THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This original New York State Prison Department Bureau of Identification mugshot card documents inmate Marco Spiak, prisoner number C9516, photographed and examined in 1911. The card features the classic dual-view mugshot format—profile and frontal portraits—paired with extensive Bertillon-era anthropometric measurements, making it a particularly information-rich and visually compelling early criminal identification record. Spiak is shown wearing a dark suit and bow tie, lending the images a striking contrast between formal appearance and institutional context. His identification number C9516 is clearly visible on the frontal image, anchoring the photograph firmly within the New York State prison system. Recorded measurements and identifiers include: his height (5’4.5″), his weight (137.5 lbs), and race (white). Recorded measurements were relied upon because finger-printing was not in wide use at the time that this mug show created. Spiak was from Troy, New York (Rensselaer County). He was sentenced in 1911 for felony assault in the first degree (assault on a man with a gun). He was sentenced to a minimum of 2 years, 6months to a maximum of 8 years and six months. Spiak was no stranger to the criminal justice system. In 1907 he was sentenced in Rochester, New York for 17 months and in 1910 he was sentenced in Albany, New York for 4 months. Spiak was a recidivist (repeat offender). SOLD

This striking vintage sheet music for “Dream Girl” features words and music by H. Ross Cleveland and was published by the A.J. Stasny Music Company of New York, a prominent Tin Pan Alley firm known for producing visually appealing and widely distributed popular music during the early 20th century. The cover is the real standout—an exquisitely rendered portrait of a young woman with glowing skin, softly curled hair, and vivid, expressive eyes. The cover was created by Rolf Armstrong, one of the most celebrated American illustrators of the period. Armstrong was renowned for his idealized, glamorous female portraits—often referred to as “American Beauties”—and his work helped define the look of magazine covers and advertising art in the 1910s and 1920s. H. Ross Cleveland wrote the words and music for “Dream Girl”. He was one of the many composers working during the Tin Pan Alley era, contributing songs meant for home performance and popular entertainment. “Dream Girl” fits squarely into the sentimental popular song / ballad genre, centered on themes of romance and idealized love. This sheet music captures the spirit of its time beautifully. Between the evocative title, the romantic theme, and the Armstrong artwork, it is highly displayable. In regard to condition, this sheet music is in very good condition. I scanned every page so you can judge for yourself (see scans).

This Sheet Music is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $18.00 or best offer. 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336588722936

This vintage real photo postcard (RPPC) features the actress Miss Florence Lloyd, elegantly posed in a full-length studio portrait. The photograph was taken by Dover Street Studios and published by Rotary Photo, one of the leading postcard publishers of the Edwardian era. The card is part of the Rotary Photographic Series and is numbered 1719 F. Florence Lloyd is shown in a lavish gown decorated with beaded embellishments, floral embroidery, and flowing panels of satin and chiffon. Her elaborate dress is paired with a sparkling jeweled choker and necklace, giving her the refined look of an Edwardian stage star. Her dark hair is styled in the fashionable upswept manner of the period, adding to her striking appearance. What makes this portrait especially fascinating is her unexpected pose: Lloyd holds a cigarette delicately in her right hand while exhaling smoke rings that are faintly visible in the studio air. At the time this postcard was produced (circa 1905–1910), public smoking by women was still considered improper and even scandalous in polite society. Smoking was associated with rebellion and the changing roles of women in modern life, and it did not become broadly acceptable for women to smoke in public until the 1920s and 1930s, as social norms shifted during and after World War I. This photograph captures not just an actress, but a provocative image challenging Edwardian conventions. Her expression is one of poise and slight detachment, with her gaze turned upward as if lost in thought. The combination of elegance, theatricality, and a hint of defiance makes this an unusually compelling postcard. Lloyd was English and the daughter of actor Samuel Lloyd. She often acted as a boy impersonator. In 1905 she acted in New Zealand as part of a theatrical tour. Lloyd was a Gaiety Girl for George Edwardes & Co. in 1894. The reverse of this postcard reveals that it is a divided back card. This postcard is in very good condition for its age. There is only light corner and edge wear with no creases or tears. The photographic clarity remains sharp, with strong tones and detail (see scans). 

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $14.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236387956086

This cabinet card photograph, produced by the Hathaway studio located at 15th & Lawrence in Denver, Colorado, portrays a man and a young child, affectionately referred to as “Big Montie and Little Montie” (as inscribed on the reverse of the card). The man, likely “Big Montie,” exudes confidence and sophistication. He wears a dark overcoat with broad lapels and a top hat, giving him a distinguished and formal appearance. His neatly groomed mustache complements his poised expression, suggesting an air of dignity. The child, “Little Montie,” is bundled in a luxurious, fur-lined coat and a stylish cap, radiating charm and warmth. Their close pose and cheerful expressions convey a sense of familial love and pride. “Little Montie” is holding a charming toy—a small wooden or metal carriage with wheels, likely a doll-sized pram. This prop adds a playful and endearing element to the portrait, The scalloped edges of the card add a decorative and elegant touch. The photo features a neutral studio backdrop, keeping the focus entirely on the subjects. This photograph was taken at the Hathaway studio in Denver, Colorado. (SOLD)

This vintage postcard features an alluring young woman sitting on a chair and resting her feet on a small table. The woman is an Oriental Dancer, sometimes referred to as a Belly Dancer. She is wearing a risque costume and holding a tambourine. She is in a room decorated with oriental rugs. Note the parrot on a perch behind the dancer. Oriental dance is one of the oldest dance styles in the world. It’s origins are not clear. Centuries ago women did ritual dances (oriental dancing) in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Dancers in ancient Greece and Rome did their version of Oriental dancing which included hip and pelvic gyrations. It is thought that Oriental dancing may have been born in Egypt during ancient times. This Arabic expressive dancing varies in costume and dance style. depending on country and region. The Egyptian style is most well known around the world. This is an undivided postcard of French origin. The publisher is unknown. This vintage postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $36.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336221800802

This striking 19th-century cabinet card portrait features Frederick Augustus Porter Barnard (1809–1889), a towering figure in American higher education and one of the most consequential university presidents of his era. Barnard served as President of Columbia University from 1864 to 1889, transforming the institution from a modest college into a leading modern university. During his 25-year tenure, he expanded Columbia’s faculty, improved academic standards, and championed scientific education at a time when American universities were only beginning to embrace research-based scholarship. Barnard was also a pioneering advocate for women’s higher education, a stance unusual in his time. His work and influence ultimately led to the founding of Barnard College in 1889, named in his honor shortly after his death. A respected scientist and polymath, Barnard contributed in fields ranging from astronomy to mathematics, and his legacy remains deeply woven into Columbia’s history and American academia more broadly. This portrait was created by the prestigious New York studio Pach Brothers, one of the most esteemed photographic firms of the 19th century. Renowned for their refined lighting, elegant posing, and superb printing, Pach Bros. was the official photographer for many elite institutions—including Columbia University—and produced portraits of prominent Americans, scholars, and social leaders. This elegant cabinet card is a classic example of their work, exquisitely capturing Barnard’s thoughtful expression, dignified bearing, and signature long beard and spectacles. The image presents Barnard in profile-three-quarter view, his gaze steady and contemplative. His crisp white collar and formal coat enhance the scholarly and statesmanlike presence that characterized his career. This is a historically meaningful portrait of one of Columbia’s most transformative figures, taken by one of New York’s most important portrait studios. (SOLD)

This early 20th-century real photo postcard captures a rare and picturesque streetscape of East Northport, Long Island, New York, featuring the community’s original firehouse. The shingled, two-story building stands proudly at the roadside, crowned with a distinctive bell tower—a classic architectural feature of early volunteer fire departments. This was the heart of early firefighting efforts in East Northport, a town transitioning from rural farmland to a growing residential community. A single early automobile travels down the unpaved road. Telephone poles line the street, hinting at modernization, while modest barns and shops dot the horizon, portraying a quiet village not yet transformed by suburban expansion. The scene feels peaceful and full of small-town charm, capturing a moment before paved roads, traffic lights, and strip-malls changed the region forever. The East Northport Fire Department was established in 1908. The volunteer firemen not only fought fires but they built the fire service themselves. They funded constructing a building with a strawberry festival and other fund raising events. By 1909 the building was complete. In 1923 the department began to receive tax payer support. Today the East Northport fire department has multiple locations. This albertype postcard was published by C. E. Robertson. The card provides not only a historical view but also a personal touch—having been used and mailed locally to a resident of East Northport. The message adds warmth, revealing everyday life during this era, when postcards served as quick notes between friends and family. The following is a transcription of the message on the card. “Dear Jessie, You & Evelyn be good little girls and we will be back soon. Tell Evelyn to go to sleep early and wait for a letter in the next mail. Love from Ma & Pa.”   (SOLD)

The pretty actress seen on this vintage real photo postcard is Iris Hoey (1885-1979). She has a beautiful smile. Hoey was a British actress who performed in the first half of the twentieth century. She appeared in both stage and movie roles. Iris was born in London. Her father was a professor of economics. She began her career in straight theater and in musical comedies. Her first film appearance was in 1922. She was very active in the 1930’s working in film but still found time for theater. Th IMDb credits her with 20 acting roles in films. They range from 1922 to 1954. The IBDb reports that Hoey performed in two Broadway shows. Twelve portraits of Iris Hoey are part of the collection of Great Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. Hoey is considered to be among the prettiest actresses of her era. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.2010E). The initials “AN” can be seen in the bottom left corner of the image. Alfred Noyer was a highly prominent and acclaimed French photographer and publisher based in Paris. This vintage postcard is in overall Good Condition. There is minor surface and corner wear present. This closeup photo of Miss Hoey presents well (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $12.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336619869675

This charming Victorian cabinet card photograph shows two children posed in a theatrical studio scene, almost certainly intended to evoke the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.” The young girl and boy stand on either side of a metal pail, each holding the handle, with a painted woodland backdrop behind them. Their costuming adds to the theatrical quality of the image: the girl wears a light dress with a decorated hat, while the boy wears a belted outfit, high socks, and a brimmed hat. The composition has wonderful storybook appeal. The photograph was produced by C. W. Smartt who operated studios in Leamington and Stratford on Avon (United Kingdom). The cabinet card is in good antique condition overall, with typical age-related wear. The photograph has light fading and spotting. The reverse has general age toning and surface wear. The photographer’s backmark remains attractive and legible (see scans).

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $32.00 at auction.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236845472745

This attractive Edwardian theatrical postcard (postmarked 1908) features Miss Daisy Thimm, a British stage actress active during the early years of the twentieth century. Thimm belonged to the world of Edwardian stage performers whose portraits were issued on postcards and cigarette cards for admirers of the theatre. Her image appeared in the W.D. & H.O. Wills cigarette-card series of actresses, and Raphael Tuck also issued a postcard series devoted to her, placing her firmly within the popular postcard culture of the early 1900s. Daisy Thimm’s biographical information is difficult to find. However, there is enough information accessible to confirm that she achieved real professional visibility in the British theatre and was not merely an anonymous chorus performer. Thimm was associated with notable stage roles including Christina in Ib and Little Christina, Ermengarde in The Little Princess, and Leonie in There’s Many a Slip. She also appeared in connection with productions such as Sweet Lavender and Memory’s Garden, and worked in the theatrical world of the West End and the British provincial circuits. Contemporary theatrical notices suggest that she was a capable and appealing performer, praised for the charm and vivacity she brought to her roles. Miss Thimm is pretty and well dressed in this postcard photograph. She is flashing a pretty smile. The card was published by Hartmann as part of a series (1674). This original vintage postcard is in fair to good antique condition  and is priced accordingly. The postcard has age-appropriate wear visible on both the front and reverse. The front image of Daisy Thimm remains attractive and clear, with good contrast and strong overall visual appeal. There is noticeable surface wear and discoloration along the lower portion of the image especially near the printed name and series number, where there appears to be staining. The edges and corners show typical handling wear. The card has been postally used, with a one-penny green British stamp and a clear circular postmark (see scans). 

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $9.85 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236845444234