THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

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

This is a beautiful hand-tinted French theatrical postcard featuring Miss Connerly, identified by name in the image at the upper right. She is shown in an elaborate Belle Époque costume, wearing a large lace-trimmed hat with a prominent bow, curled hair, and a soft, theatrical expression. The pink and blue hand-coloring on her costume adds greatly to the charm of the card and gives it much decorative appeal. The photographer of this image was Sazerac who operated a studio in Paris. More specifically, the studio was located at the “Hotel Prive” in Paris. Sazerac is associated with French performer and showgirl postcards of the early 1900s, including portraits of actresses and music-hall women. Note the star publishing mark (Etoile) used by G. Piprot , a publisher strongly associated with Belle Époque theatrical postcards. The reverse identifies this card as Série N. 866 — Th. 118. The card was mailed in France and is addressed to Rouen, capital of Normandy. The message reads “Bonne année à tous,” which translates as “Happy New Year to everyone.” The stamp is a French green 5 centimes stamp, consistent with early 20th-century French postal use. This antique postcard shows expected age and handling wear. The front has light soiling and mild corner wear. The hand-coloring remains attractive, especially the pink tones in the hat and dress and the blue accent along the costume. The reverse shows postal use, handwriting, a French stamp and postmark, and blacked-out areas in the address section. Overall, this is a visually appealing Belle Époque actress postcard with strong Paris theatrical-publishing interest. See Scans.

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236848250696

This antique divided back real photo postcard features a sweet and adorable little girl sitting cross-legged on a chair. The girl is holding a flower. She is fashionably dressed and has a bow in her hair. Note her above ankle shoes. The postcard has an Artura stamp box indicating it was produced sometime between 1910 and 1924.  (SOLD)