NORMA WHALLEY : PRETTY STAGE & FILM ACTRESS : JOHNSTON & HOFFMAN : UNCOMMON RPPC

The pretty actress seen on this vintage real photo postcard is Norma Whalley (?-1954). She was an Australian stage and film actress performing in the United States and Great Britain. Whalley toured South Africa during the late 1890’s. She married J. Sherrie Matthews in 1901. He was an American Vaudeville performer. In 1902, a stroke left him permanently disabled. She divorced him in 1904 and married barrister Sir Percival Clarke. Whalley came to the US to perform on the stage with George Edwardes company. She worked in Chicago and New York for several years from the late 1890’s. She performed on Broadway in “The Man in the Moon” (1899). Whalley also had a film career. The IMDb credits her with 21 films between 1920 and 1935. This postcard was published by Aristophot as part of a series (No.E92). 
Aristophot was known for publishing “made in Germany” real photo postcards. They operated from Germany (Saxony) and New York and produced high quality postcards. The firm’s focuses included capturing images of stage and film stars. Whalley was photographed for this portrait by the Johnston & Hoffman studio. The postcard is in good condition (see scans). There is minor corner and surface wear. (See Scans). Postcards featuring Miss Whalley are not difficult to find, however, this particular postcard portrait of the actress is uncommon.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336367805879

Published in: on January 2, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

SMILING COUPLE POSE IN A FAUX GARDEN: WHY IS THIS WOMAN HOLDING A WHIP? (RPPC)

This vintage real photo postcard (RPPC) features a smiling couple posing in a photographic studio’s faux garden.  Note the leaves affixed to the wall behind them. This couple seems very happy together but they apparently didn’t maintain their marital harmony because they ultimately got divorced. One hopes that the whip that the woman is holding had nothing to do with their marital discord. The woman’s name in this photograph is Grace McBurney. Her name is written on the reverse of the postcard, undoubtedly by one of her relatives. Research reveals that Grace R. McBurney (1893-1969) was born in Oregon and married at the age of 19 to William H. McBurney who worked as a “typewriter representative”, which I assume means he sold typewriters. The couple had at least five children: Virginia D.(born around 1914), Marguerite F. (1919-1999), Wilma (born around 1920), William (1923-1981), and Carl Morton (1928-2007). Perusal of US census data reveals that the couple were divorced sometime between 1930 and 1940. It appears that Grace lived her entire adult life in Portland, Oregon. She is buried in Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland. Preliminary research yielded little information about her husband. This photo postcard was produced by the Mazrograph Studio in Portland. Mazrograph was the process Calvert used to produce the photo postcards quickly. The studio’s stamp can be seen on the reverse of the postcard. The stamp also mentions that the photo production process took only ten minutes.The postcard paper was produced by Cyko sometime between 1906 and 1915. Charles E. (Cal) Calvert operated his studio at Sixth and Ankeny from 1906 through 1930. In 1907, with the opening of Council Crest Amusement Park, he operated a studio and postcard stand on it’s grounds. He also ran a studio at the Washington Street entrance to Portland’s City Park in 1910. Cal was known for his use of rustic props and for his creativity. One of his sets involved subjects appearing as if they were flying an airplane over the city of Portland. A postcard employing this setting is part of a collection at the Portland Art Museum. This RPPC was taken in a “10 Minute Photo Gallery”. The reverse of the card advertises “Cal Calvert, Postcard Man”.  As a side note, there was also a Calvert’s Studio across from Oregon City’s Southern Pacific Depot but it was run by Harry Calvert and his wife Alvilda. Harry was not related to Cal Calvert. Harry’s studio operated from 1915 through 1925. This vintage real photo postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336044527284

Published in: on January 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CUTE KIDS IN CHEF HATS : HAPPY NEW YEARS : ROTOPHOT : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD

A wonderfully playful German New Year “Prosit Neujahr” real photo postcard published by RPH (Rotophot), Berlin—a major early 1900s European postcard producer best known for high-quality photographic subjects and big, numbered series.  The image is pure studio charm: two children in oversized chef-style caps (party hats styled like tall cooks’ toques), posed hand-in-hand as if about to dance into the New Year. One cap reads “PROSIT” (a festive toast—“cheers!”) and the other reads “NEUJAHR” (“New Year”). Their little salute gestures and the crisp studio lighting give this card that classic pre-war holiday-photo look. At the lower left you’ll find the RPH monogram in a circle and the printed series number S.1281/3, identifying this as a Rotophot issue. Overall, this postcard presents nicely with minor edge/corner wear (see scans). The card was mailed to someone in in Laubach, Germany. The postcard has a green 5 (phennig) stamp from Germany. The message is difficult to clearly decipher but it is clear that it is a traditional New Year greeting. It appears to read “Heartfelt New Year’s greetings and a happy New Year …”. This card is likely from sometime around 1905 to 1907.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336367805881

Published in: on December 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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PRETTY WOMAN TAKING A BATH : RISQUE : PROVOCATIVE : FRENCH RPPC : c1910

This vintage French photographic postcard presents a playful and deliberately risqué studio scene, produced in France during the early 20th century, likely circa 1905–1915. The image shows a young woman reclining nude in an ornate bathtub, leaning over the tub’s edge with her arms folded and smiling directly at the viewer. Her expression is open, flirtatious, and self-aware, clearly intended to engage the recipient in a lighthearted, teasing manner. The setting is a stylized interior, with a patterned background and a decorative porcelain bathtub, lending the scene an air of theatrical elegance rather than explicit exhibition. While the subject is unclothed, the composition remains suggestive rather than explicit, placing the postcard squarely within the tradition of French “risqué” or “galant” postcards that were popular in the Belle Époque period. The card is marked “REX 811” on the image side, identifying it as part of a commercial French postcard series, produced for novelty and adult amusement rather than private photography. Such cards were widely collected, mailed discreetly, or kept in albums, and today they are sought after for their blend of early photography, social history, and erotic ephemera. A translation of the message is as follows: “Peek-a-boo… it’s me!” “Yes, it really is me… in flesh and bone, In flesh above all — but behind closed doors…” The wording is intentionally playful and suggestive, reinforcing the private, teasing tone of the image and making the postcard unmistakably risqué by period standards. The postcard is in very good vintage condition. There is light edge and corner wear consistent with age. The image remains clear, with good contrast and no major distractions. The reverse shows light handling wear (see scans).

This vintage postcard is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $38 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236552618037

Published in: on December 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
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CHILD WITH ASSORTMENT OF TOYS : ROMANIA : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD 1925

This evocative real photo postcard, written and dated 1925, presents a beautifully staged studio portrait of a very young child posed behind an elaborate miniature world of toys—an image that feels both intimate and faintly theatrical, as was common in European children’s portraiture of the interwar period. Spread carefully across the tabletop in front of the child is an impressive assortment of early 20th-century toys, each rendered with remarkable clarity. On the left stands a wooden pull horse on wheels, its form sturdy and utilitarian, likely hand-painted. Nearby is a small toy donkey or horse mounted on a simple wheeled frame. At center is a miniature cart with large spoked wheels, suggesting rural life and transport—imagery deeply familiar to Eastern European households of the era. To the right appears a toy goat or sheep, delicately harnessed, positioned near a detailed model boat complete with mast and rigging—an ambitious and unusual toy that adds narrative complexity to the scene. Also visible are tiny toy houses, a small lidded container or barrel, and a painted doll figure standing upright at the far right, dressed in what appears to be a sailor-style outfit. Collectively, these objects create a miniature village or imagined world, emphasizing themes of childhood, play, and aspiration. The child—identified in the message as two years and eight months old—stares directly at the camera with a solemn, almost uncanny composure, heightening the emotional impact of the image. The photograph is warm-toned and evenly exposed, suggesting professional studio work rather than a casual snapshot. This postcard is not only visually compelling but also richly documented, with a handwritten message on the reverse that firmly anchors it in time and place. The following is the English translation of the message on this postcard: “We offer you, as a keepsake and souvenir, the portrait of our son. Ovidiu Radian (Mleanu) 2 years and 8 months old Ismail, May 1, 1925.” The postcard is addressed to a family in Romania. The card originated from Ismail, a particularly important location historically. In 1925, Ismail was located in Basarabia, a region that at the time was part of Greater Romania (1918–1940). Today, Ismail is located in modern-day Ukraine. The postcard is in very good antique condition for a 1925 real photo postcard. The image remains strong with nice tonal depth. Light surface/handling wear consistent with age. The reverse shows expected age toning and a faint circular postal marking, along with the handwritten message. There is only minor corner/edge wear  (see scans). 

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $68.00 or best offer

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336367805876

Published in: on December 24, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SALVATION ARMY : KINGSTON JAMAICA : BLACK JAMAICAN WOMAN : STUDIO PHOTO : RPPC

This original vintage real photo postcard presents a formal group portrait associated with the Salvation Army, photographed in Kingston, Jamaica, likely in the late 1910s to early 1920s. The image shows five individuals posed in a studio setting: three Salvation Army officers seated in the foreground, with two women standing behind them. Four of the workers are wearing uniforms. The Salvation Army uniforms are clearly identifiable by the distinctive “S” collar insignia, confirming the religious and missionary context of the photograph. Group portraits such as this were commonly made to commemorate postings, service assignments, or transfers within the organization, and were often mailed or retained as keepsakes. Of particular historical interest is the inclusion of a Black woman standing at right, very likely a native of Jamaica, reflecting the Salvation Army’s active presence among local communities during the colonial period. Her dignified posture and inclusion within the group provide an important visual record of race, religion, and social structure in early 20th-century Jamaica. My research reveals that this photograph was taken by a Kingston, Jamaica photography studio operated by J. W. Cleary and E. W. Elliott. A handwritten notation on the reverse reads  identifies one of the Salvation Army officers as a Staff Captain. The captains name is illegible. (SOLD)

Published in: on December 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MAN WITH AN ALLIGATOR : STUDIO NOVELTY : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD : AZO 1918-1930

This is a striking and unusual antique real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring a young man posed confidently beside a full-sized alligator, its jaws open to display its teeth. The sitter rests one hand casually on the alligator’s head while standing behind a simple railing, creating a dramatic and memorable image that blends portraiture, novelty, and spectacle. The man is well dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and straw boater-style hat, placing the image squarely in the late 1910s to early 1920s. The backdrop is a painted tropical scene with palm trees and water, clearly a studio setting rather than an outdoor photograph. The alligator—almost certainly a taxidermy or carefully staged prop—was a popular novelty element used by certain studios during this era, particularly in Florida and other southern or tourist-oriented locations. During the early 20th century, alligators were frequently employed as studio props to convey adventure, exoticism, and regional identity. Studios catering to tourists or novelty portrait seekers often featured taxidermied alligators, faux swamps, and painted tropical backdrops. These images were meant to be eye-catching souvenirs—proof of having “visited the wild” or participated in something daring. Alligator imagery was especially common in Florida-related studio work, sideshows, and amusement venues, where such props became iconic symbols of place and bravado. The postcard is printed on AZO photographic paper, with the stamp box showing four triangles pointing up, a configuration that dates production to approximately 1918–1930. The card is unused, with no writing or postal markings, allowing the image to remain the sole focus. (SOLD)

Published in: on December 20, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  

ILSE WERNER : GERMAN FILM STAR : GLAMOUR PORTRAIT : BY FOTO-QUICK : RPPC

This striking vintage real photo postcard features a glamorous close-up portrait of Ilse Werner, a celebrated German-Dutch actress and singer known for her charismatic screen presence and unique whistling talent. In this image, Werner is draped in a shimmering veil that frames her face with a soft, radiant glow. Her expressive eyes, long lashes, and glossed lips project a poised, serene beauty, while the glinting fabric around her adds a mystical, almost cinematic aura. The postcard was published by Film-Foto-Verlag, a major distributor of German film star postcards during the 1930s and 1940s, and is marked “A 3732/1” in the lower left corner. The photo credit goes to Foto Quick. .On the reverse is the wartime disclaimer: “Zivile Verwendung im Inland für Autogrammzwecke nicht gestattet” (Civilian use for autograph purposes not permitted), reflecting its origin in Nazi Germany. The cards were meant for building national morale and not private autograph collecting. A small fawn symbol in the stamp box area marks it as part of the Film-Foto-Verlag series. Ilse Werner was born in 1921, in Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Jakarta, Indonesia), where her father worked as a Dutch colonial official. Her mother was German, and the family moved to Germany when she was a child. She trained at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna, one of the premier acting schools in the German-speaking world, and made her film debut in 1939. Her breakout role came in the film Wunschkonzert (1940), one of the most popular and propagandistic films of the Nazi era. She quickly became a favorite among German audiences, known not only for her acting but also for her unusual skill as a professional whistler, which she often demonstrated in her recordings and film appearances. During the Nazi period, Ilse Werner became one of Germany’s most beloved film stars, appearing in state-approved entertainment. Though she never joined the Nazi Party, her films were often apolitical and aligned with the regime’s values of escapism and wholesome entertainment. Her popularity made her a public symbol of the Third Reich’s cultural life, though she was not considered an overt political supporter. After the war, her Dutch citizenship initially barred her from performing in postwar Germany due to denazification policies, which caused a temporary decline in her career until restrictions were lifted. lse Werner was married to actor Tony Rödel for a brief period. The marriage ended in divorce. She did not have children. Her later years were marked by occasional television appearances and nostalgic performances of her trademark whistling songs. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 84.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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DOROTHY GULLIVER : PRETTY ACTRESS : ROSS VERLAG : UNIVERSAL PHOTO PORTRAIT : RPPC

This is a beautifully composed real photo postcard (RPPC) of Dorothy Gulliver, produced by Ross Verlag, bearing the series number 4472/1. The photograph credit on the front says “Universal phot.”, indicating the image was taken under Universal’s photographic unit. Dorothy is shown in an elegant three-quarter pose, her head slightly tilted, her eyes bright and engaging, and a gentle, confident smile touching her lips. Her coiffed hair is waved softly around her face. She wears a silky, draped garment with geometric patterned panels, possibly a robe or decorative wrap, giving a graceful, glamorous look. The lighting highlights her complexion and facial features delicately, lending the image an enchanting, almost glowing quality. Her expression is poised but warm — she seems aware of her image and projecting a subtle star quality, rather than an overly stiff studio pose. The overall look is refined, feminine, and suited to her identity as a screen actress. This postcard is part of Ross Verlag’s cinema star series, a popular line of European film star postcards in the 1920s–1930s.The inclusion of “Universal phot.” connects this portrait directly to the film studio world. Take note that Dorothy produced relatively few postcards, and this is an attractive example. Dorothy Kathleen Gulliver was born in 1908, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was raised in a Mormon family, one of six children, and even from youth expressed a desire to act. Her break came in 1925 when she won a Universal-sponsored national contest (after earlier local pageant success) which awarded her a six-month contract with Universal. She began appearing in silent short films and serials such as The Winking Idol (1926) and Strings of Steel (1926). In 1928, she was honored as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, a promotional campaign that highlighted rising actresses. Throughout the late 1920s, Dorothy appeared in The Collegians series of short films produced by Universal, often paired with George J. Lewis. When sound came in, she successfully made the transition and worked frequently in 1930s serials and Westerns — titles include The Galloping Ghost, The Phantom of the West, The Shadow of the Eagle, The Last Frontier, and Custer’s Last Stand. Her film career spanned decades (officially credited in nearly 100 films), though after the 1930s her roles tended toward smaller or uncredited parts.  Remarkably, in 1968 she had a notable role in John Cassavetes’ Faces. Her final film appearance was a cameo in Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976). On the personal side, Dorothy’s first marriage was in 1926 to Chester De Vito (an assistant director), which ended in divorce by 1932.  In 1947 she married Jack R. Proctor, and they remained together until his death in 1976. She passed away in 1997, in California. Interestingly, her life story encompasses the classic arc of early Hollywood: beauty contest discovery, silent film stardom, adaptation to talkies, and then gradual fading into character work.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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NORMA TALMADGE : BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS : PICTUREGOER SERIES : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features American silent film actress, Norma Talmadge (1894-1957). She was noted for her dramatic and emotionally intense performances. She was one of the most popular and highly paid actresses of her era. She starred in over 200 films during her career. Raised in a show business family, Norma and her sisters Constance and Natalie Talmadge all became successful actresses. Norma began her acting career on the stage, performing in vaudeville and musical comedies. Initially, Talmadge worked for Vitagraph Studios before signing with D.W. Griffith’s Triangle Film Corporation, where she gained recognition for her talent. In the 1910s and 1920s, Talmadge became a major star, known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters. She excelled in dramatic roles, often playing heroines with complex emotions. Some of her notable films include “The Probation Wife” (1919), Smilin Through (1922), Camille (1926), and “New York Nights” (1929). Norma Talmadge was one of the few silent film stars who successfully made the transition to talkies. However, as the era of sound films emerged, her popularity waned. After her last film in 1930, Talmadge retired from acting and focused on her personal life. She married the film producer Joseph M. Schenck in 1916, and together they founded the Norma Talmadge Film Corporation. The company produced several successful films, contributing to Talmadge’s financial success and status as one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. However, her marriage to Schenck eventually ended in divorce in 1934. After her retirement from acting, Talmadge lived a private life, seldom making public appearances. She remarried in 1946 to Carvel James, a wealthy oil broker, and they remained together until her death. This vintage postcard is part of the “Picturegoer” series (No. 145B).  SOLD

Published in: on December 4, 2025 at 12:05 pm  Comments (1)  
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