THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This is a finely preserved cabinet card portrait of the burlesque / stage actress Lizzie Harold (Comley) in full theatrical costume, shot by The Sparks Photo-Publishing Co., Philadelphia. The card bears a clear inscription of her name on the back and the stamp of Russell Brothers, Boston. Russell Bros. was likely a theatrical photo retailer or distributor. In this portrait she wears an elaborately embroidered jacket, fringed bloomers, fitted tights, and a tasseled cap, posed against a dreamy studio backdrop evoking a misty rural scene. The costume is striking, with excellent detail in the braid, fringe, buttons, and fabric textures. The card is in very good condition, with strong contrast and little wear (see scans). Lizzie Harold was a late 19th-century singer/dancer / burlesque performer whose portraiture was circulated in theatrical photography formats and trading cards. While her documented biography is limited, her promotional portraits are known among collectors of theatrical ephemera. It is important to note that research reveals that she is sometimes referred to as Lizzie Harold Comley or Elizabeth Harrold-Comley. SOLD

This vintage real postcard features a fascinating portrait of “An Orthodox Jew Of Jerusalem”. The photographer of this portrait is Shlomo Narinsky and the card was published in 1921 by the Jamal Brothers (located in Jerusalem, Palestine).  The name “Palestine” is used because Israel was not established until 1948, long after this postcard was printed. There is both Hebrew and Arabic printed on the reverse of this card. This postcard portrait is included in the collection of the US Library of Congress. The card is from the “American Colony in Jerusalem Collection”. The photographer, Shlomo Narinsky (1885-1960), was born in Southern Russia (Ukraine). In 1904/1905, he studied photography in Paris and Berlin. He returned to Russia only briefly before immigrating to Palestine. He opened a photography studio in Jerusalem. He produced many postcards focusing on Palestine. He was known for his use of light and shadow in order to give his images a soft and romantic air. Shlomo’s wife, Sonja, was also a very talented and highly esteemed photographer. SOLD

The actress featured in this postcard is Barnhieri, a likely French performer from the early 20th century. While little documentation exists about her, she appears to be part of the Belle Époque entertainment scene, possibly a cabaret or stage actress. Many performers of this era were celebrated through postcards such as this one, which served as promotional materials and souvenirs for admirers. In this hand-colored real photo postcard, Barnhieri is elegantly dressed in a delicate, sequined gown with intricate detailing, likely a stage costume. Her gown has sheer, embroidered fabric adorned with sequins and beads, and it is enhanced with a subtle pink tint. She wears a large, decorative fabric flower in her dark, elaborately styled hair, which frames her face beautifully. Her expression is warm and inviting, with a soft smile that conveys charm and confidence. The photographer of this portrait is Leopold Reutlinger, a famous Parisian photography studio known for capturing actresses, dancers, and celebrities of the Belle Époque. The back of this postcard carries a short handwritten message in French: “Doux baisers, Anna et Piery” (“Sweet kisses, Anna and Piery”). The card is addressed to Mademoiselle Anna in the town of Migennes in the Yonne department of France. A French green 5-centime stamp is affixed in the top right corner, featuring an allegorical figure. The postmark is dated 1907, confirming that this postcard was sent during the height of the Belle Époque period. SOLD

This cabinet card features a pretty young costumed actress playing the role of a crusader. Notice her sheathed sword, plumed helmet, and high boots. An ebayer has written me to say that the actress in this photograph is French operetta singer and actress, Laurence Grivot (1843-1890). However, I have not been able to confirm that identification. This lovely photograph comes from a well respected studio in Boston, Massachusetts. The studio is Warren’s Portraits and it was located at 465 Washington Street. The photographer was George K. Warren. Warren’s Studios photographed many celebrities and notable people in Boston. SOLD

This rare color tinted vintage real photo postcard features French artiste and courtesan, Manon Loty. Her photograph is by Leopold Reutlinger and the postcard was published by SIP as part of a series (No.987). The undivided card was published circa 1902. Loty was quite the beauty. Although there is no shortage photo postcards featuring Manon Loty, this particular card is rare. Loty was a popular entertainer. She was often seen at Maxime’s, a Paris gathering spot for wealthy royals and industrialists. Men made arrangements with the Belle Epoque courtesans who gathered there. A 1910 article in Pearson’s magazine, mentions her as an example of a “mercenary woman” SOLD

This charming 1938 advertising postcard from the Rawleigh Company announces the upcoming visit of a Rawleigh salesman to a retail customer, likely a small grocery or general store. The card serves as both a product advertisement and a practical reminder of an in-person sales call — a common strategy used by Rawleigh in their extensive door-to-door and small-business sales operations. The front of the postcard is colorfully illustrated with a box of Rawleigh’s Doughnut Mix alongside a plate of golden fried doughnuts, while the reverse features bottles of Rawleigh Vanilla Compounds and a beautifully frosted layer cake. The ad copy promotes doughnut and gingerbread mixes, vanilla flavorings, malted milk, and other desserts — emphasizing convenience and taste, with phrases like “Folks Go Wild About Them” and “What Women Prefer.” The card is marked “Printed in USA – 5-38-500m”, indicating it was printed in May 1938. It also carries the promotional code “Adv. Not. 38-14.” The W.T. Rawleigh Company was founded in 1889 in Freeport, Illinois by William Thomas Rawleigh. Originally focused on home remedies, the company became one of the leading door-to-door distributors of household products in North America, offering everything from vanilla extract and liniment to spices, flavorings, baking supplies, and household cleaners. Rawleigh salesmen (known as Rawleigh men) became familiar figures in American towns and rural areas throughout the early 20th century. They were known for bringing their products directly to consumers, sometimes traveling by horse and buggy in the early days. The brand built a reputation for reliability, quality, and variety. Though its dominance faded in the postwar era, Rawleigh continued into the late 20th century and its legacy lives on — the name was revived and Rawleigh products are still available today under the umbrella of Vitasource. This postcard is in excellent vintage condition with vivid color, strong printing, and clean edges. It is unused and unposted, with a blank address section on the back (see scans).

This vintage Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $8.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236803635141

This striking vintage risque postcard features a dramatic sepia-toned studio portrait of Emma Darwin, identified by name printed in the upper right corner. The image captures her in an elegant, theatrical pose, standing barefoot with a long, sheer drape flowing from her arms to the floor. Her short, softly waved bob hairstyle and confident gaze are characteristic of the Art Deco era, strongly suggesting the 1920s. The composition is highly stylized, with a soft-focus woodland backdrop and carefully arranged fabric creating movement and sensuality without explicit nudity. The presence of French text on the reverse — “Carte Postale” with “Correspondance” and “Adresse” — supports French publication. The card appears to be of continental European origin, most likely French, and dates to circa 1925, which aligns well with the hairstyle, fashion, and theatrical styling. The publisher or photographer is not explicitly named beyond the logo (located near bottom right corner), which may represent the studio or publishing house. Without a clear imprint, this is likely a French studio production distributed commercially during the mid-1920s. These types of theatrical and dance portrait postcards were popular collectibles during the interwar period. Regarding Emma Darwin, she appears to have been a stage performer or exotic dancer active in the 1920s, likely within European cabaret or theatrical circuits. Preliminary research revealed no information about a dancer with that name. Her styling is consistent with continental revue, cabaret, or interpretive dance performers of the Art Deco period. This is a beautiful example of 1920s Art Deco performance photography, combining elegance, theatrical flair, and continental European style.  SOLD

A charming and intimate real photo postcard capturing two young girls—likely sisters—posed together outdoors beside a calm body of water. The older child stands protectively with her arm gently resting across the younger girl’s shoulder, creating a tender and natural composition that speaks to familial closeness. Both girls wear light summer dresses with delicate trim, matching socks, and sturdy leather shoes typical of the late 1920s into the 1930s period. Their large hair bows and the younger child’s curly hairstyle add a delightful touch of personality and period charm. The photograph appears to have been taken in a casual, possibly lakeside or park setting, with softly blurred water in the background providing a pleasing contrast to the crisp focus on the children. The candid warmth of their expressions—especially the older girl’s broad, confident smile—makes this an especially appealing image. This postcard has pleasing tonal range and clear detail. The postcard has minor edge and corner wear. 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/336571041092

This vintage real photo postcard features Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife, Crown Princess Cecilie. The photo was taken by the Emilie Bieber studio (Berlin and Hamburg). She was a very successful and talented photographer during a time when female photographers were uncommon. The postcard was published by Von Gustav Liersch. Readers may be wondering about these Royals. Who are these people? Prince Wilhelm (1882-1951) was the last Crown Prince of Prussia and the German Empire. He married Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1886-1954) in 1905. The pair’s marriage wasn’t rock solid. The Crown Prince had affairs with both American opera singer Geraldine Farrar and dancer Mata Hari. This vintage photo has a German stamp and is postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)

This elegant early twentieth-century Romanian postcard features a beautiful portrait of A.S.R. Printesa Maria, identified clearly along the lower margin of the image. “A.S.R.” stands for Alteța Sa Regală—Her Royal Highness. The reverse of the card is printed in red ink and the card is identified as part of a Romanian royal series issued by A. Brand of Sinaia, with distribution by C. Sfetea of Bucharest, both known for publishing royal portrait postcards in the early 1900s. Based on the divided back and typography, this card likely dates from approximately 1905 to 1915. Princess Maria of Romania (1900-1961) was the daughter of King Ferdinand I of Romania and Queen Marie of Romania. Her mother, Queen Marie, was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Tsar Alexander II of Russia, placing Princess Maria within the wider network of European royalty. In 1922, Princess Maria married King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and became Queen Maria of Yugoslavia. After her husband’s assassination in 1934, she became Queen Mother and remained an important royal figure until her death on June 22, 1961. This portrait therefore captures a young princess who would later ascend to queenship in another European monarchy. The portrait itself is refined and beautifully composed. Princess Maria is shown as a young woman wearing a soft, fur-trimmed hat adorned with a plume. Her long hair falls naturally over her shoulders, and she wears a delicate pendant necklace. The lighting is soft and flattering, typical of formal royal portraiture of the period, and her thoughtful sideways gaze lends the image a dignified and almost romantic quality. The sepia tones remain warm and appealing, enhancing the overall aesthetic of this early royal postcard. SOLD