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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SIX CHEFS ALL IN A ROW AT “ANGELO’S PLACE” IN GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI

This vintage real photo postcard provides an inside peek at Mr. Angelo Xidis and five of his “well trusted” assistants preparing vats of meat sauce for his restaurant’s famous spaghetti. In fact, the recipe is described as “almost as secret as the atom bomb”. Chef Xidis was Greek. Xidis’s specialty was spaghetti and meatballs. A sign on the roof stated “Foods – We Feed the People”.  His restaurant was built with steel tiles and glass. The building had live oak trees growing through the roof. Hurricane Camille destroyed the restaurant in 1969. The restaurant was rebuilt and remained in business until 1985. The restaurant was located in Gulfport, Mississippi and faced the Gulf of Mexico. The postcard was published by the Gulfport Printing Co. and is part of a series (No.N36). Mention of the atomic bomb means that the postcard was published likely between 1945 and the early 1950’s.   SOLD

Published in: on December 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BIJOUX : PERFORMER : WALERY : CASINO DE PARIS : RPPC 1908

This uncommon, color tinted vintage real photo postcard features a one-name performer named Bijoux. The card is risque for it’s era. Bijoux was a performer at the Casino de Paris and apparently, she was popular enough to merit her own postcard portrait, but not popular enough for me to find information about her online. Bijou was photographed by Lucien Walery. He was a celebrated Paris photographer known for his portraits of artists and cabaret dancers from the city’s music halls. He is very well known for his portraits of Mata Hari and Josephine Baker. Walery did a lot of work in the genre of nude/erotic photography. He photographed the beautiful women of Paris between the early 1900’s and the 1920’s. The postcard was published by a combined printing group in Nancy, France.  SOLD

Published in: on December 2, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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LOTTE NEUMANN : PRETTY GERMAN ACTRESS, SCREENWRITER, AND FILM PRODUCER


                                                                         POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German actress, screenwriter, and producer; Lotte Neumann (1896-1977). She was active in the film industry between 1912 and 1958. Neumann was born in Berlin, Germany. At age 13, she took vocal training and acting lessons. She also studied dance and piano. Neumann also sang in two choirs. She originally desired to be a singer but after some advice from Max Mack, a German screenwriter, silent film producer and director; she chose to pursue a career in film. She made her debut in a short silent film, “Whims of Fate” (1912).  Neumann became a popular actress in Germany. In 1917 she began acting in films which she produced herself. She established her own film company (Lotte-Neumann-Film-GmbH) which operated between 1916 and 1919. In 1919, she began working for UFA, a major German film producer and distributor that was active between 1917 through the end of World War II. In 1920 she starred in two films directed by Ernst Lubitsch. He was a German born American film director, producer, writer, and actor. It was prestigious for Neumann to appear in his productions. She remained popular through the 1920’s but her career declined with the advent of sound film. This was a dreaded fate suffered by many actors and actresses during the transition to talkies. Her final screen appearance was in 1931. After retiring from acting she continued to write screenplays and partnered with her her husband, Walter Wassermann, in creative endeavors. They worked together from 1935 until his death in 1944. The IMDb reports that Neumann appeared in 69 films, wrote 24 films, and produced 14 films. Neumann’s film career accomplishments are very impressive.

Postcard 1 was published by Film-Sterne as part of a series (no.194/1). The photographer of Miss Neumann’s photo was the Becker & Maass studio in Berlin. The message on the reverse of the postcard was written in 1918. 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. A number of postcard publishing companies joined the cartel in an effort to stave off the effect of competition on the pricing of postcards. This postcard is in fair condition. Please note that there are two very thin creases located on the left and center bottom of the card. The photo postcard is priced accordingly.

Postcard 2 was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin) as part of a series (no.339/2). The photographer of Miss Neumann’s photo was the Becker & Maass studio in Berlin. Note the Maxim Film logo in the bottom right hand corner of the image. This postcard is in very good condition. 

Postcard 3 was published by Ross Verlag (Berlin, Germany) as part of a series (No.338/1). A logo for Maxim Films can be seen in the lower right hand corner of the image. Neumann must have been under contract with Maxim when this portrait was taken. The photographer of Miss Neumann’s photo was the Becker & Maass studio in Berlin. This postcard was likely published circa 1918. 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. A number of postcard publishing companies joined the cartel in an effort to stave off the effect of competition on the pricing of postcards. SOLD

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #6031

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$10.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #6031

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$22.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5304

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$14.00

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #5304

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$26.00

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

Published in: on December 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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