GERMAN SCHOOLBOY POSES WITH GIANT PRETZEL : FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL : RPPC 1928

This evocative scalloped edge vintage real photo postcard captures a young school-aged child posed formally in a studio setting, dated 1928, during the late Weimar Republic period in Germany. The child stands confidently beside a sculptural studio prop resembling intertwined branches, resting one hand upon it while wearing a traditional school outfit of the era. Slung over the shoulders is a rigid school satchel (Schultasche), a detail that firmly anchors this image in everyday German childhood life of the 1920s. Most striking is the oversized pretzel-shaped prop placed prominently in the foreground. Far more than a whimsical accessory, the pretzel is a long-standing symbol in German culture, often associated with good fortune, nourishment, and childhood traditions. Its exaggerated size suggests a playful studio device meant to charm parents and relatives, blending symbolism with visual appeal.The painted studio backdrop—featuring a tree trunk and rustic fencing—adds a pastoral, storybook quality, contrasting gently with the child’s serious, composed expression. This blend of innocence and formality is characteristic of early 20th-century European studio portraiture. The sign beside the child translates as : “My First Day of School – 1928”. This inscription confirms the occasion and elevates the postcard from a simple portrait to a commemorative milestone image. Postcards like this were often produced to mark important life events—first school day, confirmations, or birthdays—and were commonly sent to extended family members. The clean, unused reverse suggests this example was preserved as a keepsake rather than mailed. The overall condition of this postcard is very good. The card has light, even age toning consistent with period silver gelatin postcards. There is minor surface wear at it’s corners. There are no creases. The image remains sharp with excellent contrast. Please review scans carefully for full condition details.

This cabinet card is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $36.00 at auction

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236546499067

Published in: on January 4, 2026 at 12:08 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , ,

LITTLE GIRL PAINTING : “PETITE ARTISTE PEINTRE” : SCHOOL ART SCENE : RPPC

This charming vintage photograph/postcard captures a young girl engaged in a painting activity, likely from the 1920s or 1930s. The handwritten caption on the reverse reads “Petite Artiste Peintre”, which translates from French to “Little Artist Painter.” The girl, who appears to be around five or six years old, has a sweet and confident expression as she looks directly at the camera. Her dark, wavy hair is adorned with a large bow, giving her a classic, period-appropriate appearance. She wears a checkered smock dress with ruffled shoulders, which was likely intended to protect her clothing while she paints. Sitting at a wooden school desk, she holds a paintbrush in her small hand, mid-stroke, as she creates her artwork. The paper in front of her shows a simple yet enthusiastic painting, possibly of a person and a fish. Around her, several small paint pots are scattered on the desk, with some open, revealing the rich tones she is using. The background features a set of shelves lined with neatly arranged objects, possibly classroom materials or art supplies, reinforcing the setting as a school or children’s art class. The overall composition of the image captures both the innocence and creativity of childhood. (SOLD)

Published in: on September 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

ST. LEOS SCHOOL : ST. LEO, MINNESOTA : WITH CHILDREN & TEACHER : RPPC : 1908

This real photo postcard captures a moment in time outside St. Leo’s School, a two-story wooden schoolhouse with a central bell tower topped by a cross. The sign above the doorway clearly reads “ST. LEO SCHULE,” suggesting a German influence in the local community. The school stands in what appears to be a rural area, with a few trees and a distant building visible in the background. In front of the school, a large group of schoolchildren—boys and girls of various ages—stand in an orderly line. The girls are dressed in long skirts or dresses, many wearing aprons over them, while the boys are attired in dark suits, jackets, and trousers, appearing more formal. A single teacher, possibly Joseph, who wrote the message on the card, stands among them, dressed in a longer coat. The handwritten inscription on the front of the postcard identifies the scene:“This is St. Leo’s School, taken last year. My school, St. Leo’s, So. Min.” On the back, a brief note is addressed to Mr. B. S. Kuchen in Albany, Minnesota, and is signed Joseph. He mentions receiving a letter and promises to respond soon, adding: “Teaching is fine now I suppose. It’s cold. Regards, Joseph.” The postmark is from Saint Leo, Minnesota, dated October 12, 1908, and features a one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp. This postcard is a wonderful historical artifact, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century rural education in Minnesota. The presence of a German-language school sign and the formal attire of the children suggest a tight-knit immigrant community.  (SOLD)

Published in: on February 25, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN AUSTIN, PENNSYLVANIA : REAL PHOTO POSTCARD : 1909

This vintage real photo postcard features “Public Schools” in Austin, Pennsylvania. The town is built next to Freeman Run (river) in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Austin is located in North Central Pennsylvania. This is an early postcard. The card was postmarked in Austin in 1909.  SOLD

Published in: on January 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

PUBLIC SCHOOL HOUSE : KINGS PARK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK : VINTAGE POSTCARD

This undivided back vintage postcard features a look at a Public School house in Kings Park, Long Island, New York. Kings Park is on the Northshore of Long Island and sits on the edge of Long Island Sound. The publisher of this card is T. J. McCarthy and part of a series (No.16). This postcard has a 1906 postmark and was mailed to a woman living in Northport, New York. The postcard has and US one cent Ben Franklin stamp. SOLD

Published in: on January 16, 2025 at 6:40 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

KENTON, OHIO : HIGH SCHOOL : OLD CARS : LITHOGRAPHIC POSTCARD

This vintage lithographic postcard features a depiction of the High School in Kenton, Ohio. The writer of the message on this card points out that this is the school that he attends. This postcard was published by Curt Teich (Chicago). The postcard was distributed by the “Wagner Post Card And Novelty Co. The firm was located in Delpho, Ohio.  (SOLD)

Published in: on March 7, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , ,

PHOTO OF HIGH SCHOOL FROM COURT HOUSE CUPOLA : CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN (c1924)

This vintage real photo postcard features a view of the High School from the Court House Cupola in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This is not a common card. The postcard has an AZO stamp box which reveals that the card was published sometime between 1918 and 1930.  SOLD

Published in: on January 3, 2022 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

HIGH SCHOOL IN LOGAN, IOWA : OLD SCHOOL BUSES AND AUTOMOBILES

This vintage real photo postcard features a high school in Logan, Iowa. The photograph also features two old school buses and two vintage automobiles.  (SOLD)

Published in: on December 28, 2021 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,