GABY DESLYS: BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED ACTRESS, DANCER AND SINGER

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 8 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 9 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 10

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)

Postcard 9 has a portrait taken by esteemed celebrity photographer, Leopold Reutlinger. This real photo postcard is very uncommon. Gaby Deslys was certainly a beautiful and talented performer.  (SOLD)

Postcard 10 is not at all common. It was published by Rotary Photo of Great Britain as part of a series (no.11843 C). This postcard portrait was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. SOLD

Published in: on March 20, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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GLADYS GRENVILLE : BRITISH SINGER AND ACTRESS : RPPC 1905

This vintage real photo postcard features British singer and actress, Gladys Grenville. A number of her stage appearances are credited in early British theatrical books and magazines. There is little biographical information about her life and career. She is pretty and has a great smile. The card has a 1905 postmark.This vintage postcard was published by Philco and is in overall good condition (See Scans).

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5317

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$16.48

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$28.48

Published in: on March 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARIA AND MINA CORIO : MEXICAN DIVAS : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features Maria and Mina Corio. They are Mexican divas. This postcard was published by CIF Registrado.  SOLD

Published in: on January 10, 2025 at 12:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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VIRGINIA EARL : STAGE ACTRESS : PROLIFIC ON BROADWAY : VAUDEVILLE : PHOTO BY BENJAMIN FALK : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card photograph features American stage actress, Virginia Earle (1873-1937). Much of her work was in light operas, musical comedies, and vaudeville. Earle was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents were Irish immigrants. She made her stage debut in 1887. She had a role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” produced by the Juvenile Opera Company. She played in several of their productions. Earle then joined a touring company of the Pike Opera Company. When in San Francisco, she was hired by a vaudeville company where she performed for two seasons. She next went to Australia with a performing company. She was identified with Augustin Daly’s Edwardian musical comedies for many years. The musicals included “The Circus Girl” and “A Runaway Girl”.  Earle played in eleven Broadway production between 1899 and 1910. Earle was a “chronic” robbery victim. She captured one of the thieves. Earle was walking along Sixth Avenue (Manhattan) and saw a woman wearing one of the cloaks she wore in the production of “The Merry World”. Earle grabbed the woman and screamed for help. Eventually the woman was tried and acquitted. The woman’s husband claimed to have found the cloak and he was judged credible. In 1894, Earle married Frank Lawton, an actor and comedian. She divorced him in 1899. Earle’s photo portrait seen on this cabinet card, was taken by celebrity photographer, Benjamin Falk. Falk operated a studio in New York City. This photograph was likely taken in the late 1880’s or early 1890’s. The cabinet card has a slight curl and is in overall good condition. See Scans. 

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6268

Buy this Vintage Original Cabinet Card (includes International shipping outside the US) #6268

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$49.95

Published in: on August 28, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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OLIVE MAY : AMERICAN STAGE ACTRESS : BROADWAY STAR : SHAKESPEARE : FIVE PHOTO POSTCARDS

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (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 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)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 7 (SOLD)

Published in: on June 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARCELLE LENDER : FRENCH SINGER AND DANCER : MODELLED FOR TOULOUSE-LAUTREC

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

Published in: on May 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CARMEN SEVILLA : SPANISH ACTRESS, SINGER, AND DANCER

This vintage real photo postcard features Spanish actress, singer, and dancer, Carmen Sevilla (1930-2023). She started her career in the 1940’s and succeeded in becoming one of the most popular stars of the Spanish cinema until the 1970’s. Among her film roles were appearances in “Imperial Violets” (1952), “Vengeance” (1958), and “Antony and Cleopatra” (1972). She was also a successful singer who’s discography includes fifteen studio albums. Carmen was born in Seville, Spain. Her father was a composer. After the Spanish Civil War, she and her family moved to Madred and her father and grandfather worked as lyricists for major films. As a child, Sevilla enjoyed singing and dancing and made her stage debut at the age of twelve. In the 1940’s she studied at the Conservatory of Music and took dance lessons. She made her film debut in 1946. In 1947, she competed in the Miss Spain contest. Her first leading film role occurred in 1948 and her career quickly blossomed. Her popularity led to her being sought for advertising purposed. She was in Spain’s first Coca Cola commercial. She made her last film in 1978. In 1991 she began a new career as a television presenter. Sevilla was married twice. Her first marriage was to a well known composer / conductor. In 2012, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. The disease led to her death just seven days before this posting. Sevilla’s photo portrait, seen on this postcard, was taken by the Harcourt studio. The card was published by the Globe (Paris) and is part of a series (No.203).  SOLD

Published in: on May 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SUZANNE BALQUERIE : FRENCH OPERA STAR : PHOTO BY HENRI MANUEL : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features French opera singer, Suzanne Balguerie (1888-1973). She is considered one of the best sopranos performing between the two World Wars. She studied singing at the Conservatoire de Paris. Her debut was at the Opera-Comique in 1921. She received rave reviews. She made a career at the Opera-Comique. When the Nazis occupied France during World War II, there was little opportunity for her to work and she became impoverished. She retired in 1950 and in 1953 she became a professor at the Conservatories in Grenoble and Geneva. For an unknown reason, she did not pursue an international opera career. Mlle Balquerie’s photo portrait seen on this postcard was taken by esteemed photographer, Henri Manuel. The card was published by Alfred Noyer (Paris, France).  (SOLD)

Published in: on April 20, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHRISTINE NILSSON : SWEDISH OPERA STAR : CABINET CARD PORTRAIT

This cabinet card features Swedish opera star, Christine Nilsson (1943-1921). She was known for her pure voice, graceful appearance and her stage presence. She was a leading international singer during her twenty year career. She retired in 1888. Some believe that she and diva, Adelina Pattie, were rivals. Nilsson was the youngest of seven children belonging to a very poor family. She showed musical talent when she was young but her family lacked the funds to get her proper training. She would perform at local fairs to make extra money. At age 14, she was “discovered” at a market fair by a wealthy judge. He became her sponsor and bankrolled her professional vocal training as well as music theory, foreign language, and musical instrument instruction. At age 17, she made her professional debut in concerts in Stockholm. She then received further training in Paris and began performing there. Her London debut occurred in 1867 and she had her American debut in 1871. An American tour brought her much financial success and acclaim. In 1883. she performed in “Faust” at the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House (New York City). That same year, she sang at the White House in front of President Chester A  Arthur. Her final US appearance was in 1884. She returned to Europe and performed and toured there. Nilsson never made a recording. When technology would have allowed her to make a record, she thought her voice had started it’s decline so she had no interest in making a recording.  SOLD

Published in: on March 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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LINA CAVALIERI :ITALIAN OPERA STAR : STAGE BEAUTY :PORTRAIT BY REUTLINGER : 1906

Lina Cavalieri was an Italian operatic soprano and renowned beauty who captivated audiences in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on Christmas day in1874, in Viterbo, Italy, as Natalina Cavalieri, she would go on to become one of the most celebrated and iconic sopranos of her time. Cavalieri’s journey into the world of opera began at a young age when her exceptional vocal talent was discovered. She received formal training in Milan, where she honed her skills and developed a remarkable voice. Her operatic debut occurred in 1892 at the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele in Turin, and she quickly gained recognition for her powerful and expressive singing. In addition to her vocal prowess, Lina Cavalieri was known for her striking beauty, and she was often referred to as the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman.” Her enchanting looks and captivating stage presence helped elevate her status beyond the opera world. As her fame grew, she became a sought-after performer in major opera houses across Europe, including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Cavalieri’s repertoire included a wide range of operas, and she was particularly acclaimed for her performances in works by composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Her ability to convey emotion through her singing and her charismatic stage presence endeared her to audiences worldwide. Beyond her operatic career, Lina Cavalieri ventured into the world of acting and appeared in several silent films. Her beauty made her a natural fit for the burgeoning film industry, and she transitioned seamlessly between the stage and screen. Despite her success, Cavalieri faced personal challenges, including a tumultuous love life and financial difficulties. She had an affair with a Russian Prince and was married multiple times. Her marriages were often short-lived. Tragically, Lina Cavalieri’s life was cut short when she perished in an allied bombing run over Florence, Italy. She was killed running from her house to a bomb shelter. Her legacy lives on through recordings of her performances, photographs, and the enduring image of the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” who left an indelible mark on the world of opera and entertainment. Cavalieri’s photograph seen on this hand tinted postcard was taken by Leopold Reutlinger. The postcard has a 1906 postmark from Mexico. The card was published by SIP as part of a series (No. 52/19). SOLD

Published in: on December 26, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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