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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ALEXANDRA DAGMAR : MUSIC HALL PERFORMER & PANTOMIMIST : RPPC 1904

This vintage real photo postcard features music hall vocalist and pantomime performer, Alexandra Dagmar (1868-1940). Dagmar appears to be making a toast in the postcard’s photo. She was born in Polar, England to Danish born parents. Her father was a ship chandler (seller of ship supplies and equipment), and later a wholesale provision merchant. Dagmar came to the public’s attention at the Grand National Amphitheatre in London. where she appeared in “Richard III”. She subsequently toured the United States where she met Edmond DeCelle (1854-1920), a tenor, who she married in New York (1888).The pair appeared together in both the United States and Great Britain for a few years until Dagmar resumed her solo career. She retired upon the onset of the First World War and she and her family made the US her home. She died in Mobile, Alabama at about 72 years of age. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1682). The photo on this card was taken by the Langfer studio which was located in Glasgow, Scotland. This postcard was postmarked in Derby in 1904.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 18, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MISS ELIZABETH FIRTH : SINGER, ACTRESS, AND PHILANTHROPIST (1908)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature soprano, actress, and philanthropist, ElizabethFirth (1880-1960). Although she was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, she became an accomplished singer and actress on the English stage. When she lived in Phillipsburg, she was known as “Jimmy” Firth. The nickname, Jimmy, came courtesy of her beloved father. She went by this moniker with her most intimate friends as well as among those in her theatre world. “Jimmy” graduated from high school in New Jersey and sang as a soprano soloist in the choir of her church. She then entered the New York Conservatory of Music. At a concert at New York City’s Waldorf-Astoria, she came to the attention of a leading London musical directress. Miss Firth then appeared in a few theatrical productions, including a small part in a play starring Viola Allen. In 1903 she accepted an offer to do an English concert tour. Before she could return to the United States, she was signed to a three year contract to act and sing on the English stage. She experienced a great deal of success in Gaiety theatre productions. Among her major roles was her appearance as Natalie, in the “Merry Widow”. The production was in 1907 at the Daly Theatre. Other actors in the play included Lily Elsie and Gabrielle Ray. Five portraits of the actress can be found in England’s National Portrait Gallery. She was known as a beautiful woman. One writer described her as “tall and slender” and that she had a “clear blond complexion along with blue eyes”. She was also considered one of the best dressed women in London. While in England, the actress visited her parents in the US annually and also engaged in theatrical tours there. “Jimmy” was a charitable woman and she established the “Elizabeth Firth Wade Foundation Endowment Fund”. Among the groups work was the building a a Youth Center in Phillipsburg. The foundation is still operating. Firth was married to a widower from Cleveland, Ohio. They wed in New York City in 1931.

Postcard 1 features a portrait taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio from the 1900’s through the 1920’s.. The postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.4829 B). This postcard was postmarked in 1908 and is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 features Miss Firth in her role as “Olga” in “The Dollar Princess”. Her photograph was taken by Rita Martin. Miss Martin was well known for her expertise in taking portraits of theater stars and other celebrities. The postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.4486 F). The writer of the message on this postcard dated it “1911”. The correspondent also provided an illustration of a barking dog along with their message. The sender of this postcard used sealing wax on the card. I have not seen sealing wax used on a postcard before.  Sealing was is usually used to confirm one’s identity or to secure privacy of the contents of an envelope.  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on October 31, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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MISS GAYNOR ROWLANDS : ENGLISH STAGE ACTRESS; SINGER, AND DANCER

POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature English actress, singer, and dancer, Gaynor Rowlands (1883-1906). She carried the nickname of “The Nightingale of Wales”. She started her career in Empire Theatres’s Ballet. Upon graduation, she joined the company chorus line of George Edwarde’s Gaiety Theatre. She toured India in 1901/02. She quickly became a star and she became the most photographed of the “Gaiety Girls”. She was a popular subject of photo postcards and theatre magazine articles. Rowland’s life was cut short when she died of heart failure at the age of twenty-three after surgery for appendicitis. Eight portraits of Gaynor are in England’s National Portrait Gallery. The IMDb reports that she has one film in her filmography. lt was released in 1905.

Postcard 1 is a pretty portrait of Miss Rowlands that was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of the Glosso Postcard Series (No. 5709) and the “Celebrities of the Stage Series”. The writer of this postcard used only one word to describe Gaynor. That word is “Lovely”. There is no doubt about the date that this postcard was written and sent. Not only does the postmark reveal that this card was mailed in 1905, but the writer wrote the same date on the front of the postcard. The card was mailed from Hounslow, a borough of London. This postcard is in good condition (see scans).

Postcard 2 is a portrait postcard that was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No. 1615U). Note Miss Rowland’s necklace and earrings. The message on this card offers Christmas greetings. The postcard was postmarked on Christmas day in 1908. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans). (SOLD)

Postcard 3 was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.1887 T). Embedded in the image is the logo for “Play Pictorial”. The postcard was posted with a British stamp and a postmark from 1906. The card is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 4 was published by Davidson Bros. as part of the “Glossyphoto” series (No.1417). The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD) 

Postcard 5 was published by Ralph Dunn & Company which operated out of London, England. The card is part of a series (no.418). The postcard was manufactured in Berlin, Germany and is in very good condition (see scans).                                                                                                        

Postcard 6 was published by Rapid Photo as part of the Silverprint series (No.3923). The postcard is of British origin.   (SOLD)                   .

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3549

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #3924

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Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5146

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POSTCARD 1
POSTCARD 2
POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 5

POSTCARD 6

Published in: on October 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FRED BILLINGTON : ENGLISH SINGER & ACTOR : CELEBRITIES OF THE STAGE : TUCK RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features English singer and actor, Fred Billington (1854-1917). He is most identified for his baritone roles in the Savoy Operas. He performed with the D’Orly Carte Opera Company from 1879 until his death (1917). Billington also performed in America. His resume includes one stint on Broadway, in the play, “Ruddigore (1887). He also performed in a command performance of “The Mikado” (1891) for Queen Victoria. In 1917, was asked to lunch by the Rupert Carte, the proprietor of the D’Orly Carte Opera Company. Billington was informed that it was time for him to retire from the company. He was considered too past his prime. After finishing lunch and Carte’s departure from the restaurant, Billington sat and chatted with a waiter. When it was time for Billington to leave, he stood up from the table, walked toward the exit, and dropped dead. This postcard was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of the Celebrities of the Stage series (no.T1248). SOLD

Published in: on October 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CONCHITA MONTENEGRO : SPANISH MODEL, DANCER, AND STAGE AND SCREEN ACTRESS

This vintage real photo postcard features Spanish model, dancer, and stage and screen actress, Conchita Montenegro (1911-2007). Montenegro learned classical and Spanish dance as a child. She is remembered for revolutionizing Spanish Dance. She transitioned to dramatic acting and starred in a number of productions. By the time she reached 13 years of age, she was famous in Hollywood, France, and Germany. She started in Hollywood with a contract with Metro Goldwyn Mayer. She began her film career in Spanish language versions of MGM movies. She quickly moved into American movies and her fame grew. In 1931, she left MGM for Fox Films. That same year, while on the way to shoot “The Cisco Kid” in Tucson, Arizona; she and many of the film crew and actors were involved in a serious train crash (derailment). In 1931, Fox named three of it’s actresses as “Fox debutante stars” and vowed to do so annually. Montenero, Helen Mack, and Linda Watkins were in the first trio that Fox honored as most likely to achieve stardom. Fox was competing with “WAMPAS Baby Stars” in forming this group of future stars. At times, Montenegro would perform at premiers of new films. She was able to showcase her multi talents, including vaudeville acts, at these shows. The IMDb credits Montenegro with 39 film appearances between 1927 and 1944. She played Lola Montes in the 1944 biopic. This vintage postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.5932/1). Note the logo for Metro Goldwyn Mayer in the bottom right hand corner of the image. Since Montenegro worked for MGM around 1930, she must have been around 19 years old when this photograph was taken. This postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5106

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Published in: on August 2, 2023 at 10:59 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ETHEL CADMAN : BRITISH COMIC OPERA STAR : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features British actress, Ethel Cadman. She appears to be in costume. Theater Magazine (1910) did a profile of her when she came to the United States to perform in the Broadway production of “The Arcadians”. Critics who saw her perform in the play, considered her as one of the sweetest singers that England had ever sent to America. At the time, she was just 24 years old. Her musical ability and her grace created instant popularity in New York. The article notes that when Cadman left for America, her mother was extremely ill with influenza. Her mother encouraged Cadman to leave and predicted great success was awaiting her on this tour. The plan was for her mother to follow her to the US when she regained her health. When Cadman arrived in New York, she learned that her mother had died. The article states that Cadman inherited her “lark like” voice and musical talent from her mother who was a choir singer. At age eleven, she sang from “The Messiah” at a country church. She received her musical training from the Guild Hall Music school. Her professional debut was with the Mudie Manners Opera Company. She spent seven months in the chorus but then was elevated to become a prima dona. She performed in a number of operas until she met theatrical producer, George Edwardes, who introduced her to comic operas. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (No.4368E). The photographer who took Cadman’s portrait was Langfier. This postcard is unused and in good condition (see scans).  SOLD

Published in: on June 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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LEILA NEGRA : FILM ACTRESS : SINGER : NURSE : TEDDY BEAR : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features German born film actress, singer, and nurse, Leila Negra (1930-). She looks adorable posing with her teddy bear. She spent the beginning of her career as a child film actress in the 1940’s, became a singer post World War II, and in the late 1950’s, she became a nurse. Her father was a British sailor who emigrated there from Ghana. He was not involved raising Leila. Her mom was the daughter of a white German woman and a Creole man from Martinique. Due to her mothers family not accepting the birth of Leila, her mother placed Leila in an orphanage where she remained for the first three years of her life. Her mother took her from the orphanage and moved to Hamburg to be near Leila’s grandmother. Leila’s mom worked as a musician. When Leila was ten years old, her mother died from a botched abortion. Leila’s parenting was taken over by her grandmother. Growing up, Leila was exposed to horrible racism. The Nazis ended her education and placed her into forced labor in a factory. Her film career was initiated by Joseph Goebbels, Germany’s Minister of Propaganda. He was recruiting black children to play African natives in government UFA films. Her film debut was in “Munchhausen” (1943). The IMDb credits her with six film appearances. In 1957, she began training as a nurse. Nursing became her second career. This vintage postcard portrait was published by Veb Volkskunstverl. The firm was located in Reichenbach, Germany. Leila was photographed for this postcard by the Bruggemann studio, located in Leipzig, Germany. SOLD

Published in: on June 13, 2023 at 8:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ERNA SACK : “GERMAN NIGHTINGALE” : OPERA STAR AND ACTRESS

This vintage real photo postcard features German soprano, Erna Sack (1898-1972). Her nickname was the “German Nightingale” due to her high vocal range.  She looks pretty in her dizzying attire and her feathered hat. Her blonde hair has been styled into ringlets. Sack was a very successful opera star. She toured all around the world. She also made many radio appearances and recordings. She performed in two movies,  Flowers from Nice (1936) and Nanon (1938).This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (no. A1930/1). The logo for the film company, UFA can be seen in the right hand lower corner of the image. Miss Sack’s photo was taken by the Hammerer studio. She also toured in the United States and one of the venues in her tour was Carnegie Hall. (SOLD)

Published in: on March 22, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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CLARA BUTT : ENGLISH CONTRALTO : POPULAR OPERA SINGER : RPPC (1908)

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature English contralto, Clara Butt (1872-1936). She was an extremely popular singer from the 1890’s through the 1920’s. Postcard 1 and 2 identifies her by her married name, “Mrs Kennerley Rumford”. Butt mainly performed in recitals and concerts. She only performed in two actual operas. In her late career, she performed with her husband, baritone Kennerley Rumford. Butt was also a popular recording artist. She made numerous records. Butt was bron in Southwick, Sussex. Her father was a sea captain. When Butt was about 8 years old, she and her family moved to Bristol, where she received her education and her ability to sing was recognized. She received musical training and sang in the Bristol Festival Chorus. At 18 years old, Butt won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music. She also studied music in Paris, Berlin, and Italy. Her professional debut occured in 1892 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Early in her career, critics noted her high level of talent and predicted she would be very succcessful. The critics were not wrong. In 1890, Butt married baritone Kennerley Rumford. The pair appeared often appeared together in concert. Butt sang command performances for two Kings and one Queen. She toured much of the world.

Postcard 1 measures about 3.25 x 5.25 inches. This card was published by Rotary Photo as part of their “Rotary Photographic Plate Sunk Gem Series (no.P.269.H). The card has a 1908 postmark.  (SOLD)

Postcard 2 This card was published by Rotary Photo as part of their “Rotary Photographic Series (no.2647 O).  (SOLD)

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on March 11, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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