADWAY STAR : UNCOMMON : RPPC

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard features American theater actress, Grace Elliston (c1881-1950). Her original name was “Grace Rutter” and that is the name used in the caption seen on this postcard. Elliston was a noted Broadway actress. The IBDb reveals that she appeared in 22 Broadway shows between 1899 and 1922. Her plays included “The Ambassador” (1900),  “Her Husband’s Wife” (1910), “The Country Cousin” (1917) ” and a number of productions of Shakespeare. Elliston appeared with many noted performers including Julia Marlowe, Ethel Barrymore, William Farnum, and Viola Allen. She appeared in one silent film, “Black Fear” (1915). Elliston was a native of Memphis, Tennessee and came to New York as a young woman and went to work as a chorus girl. A successful Broadway career followed. This postcard was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (no.1084). The card was printed in London. This vintage photo portrait postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Original Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5053

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$19.00

Buy this Vintage Original Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5053

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$29.00

MISS FYFE ALEXANDER : BRITISH ACTRESS : THE BLUNDERS OF A BASHFUL MAN : 1906

“The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News (1903) has a short article about Miss Fyfe Alexander. The magazines theater critic writes about her after seeing her perform in J M Barrie’s comedy “Little Mary”. The writer describes Alexander as “a pretty and charming young actress” and “she has the good qualities that go towards the making of a good actress, and is likely to take a prominent place in her profession”. She was not yet twenty years old at the time of this review. The article also reveals that Alexander was from a theatrical family and that she made her stage debut in 1901. The message on this postcard is interesting. The writer states that “Oh! How the tears did come” when she read a book entitled “The Blunders of a Bashful Man” (1881). This postcard was published by Rapid Photo and Miss Alexander’s photo was taken by female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. The card was postmarked in 1906.  (SOLD)

ETHEL OLIVER : BRITISH STAGE AND SILENT FILM ACTRESS : GAIETY THEATER : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

Vintage postcard 1 features British stage and film actress, Miss Ethel Oliver. She is wearing a costume from one of her performances. Little information is readily available about Miss Oliver. She is listed as being a chorus member in the play at the Gaiety Theater, “The Orchid” (1903), In 1917, Oliver starred in the musical comedy “Pomponette at the Newcastle upon Tyne Theatre Royal. The IMDb reports that she acted in two films; “The Return” (1921) and “A Soul’s Awakening” (1922). Oliver was also a dancer. She was a sitter for twelve portraits in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. This vintage close-up portrait postcard was published by Philco as part of a series (No.3260 E). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 is a vintage close-up portrait postcard. It was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (No.3387). (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

LILLIAN BURNS : EARLY AMERICAN FILM ACTRESS AND ACTING COACH : RAPHAEL TUCK RPPC

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features pretty film actress Lillian Burns (1903-1998). Burns was an American stage actress hailing from Illinois. She is most known for performing in “A  Florida Enchantment” (1914), “The Goddess” (1915), and “The Shop Girl” (1916). She was an acting coach for MGM from 1937 until the early 1960’s. Her filmography includes 41 credits from 1912 through 1916. This photograph was taken by celebrity photographer Lallie Charles (1869-1919). She and her sister, Rita Martin, were the most commercially successful female photographers of their time. The pair were from Ireland. They took photographs of many of celebrities of their era. This photograph was published by Raphael Tuck as part of a series (no.T825). The series was entitled “Celebrities of the Stage”. This postcard is in excellent condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 was also taken by Lallie Charles . This photograph was published by Rapid Photo Co. as part of a series (no.4228).The card was postmarked in 1908.

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3808

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$22.39

View Post

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3808

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$31.39

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2

PORTRAIT OF BEAUTIFUL STAGE ACTRESS NINA SEVENING (RPPC)

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 1 (CLOSE-UP)
POSTCARD 2
POSTCARD 2 (CLOSE-UP)

This postcard features a portrait of beautiful English stage actress Nina Sevening (1885-1958). Miss Sevening began her stage career as a child in 1894. She became a major theater actress, singer, and light comedienne. Some of her credits include “Three Little Maids” (1903), “The Merry Widow” (1907), and Peter Pan (1913).

Postcard 1 was published by Rotary Photo as part of the “Rotary Photographic” series (4096 L).  Miss Sevening’s photograph was taken by the Dover Street Studios. The studio was active between circa 1906 and circa 1912. The gallery specialized in taking theatrical portraits and was located in London, England. The card is in excellent condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 was published by Rapid Photo as part of a series (3836). The company was active between 1901 and 1910. The firm specialized in taking theatrical portraits and was located in London, England. The card is in good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3764

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$18.39

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3764

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$27.39

sevening-10_0001-1

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3800

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$17.39

sevening-10_0001-2

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3800

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$26.39

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2

PORTRAIT OF AN ADORABLE TRIO OF LITTLE GIRLS PERFORMING A CHARITY CONCERT (1906)

This vintage real photo postcard features three precious little girls performing a charity concert. The girl’s musical instruments include a squeeze box, a pipe, and a violin. I hope I identified the instruments correctly as my knowledge of such things is limited. In fact, I would settle for accurately identifying two out of three of the musical instruments. The photographer of this image used some interesting props. Note the music stand, sheet music, and the sign stating “Charity Concert”. I particularly like the violinist’s hat. I could imagine a present day blues player wearing such a hat. This postcard was published by the Rapid Photo Printing Company. The company existed between 1901 and 1910. It was located in London. The company is best known for their portraits of actresses. The card was part of the “Real Silverprint Photograph Series (no.2728). This English postcard was postmarked in 1906. The card is addressed to someone at the “Semore Convalescent Home”. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3303

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$28.95

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) 3303

To purchase this item, click on the Pay with PayPal button below

$37.95