This uncommon vintage real photo postcard features French singer, dancer and entertainer, Marcelle Lender (1862-1926). Lender was also famous for her modelling in paintings by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Lender began dancing at age sixteen and quickly escalated her fame by performing at the Theatre des Varietes in Paris, France. Lender was the model for several works by Lautrec. Her most notable appearance in his paintings was of her dancing the Bolero, in full costume, during an 1895 performance of “Chilperic”. That painting is today in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. This postcard portrait of Miss Lender was taken by the famed Reutlinger studio. The card was published by the English firm, Rotary Photo. 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 features Julia James (1890-19F64), a beautiful stage actress. She appears in costume from the show “The Joy Ride Lady”. The play appeared in a London’ West End theater in about 1914. She sat in 76 portraits that are part of England’s National Portrait Gallery. She is considered by one theatrical writer to be among the top fifteen most beautiful actresses of the 1900’s Edwardian era. She was born in London, England and began her career as a chorus girl at the Aldwych Theatre under Seymour Hicks. She played in “Blue Belle” in 1905. She appeared in productions at the Gaiety Theatre. These plays included “The Girls of Gottenburg”, “Havana”, and “Our Miss Gibbs”. She performed in Paris in “The Arcadians” (1913). This Rotary Photo postcard was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.6928F). The photographers of this image are from the Foulsham and Barfield studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 2 was published by Beagles and was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.340N). The photographer of this image is esteemed celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. (SOLD)
Postcard 3 was published by Beagles and printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1917 postmark. The postcard is part of a series (no.340S). The photographer of this image is esteemed celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. (SOLD)
Postcard 4 was printed in Great Britain by Rotary Photo. The card has a 1909 postmark, revealing that Miss James was about 19 years of age when this photo was taken. The postcard is part of a series (no.1984C). The photographer of this image is the Foulsham & Banfield studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 5 This vintage real photo postcard features Julia James wearing a long strand of pearls and a pretty dress. Her dress is low cut for her era, making this postcard risque. She was likely a teenager, or in her twenties, when this photograph was taken. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. and printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.340P). The card was distributed by K. V. M. Sultan & Co. which was located in Singapore. The photographer of this image was female. Women photographers were not very common at the time this postcard was published. The photographer of this postcard photo was Rita Martin. She was a talented and well known celebrity photographer. (SOLD)
Postcard 6 features Miss James in a scene from “Sleeping Beauty”. This “Philco” postcard was printed in London, England. The postcard is part of a series (no. 3298C). The photographer of this image is the fabulous celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. She is considered one of the best British photographers of her time. Her studio was in an exclusive neighborhood She was born Margareta Weir Martin in Ireland. Margareta “Rita” Martin started her career in photography in 1897 by assisting her elder sister Lallie Charles in running her studio. In 1906 Rita opened her own studio. Rita had a specialty in photographing actresses including Lily Elsie and Lily Brayton. She was also well known for her child studies which often involved children of well known actresses. Rita’s sister, Lallie Charles was more known as an excellent society photographer. (SOLD)
Postcard 7 is beautifully color tinted image of Julia James. Note her long strand of pearls and her pretty dress. Her dress is low cut for her era, making this postcard risque. She was likely a teenager, or in her twenties, when this photograph was taken. This postcard was published by Philco and printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.3124A). (SOLD)
Postcard 8 has a message that provides the recipient with birthday greetings. This Rotary Photo postcard was printed in Great Britain. The card has a 1907 postmark, revealing that Miss James was about 17 years of age when this photo was taken. The postcard is part of a series (no.1984A). The photographer of this image is Alexander Bassano. Bassano (1829 –1913) was a leading royal and high society photographer in Victorian London. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features American stage and silent and sound film actress, Maude Fealy (1883-1971). Maude was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Her mother was an actress and acting coach. After her mother remarried, she moved to Colorado where Maude called home for much of her life. She made her stage debut at the age of three. she performed at the Elitch Theater numerous times during her childhood. In 1905 she began to be the featured actress in a number of productions. She worked alongside stock player Cecil B DeMille and the pair developed a friendship that lasted many decades. In fact, he cast her in his film “The Ten Commandments” (1956). This postcard illustrates Miss Fealy’s beauty. Her photo postcards were very popular and collectable during her era, as well as today.
Postcard 1 is uncommon. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1965J), The postcard is of British origin. Note that this postcard is hand tinted and postmarked in Dublin (1906). The card has an interesting message. The writer proclaims “What an innocent face this girl has. Poor thing”. Since when is “innocence” something to pity? (SOLD)
Postcard 2 demonstrates that Miss Fealy was fashionable and quite beautiful. Her photo postcards were very popular and collectable during her era, as well as today. This particular postcard is rare. The portrait for this postcard was taken by the London Stereo Company. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1965J), The postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 3 was published by Davidson Brothers as part of a series (no.1378), The postcard is of British origin and demonstrates that Maude Fealy was fashionable as well as beautiful. (SOLD)
Postcard 4 is uncommon. The card was published by Raphael Tuck in 1904 as part of the “Stage Favorites: series (no.5058), The postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 5 is rare. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1928C), The postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 6 is rare. The card was published by Germany’s Rotophot (no.0756). (SOLD)
Postcard 7 was published by Philco as part of a series (no.3107F). The card is beautifully hand colored. The postcard is of British origin. The postcard was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 8 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1861M), This particular card is rare. The postcard has a 1905 postmark and is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 9 has a notable message. The card was written from a man to a woman. The last line of the gentleman’s note states “You ought to be hit in the face with a fish”. He topped it off by drawing a fish at the end of the sentence. He certainly must have been joking but the comment is quite odd by today’s standards. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1965D). (SOLD)
Postcard 10 is uncommon. The card was published by E. S. London as part of a series (no.1113). (SOLD)
Postcard 11 is rare. The card was published by RotoPhot as part of a series (no.0175). The card is beautifully hand colored. (SOLD)
Postcard 12 is uncommon and the card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.198 V)), The message on this postcard is an Easter greeting.
Postcard 13 demonstrates that Miss Fealy was fashionable and quite beautiful. Her photo postcards were very popular and collectable during her era, as well as today. This card has a 1904 postmark.It was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.198D), (SOLD)
Postcard 14 was published by J. Beagles 7 Co. as part of a series (no.365H). Miss Fealy’s photo portrait was taken by esteemed celebrity photographers, W & D Downey. The uncommon postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 15 was published by P. F. B. as part of a series (no.4037). P. F. B. is likely a Berlin firm named Paul Finkenrath. However, a second Berlin company named Paul Fink went by the inititials PFB which certainly creates some confusion among postcard collectors. This vintage postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)
Postcard 16 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.2381). (SOLD)
Postcard 17 is rare. The postcard offers a view of Miss Fealy petting a large dog. It appears to be some type of hound. Maude is flashing a pretty smile and is wearing a feathered hat and a plaid dress and jacket. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1965A), The postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 18 is rare. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.1861F), The postcard is of British origin and it’s postmark is appears to be from 1906. (SOLD)
Postcard 19 is rare. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.389C). Miss Fealy’s photograph was taken by the esteemed W & D Downey studio. The postcard is of British origin and it’s postmark is from 1905. (SOLD)
Postcard 20 is rare. The card was published by the Schofield Photographic Series (no.428). Three actress portrait postcards from this series can be found in England’s National Portrait Gallery. Miss Fealy’s photograph was taken by the esteemed Johnston & Hoffman studio. The postcard is of British origin and it’s postmark is from 1905. (SOLD)
Postcard 21 is of British origin and is generously hand tinted. The card is identical to Postcard 16 except for the two different hand tintings. (SOLD)
Postcard 22 is uncommon. The card was published by A & G Taylor as part of the “Reality Series”. Miss Fealy’s portrait was taken by the Bassano studio. The postcard is of British origin. (SOLD)
Postcard 23 is uncommon. The card was published by J. Beagles & Co. as part of a series (No.365). The postcard is of British origin (SOLD)
The photo portrait on Postcard 24 was taken by the Johnston & Hoffmann studio. The card is an example of an “Enamelette Postcard”. (SOLD)
These risque vintage real photo postcards feature Maud Allan (1873-1956). She was a Canadian-born dancer, choreographer, and actress, who performed in the United States and Europe at the turn of the 20th century. She was known for her performances of the “Vision of Salome”, an interpretive dance based on the Oscar Wilde play “Salome”, in which she portrayed the title character. Allan’s performances were controversial and often drew criticism for their erotic content. She also was known for her court case in 1918 against a British newspaper, the Illustrated Times, who published an article accusing her of promoting immorality and lesbianism. She sued for libel and won. In regard to Allan’s sexual orientation, she was a lesbian and was involved with women her entire life. She had a long affair with Margot Asquith, the wife of Herbert Henry Asquith, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1908 through 1916. Allan also had a long affair with Verna Aldrich, her secretary.
Postcard 1 presents Allan dancing as “Salome”. She is wearing a sexually provocative costume. She is covered with jewelry. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.4946B). Miss Allan’s photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. An inscription on the card’s reverse reveals that the card is from 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 2 This postcard also presents Allan dancing as “Salome”. Once again, she is wearing a sexually provocative costume and is covered with jewelry. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.4946Q). Miss Allan’s photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. This card is from circa 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 3 is rare. The card captures Miss Allan wearing a sexually provocative costume. She is covered with jewelry. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.11406B). Miss Allan’s photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. This card is from circa 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 4 is a risque vintage postcard that was published by Aristophot. Allan’s photograph was taken by Leopold Reutlinger as part of a series (no.E1586). This Salome postcard has a 1908 postmark. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features British beauty and actress, Valli Valli (1882-1927). She was a British musical comedy actress and a silent film performer. She was born in Berlin but spent most of her life in England. Her sisters, Lulu and Ida Valli were both actresses. Her father was a merchant. She was educated in London and Paris. She made her stage debut in London at the age of twelve. At thirteen years of age she had a successful run in the musical comedy “Morocco Bound” in Berlin. The next year she performed at London’s Drury Lane Theatre in a pantomime version of Cinderella. As an adult, Valli was a beautiful woman. She performed mostly on the English stage but did tour the United States a number of times. These plays include “The Dollar Princess” and her final New York City performance in “Miss Millions” (1919). In all, she appeared in seven Broadway plays between 1905 and 1920. Valli appeared in four films during 1915 and 1916. These films included “The Turmoil” which was an adaptation of a Booth Tarkington novel. In 1917, she married Louis Dreyfus, head of a music publishing house, and later, a theatrical producer. Valli died from tuberculosis at the young age of forty-five. This postcard captures Valli, in a pensive, or possibly, dejected mood. The card was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1760G). Miss Valli was photographed by the Bassano studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 1 features celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962). At the time of her portrait sitting for this image, Miss Elsie was also known as “Mrs. Ian Bullugh”. More about that later. Lily Elsie was a very popular English actress and singer. She was most known for her starring role in the London production of “The Merry Widow (1907)”. The show ran for 778 performances. A critic for The Pelican (1907) wrote that “the youthfulness, the dainty charm and grace, the prettiness and the exquisite dancing with which Miss Elsie invests the part…. I share the opinion of most of the first-nighters, who considered it could not have been in better hands, and could not have been better handled…. The night was a genuine triumph for Miss Elsie, and she well deserved all the calls she received”. She began as a child actress and before her big break had appeared in a number of Edwardian musical comedies. She was charming and beautiful and became one of the most photographed actresses of her time. Lily Elsie’s dad was a theater worker and her aunt was well known actress Ada Reeve. Shortly after the turn of the century she joined George Edwardes’ company at the Daly Theater. Some of her early appearances included “A Chinese Honeymoon”, “Lady Madcap”, “The Little Michus (1905)”. In the years between 1900 and 1906 she appeared in 14 shows. After the “Merry Widow” she appeared in 26 more shows including “The Dollar Princess” (1909) and “A Waltz Dream” (1911). She clearly was an actress who was in demand. Men paid her much attention but apparently she did not enjoy the attention. Lucile, her costume designer for “The Merry Widow” stated that Elsie was “absolutely indifferent to men and had once said that she disliked “the male character”. She added that men would only behave well if a woman “treated them coldly”. Now, some words about her marriage. In 1911 she he left the cast of a play in which she was performing to marry Major John Ian Bullough (1885–1936). Major Bullough was the son of a wealthy textile manufacturer. He was formerly married to actress Maude Darrell who only survived one year after their 1909 marriage. The marriage between Elsie and Bullough was reported to be very unhappy. Elsie’s health began to deteriorate and her husband pressured her to quit the stage and she was ready to do so. She returned to the stage during the war years (World War I) and was active in fund raising for the war effort. She next took a ten year break from the stage only to return once again. Her final performance took place in the Daly Theater in the play “The Truth Game” (1929). In addition to her theater career, Elsie made recordings, and appeared in two films, including D. W. Griffith’s “The Great Love” (1918). Also appearing in that film was Lillian Gish. In 1930 Elsie’s marriage ended in divorce. Her health began to deteriorate more and she developed hypochondriasis causing her to spend much time in nursing homes and sanitariums. Due to her psychological problems she had brain surgery. Her final years were spent at St. Andrews hospital in London. This postcard is part of a series (Arcadian no. A 26). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is the well known celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. She was considered one of the best British photographers of her time. She opened her studio in 1906. Martin’s sister, Lallie Charles was an esteemed society photographer. Many of Rita’s photographs can be found in the National Portrait Gallery. To view more photographs by Rita Martin in the cabinet card gallery, click on the category “Photographer: Martin”.
The second postcard of Miss Elsie provides a terrific close-up photograph of the beautiful Miss Elsie. She is wearing a dark jacket, a frilly high collared blouse and a ribbon bow tie. Her accessories include a long necklace, a pin low on her blouse, and a corsage. The postcard is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 4159 J) published by Rotary Photo. The photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s.
The third postcard features Lily Elsie clutching a bouquet of flowers and glancing sideways at the photographer. She looks absolutely beautiful. She is wearing a fancy beaded dress and a bracelet. She stands in front of a window. This photograph, like the second postcard’s photo, was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. The portrait postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (11840 F). The postcard was printed in Britain.
The fourth postcard is a portrait of a smiling Lily Elsie. She is wearing a flower, beads (pearls?), and a hairband. This photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. The portrait postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (11593 B). This postcard captures Miss Elsie in her role as Alice in “The Dollar Princess” (1909). The venue for the play was Daly’s Theater in London and cast members included Joseph Coyne, Gabrielle Ray, Emmy Wehlen, and Gladys Cooper. (SOLD)
Postcard 5 is a portrait postcard of Miss Elsie that provides a terrific close-up photograph of the stage beauty. The postcard is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no.11841D) published by Rotary Photo. The photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s. (SOLD)
Postcard 6 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4484D). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 7 is a vintage real photo postcard featuring celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962) in costume for her role in “The Merry Widow” (1907). This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4827U). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 8 features celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962) in costume for her role in “The Merry Widow” (1907).This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4827J). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1909. This postcard has an interesting message. The writer appears to be having difficult times. She opens the message with the announcement that she can’t afford to send anymore postcards because her “cash is nearly gone”. She also complains about the “rotten weather”. (SOLD)
Postcard 9 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827S). The card is uncommon. The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 10 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827P). The photographers of this uncommon image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 11 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827V). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 12 This postcard captures Elsie in her role in “The Merry Widow”. The card was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827W). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 13 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827M). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)
Postcard 14 was published by C.W.F. & Co. and is part of a series (no.457C). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Johnston & Hoffmann. The card was postmarked in 1905. (SOLD)
Postcard 15 was published by J. Beagles & Co. and is part of a series (no.179L). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is celebrated female photographer, Rita Martin. (SOLD)
Postcard 16 was published by Rapid Photo and is part of a series (no.1284). The photographer of this image is the Johnston & Hoffmann studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 17 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4124B). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 18 was published by Philco Publishing and is part of a series (no.3381B). The card was written in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 19 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827N). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1908. (SOLD)
This vintage real photo postcard features a stage beauty named Cecilia Loftus (1876-1943). She was a Scottish actress, singer, mimic, vaudevillian, and music hall performer. Her career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a product of parents who were performers. Her father was a member of a successful variety group and her mother was an actress, music hall performer, and burlesque star. At age seventeen, Cecilia (Cissy) made her debut at the Oxford Music Hall in London. She began her career in Music Halls and then appered in musical comedy at the Gaiety Theatre. In 1894, she appeared in Vaudeville at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City. She joined the Ada Rehan Company, and then the Augustin Daly Company. In 1898, she began to appear in legitimate theatre. She toured with actor Sir Henry Irving. In 1905 she had success appearing in Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”. Later that same year, she received much acclaim for her portrayal of Peter Pan. Loftus had a successful career in burlesque as well as on Broadway. The IBDb credits Loftus with appearing in 39 different Broadway productions between 1900 and 1941. Many of her roles were in Shakespeare plays. She also appeared in 14 films from the 1910’s to the 1940’s. Cecilia had a tumultous personal life. She eloped at 17 with an Irish writer, twice her age. The marriage failed. In 1908 she married an American doctor. Within six years, her marriage and health were in bad shape. She divorced her husband. Healthwise, she became dependent on alcohol and pain killers. In 1922, she was arrested for possession of morphine. She received probation from an English court and in 1923, she permanantly left Great Britain and returned to New York City to pursue her career on Broadway and in Hollywood. The message on this postcard is very interesting. It is a note from a daughter to her mother. Although it is only a hypothesis, the daughter appears to be at the Good Shepherd Convent, in Cork, Ireland. This vintage postcard was published by the Rotary Photo Company as part of a series (no.235 E). 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)
Buy this Cabinet Card Photograph (includes shipping within the US) #5926
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POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)
Cabinet Card 1 was photographed by W & D Downy, located in London, England. This studio was well known and highly respected in England. They advertised themselves as photographers specially appointed to photograph the imperial and royal families of Europe. This cabinet card photograph is in good condition (see scans).
Postcard 1 features a portrait of English stage actress Evelyn Millard (1869-1941). She was well known for her acting in Shakespearian theater as well as for her beauty. She is also noted for creating the role of Cecily Cardewin in the premier of Oscar Wildes play “The Importance of Being Earnest” (1895). This postcard was produced by the Rotary Photo Company of London, England.
The second postcard is a portrait of Miss Millard taken by the Davidson Brothers studio in London, England. The postcard is part of a series (“Real Photographic Series” no. 2195). Davidson Brothers was located in both London and New York City. The firm operated between 1901 and 1911. Some of their theatrical postcard portraits have the same format as many of the Rotograph photo cards. This postcard was postmarked in South Lambeth in 1907. Lambeth is a district in Central London. The writer of the message on this postcard starts the communication with “Dear Lizzie, I think this is one of your favorites”. Most likely the writer was stating that Evelyn Millard was one of the favorite actresses of the recipient of the postcard. Collecting postcard images of theatrical stars was certainly quite popular at the time this postcard was written.
The third postcard is color tinted and was produced by the Rotary Postcard Co. as part of the Rotary Photographic Series ( no. 191G). The photographer was T. C. Turner who operated studios in London and Hull, England. Thomas Charles Turner (1839-1896) operated his London studio between 1870 and 1900. Millard is clearly in costume for this portrait. Note her unusual pin. It looks like a multi-eyed horror movie insect. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).
Postcard number four is rare. Miss Millard looks quite beautiful and is dressed in an exquisite gown. Note, that unlike most of her other portrait postcards, Evelyn has blonde hair. Most of her photo postcards show her with dark hair. It is very possible, even likely, that she is wearing a wig in this portrait. The photographer of this image was the Lafayette studio. The firm was founded in Dublin in 1880 by James Stack Lauder. His father, Edmund Lauder was a pioneering and successful photographer. The elder Lauder used the name “Lafayette’ to give the company a touch of Paris, which was a a city considered the center of the art and photography world. James was joined in business by his three photographer brothers. By the 1900, the company had studios in Glasgow, Manchester, London and Belfast. The studio also was invited to photograph Queen Victoria. The company still exists today. This postcard was published by J. Beagles & Co. of London, England. The postcard is part of a series (no. G 511.P). The “G” is an abbreviation for “glossy”. There was also a matte version of this postcard portrait. John Beagles (1844-1909) was born in England. At age 17 he was a “pupil teacher”. In the census of 1891, he is listed as a “photographic publisher” in Nottingham. Later he established J. Beagles & Co. in London. He and his successors produced a variety of postcards including an extensive catalog of celebrity (stage and screen) portrait postcards. The firm also published topographic and view cards, as well as a series called “Matrimonial Cats”. After Beagle’s death, the business continued as J. Beagles & Co. until it closed in 1939.
POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2
POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 10 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 11 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 14 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 17 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 18 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 3
POSTCARD 4
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 