Postcard 1 features American stage actress, and singer, May de Sousa (1884-1948). She had many successes, but she lived a tragic life. Her father was a Chicago police detective. She became famous in 1898, I at about 14 years of age, when she sang “Dear Midnight of Love”. This song was a ballad by bathhouse John Coughlin. He was a Chicago politician and would-be songwriter. In 1901 she was hired by Frank Perley as one of the principles for his touring company. Next, she became the understudy for Alice Nielson in a San Francisco production. In 1902 she was invited to go to London with the cast of that show, but she turned down the opportunity because she was afraid of the sea voyage. She then joined the cast of the highly successful operatic fantasy, “The Storks”. In 1904 she joined the cast of the Wizard of Oz. That same year, she became part of the cast of “Babes in Toyland”. At this point, she had become a very popular actress. She then went to London to star in a production of Cinderella. She followed that up with other stage successes in London. Although she had much success in light operatic roles, she wanted to display her talent as a dramatic actress. In 1908 she was one of the first American actresses to perform at the Moulin Rouge. While in Paris she was reported missing because she did not contact friends or family for over five weeks. She returned without explanation. She was now a star in both the United States and England. In 1910, her mother was discovered dead in a room filled with gas. It was unknown whether her mother’s death was accidental or by suicide. In 1910, May married a stockbroker. Their marriage was very troubled from its beginning. Her husband had lied about his finances, and the financial burden fell on the De Sousa. In addition, her husband frequently physically, abused her. After two years of marriage, she divorced him on the grounds of cruelty and financial desertion. De Sousa continued her career in both America and Europe. De Sousa appeared in 8 Broadway plays between 1905 and 1915. She was performing in France shortly before the start of World War I and barely escaped Germany’s invasion of France. In 1913, she was forced to declare bankruptcy. In 1918, she toured Australia with a theatrical company. While there, in about 1919, she married a local doctor and the pair moved to Shanghai. She performed there with amateur companies. In 1941 her husband died, and in around 1943 she was imprisoned for seven months as a civilian intern by the Japanese. When she returned to Chicago, she worked as a scrub woman in a public school. Her health was very much compromised by her internment, she soon was forced to quit her job due to not being healthy enough to perform her tasks. She became malnourished and died in poverty and alone. She was a charity case in the county hospital when she died in 1948. May DeSosa had risen to become the toast of Europe and America, but died isolated and forgrotten. She was buried in a pauper’s grave. This vintage postcard was published by Philco as part of a series (No.3206B). The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1993I). De Sousa is shown in costume for “The Girls of Gottenberg”. (SOLD)
Postcard 1 is a vintage real photo postcard that features beautiful British stage and film actress, Ethel Warwick (1882-1951). Warwick was also an artist’s model (including posing nude). She modelled for some of the most prominent artists of her time. These artists included John William Godward, Herbert Draper, Linley Sambourne,and James McNeill Whistler. During the early 1890’s, Warwick was studying to be an artist at the London Polytechnic. In order to pay for her tuition, she became an artist model. In the late 1890’s, Warwick began acting school and in 1900 she made her acting debut. She continued her modeling until 1906, when she married actor Edmond Lewis Waller. Edmond was the son of celebrated actor, Lewis Waller. Edmond and Ethel embarked on a theatrical world tour ending in London, where the pair took over the management of the Queen’s theater. Warwick divorced Waller in 1915. Post divorce, she lived an extravagant lifestyle which led to bankruptcy in 1923. Ethel continued to act and much of her work was for the New Shakespeare Theater at Stratford-upon-Avon. (SOLD)
Postcard 2 offers a close-up photograph of Miss Warwick. This vintage real photo postcard has a crease in it’s bottom right and left hand corners. The portrait postcard is in overall good condition (see scans).
Postcard 3 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.219B). This postcard has excellent clarity; the details of her dress is impressive. (SOLD)
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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 6 features May in costume for one of her theatrical roles. Note her pretty lacey dress and hat. Miss May’s pose is atypical. She is sitting on a barrel/table. She has a wonderful smile. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1727K). It was printed in Great Britain. Olive May’s photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios. (SOLD)
Postcard 7 illustrates May’s beauty. She is in costume for one of her theatrical roles. This postcard was published as part of the “Empire Series” (London). (SOLD)
These vintage real photo postcards feature English actress Gladys Archbutt (1889-1968). She began her career as a child actress and dancer. She then launched a career in musical comedies in both Europe and the United States. She appeared in three Broadway musicals “London Follies” (1911), “The Balky Princess”, and “The Lamb of Delft”. She was sitter for five portraits in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Archbutt was married to Edwyn Ingram Gibbons in 1909. He was killed during World War I. The photographers of these images include Alexander Bassano, Lallie Charles, The Royal Magazine (1908) ran a story about Miss Archbutt. She tells the story of one of her theatrical career “adventures”. Her company was playing in Wales and their manager departed without warning. The cast did not have the money needed to return home to London and they decided to continue performing. They soon learned that the scenery from the show had been hocked and they had to buy it back. Needless to say, the company eventually earned their way home. She tells an additional story of a time where she was almost guillotined by a falling curtain. Her role in that production required her to faint and drape herself over her fathers “dead” body. Unfortunately, the actor playing her father had fallen dead in the wrong spot on the stage. As the curtain fell, the actors on the stage whispered that she needed to move from her precarious position. Being a dedicated performer, she would not move away because she was supposed to be in an unconscious state. She states she narrowly avoided being badly hurt.
Vintage Postcard 1 was published by Rapid Photo and is part of a series (no.1609).The company existed between 1901 and 1910 and was located in London. The company is best known for their portraits of actresses. The postmark is from York and reveals that the card was mailed in 1906.The writer of the card describes attending a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”.This vintage postcard is in good condition (see scans). Note the bumping next to Miss Archbutt’s name on the front of the postcard. This portrait postcard is priced accordingly.
Postcard 2 is hand colored and was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1762F). (SOLD)
Postcard 3 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1752C). The postmark on this card reveals that it was mailed in 1906. SOLD
Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3018
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In Postcard 4 Miss Archbutt was photographed sitting cross legged, holding a small dog. Her calves are exposed, or at least they are covered by nude stockings. The exposure of her lower legs make this postcard risque. SOLD
The pretty actress seen on these vintage real photo postcards is Clarita Vidal (1883-1919). She was an actress in Edwardian musical comedies. She was also known for her work in wartime Italy. She did this volunteer work as Countess Chiquita Mazzuchi. She once told a reporter that she did not know her nationality. There were varying stories about her background. She said she was born in Singapore and that her father was a Spanish Ambassador and her mother was from England. Vial also said that she was raised in Algiers among Spanish diplomat families. She stated her name there was Chiquita Saavedra de Cervantes. Vidal was a “Florodora girl”, a stage beauty. “Florodora” was an Edwardian musical comedy that became one of the first successful Broadway musicals of the twentieth century. The show opened in London in 1899. Actresses Evie Greene and Ada Reeve were among the show’s performers. The Broadway production was performed at the Casino Theater in 1900 and ran for 552 performances. The show achieved some of its success from it’s chorus line of “Florodora Girls”. A Wikipedia entry describes the six female performers comprising the line as being ”tall, gorgeous damsels, clad in pink walking costumes, black picture hats and carrying frilly parasols (who) swished onto the stage and captivated New York for no other reason than they were utterly stunning”. The IBDB credits Vidal with two Broadway appearances; “The Silver Slipper” (1902) and “Cynthia” (1903). These appearances were followed by roles on the London stage, including “The School Girl” (1903). Renowned actress Billie Burke said of Vidal, “I remember Clarita Vidal, famous and smick-smack, who posed as if she were made of wax, with just one expression of sheer beauty”. She left the stage after marrying in 1909. The press rediscovered her by late 1915. She was using the name “Countess Chiquita ‘Chick’ Mazzuchi” and was working as a nurse and ambulance driver during World War I. In 1917 she spoke at war relief fundraisers in New York City. She spoke about wounds she sustained during her service in Italy. Apparently, Miss Vidal was prone to exaggeration, or lying, depending on your perspective. The Italian Consul objected to her using the title of “Countess” and embellishing her nursing experiences in the war. The New York district attorney investigated her claims and she agreed to stop speaking and collecting money for the war effort.
The content of the message on Postcard 1 is interesting. The sender is wishing the addressee luck on her music performance exams. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707). The postcard is in good condition (see scans).
Postcard 2 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1707C). (SOLD)
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These vintage real photo postcards feature pretty English stage actress Lilian Braithwaite (1873-1948). Lilian’s major focus was the stage but she did appear in both silent and talkie films. Her father was a Vicar (member of the clergy). She first acted with amateur companies and when she decided to become a professional actress, her parents were opposed. Despite the parental opposition, in 1897, she joined a professional Shakespearean company. She married one of her fellow actors, Gerald Lawrence. They divorced in 1905 due to Lawrence’s adultery and desertion. Her first professional London appearance was in “As You Like It” in 1900. She joined a series of other stage companies over the years. Her major noted appearance was as the alcoholic mother in Noel Coward’s drama, “The Vortex” (1924). In 1927, she appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s film “Downhill”.
Postcard 1 was published by Philco. The card is part of a series (No.3067F). This unposted postcard is in Very Good condition (see scans).
Postcard 2 features Lilian in her role in the play, “If I Were King”. The publisher of this portrait postcard is Rotary Photo (No.3032). This unposted postcard is in Very Good condition (see scans).
Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5180
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$14.85
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Buy this Real Photo Vintage Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5213
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This rare vintage real photo postcard features pretty stage actress, Miss Ethel Hollingshead. Note her fur stole. The animals is whole, face and all. I believe the creature is a mink. Certainly, this garment is not politically correct in today’s world. Not much information about Miss Hollingshead is readily available. The IBDb reveals that she acted in two Broadway plays; “A Message From Mars” (1901) and “Saucy Sally” (1904). She also appeared in “The Boatswain’s Mate” (1907) at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre. A deeper dive into the theater literature is required to learn more about Miss Hollingshead. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1830A). SOLD
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
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)
Postcard 9 captures James eating an apple. She is flashing a fine smile. This postcard was was published by the Rival Photographic Series and was printed in Great Britain. The postcard is part of a series (no.R P 1073). The photographer of this image was the talented and famous, Rita Martin. She was considered one of the best British photographers of her time. She opened her studio in 1906. (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)
Postcard 25 is color tinted and was published by Raphael Tuck as part of the “Celebrities of the Stage” series (no.S1299). The card is an example of an “Silverette Postcard”. (SOLD)
Postcard 26 is an uncommon color tinted vintage lithographic card. It was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.198U). (SOLD)
Postcard 27 is uncommon. The card was published as part of the Wrench series (No.10449). Miss Fealy’s portrait was taken by the famous female celebrity photographer, Lallie Charles. The postcard is of British origin and has a 1906 postmark. (SOLD)
Postcard 28 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.198L). Miss Fealy’s photograph was taken by the Johnston & Hoffmann studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 29 was published by Giesen Brothers & Co. as part of a series (no.K46). The photographer of Maude’s portrait was the Hutchinson & Svendsen studio. The National Portrait Gallery asserts that this pair of photographers were active in London between 1905 and 1906. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 