THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This attractive and unusual New Year’s real photo postcard features actress Eleanor Gaines, shown in a studio portrait with a printed facsimile inscription reading “Cordially Yours Eleanor Gaines.” The card carries the Lubin bell trademark in the upper right corner, identifying the image as connected with the Lubin Manufacturing Company, one of the early American motion picture studios of the silent film era. Founded by Siegmund Lubin in Philadelphia in the late 1890s, the Lubin Manufacturing Company became one of the major early film producers and distributors in the United States and was especially active between about 1905 and 1915. Lubin produced silent films, distributed prints internationally, and promoted actors who appeared in their productions, often issuing promotional postcards such as this one for publicity and theater promotion. The reverse of the card is particularly interesting and helps explain the purpose of the postcard. It reads: “With the compliments of Haywards Pictures, Ltd. Established Wanganui, November 5th, 1909. Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.” This identifies Haywards Pictures, Ltd. as the distributor or exhibitor. Haywards Pictures was an early motion picture exhibition company based in Wanganui (now spelled Whanganui), New Zealand, not in the United States or Britain. The Hayward family were important early cinema exhibitors in New Zealand, operating theaters and showing imported films, including American productions such as those made by Lubin. The card advertises screenings “Every Evening at the Lyceum Theatre, Royal Pictures, Opera House, when advertised,” which refers to local theaters in Wanganui where Haywards Pictures showed motion pictures. This places the postcard firmly in the early international film distribution network of the silent era, when American films were shipped abroad and exhibited by local companies. The printed New Year’s greeting and verse appear to be a promotional slogan rather than a quotation from a known literary source, and were likely written for advertising purposes, reflecting the early film industry’s emphasis on entertainment and spectacle: “To the world, the world we show—We make the world to laugh—And teach each hemisphere how lives the other half.” The small print at the lower left of the reverse reads Hatherly & Johnson, Print, who were printers operating in New Zealand and produced promotional material and postcards such as this for local businesses and theaters. Eleanor Gaines herself appears to have been one of the actresses associated with Lubin film productions during the early silent film period, likely around 1908–1912, when Lubin was actively promoting performers through postcards and theater advertising. Many Lubin players were stage-trained actresses who appeared in short silent films distributed internationally, and promotional postcards like this were produced for theaters to hand out to patrons, especially around holidays such as New Year’s, both as souvenirs and advertisements for upcoming motion picture programs. The number “45” on the front indicates this postcard was part of a numbered promotional series. SOLD

This vintage real photo postcard features a portrait of five lovely young woman sitting around a table. One of the women appears to have an unknown ethnic background or is a Black woman. This photograph was taken by Alec Roberts at the Piershill Studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. SOLD

This unusual vintage advertising piece appears to be a bookmark or advertising insert promoting Pears JIF Shaving Stick or Cream. The piece measures approximately 2 1/8 inches wide by about 6 inches tall, a size and shape consistent with promotional bookmarks or advertising inserts that would have been distributed in shops, included in product packaging, or handed out as promotional items. The front features a striking graphic illustration of a clean-shaven man alongside a tube and shaving stick container labeled “Pears JIF for Shaving – Stick or Cream.” The price 6d (six pence) is printed near the bottom. The currency indicates British pricing and suggesting this item was produced for the British market. The design, typography, and illustration style are very characteristic of 1930s advertising art. The reverse side has a handwritten inscription. Pears was a famous British soap company founded in the late 18th century by Andrew Pears in London. Pears became internationally known for its transparent glycerin soap and was one of the earliest companies to use modern advertising and promotional items, including prints, cards, and advertising novelties like this one. Pears JIF Shaving Cream was one of their shaving products marketed in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s–1930s, when shaving sticks and creams in tubes became popular. The “JIF” brand was a Pears shaving preparation marketed for convenience and a smooth shave. The Pears company was eventually absorbed into larger corporations over time. The Pears brand itself survived into the late 20th century and still exists today as a soap brand, though many of the early products such as JIF shaving cream disappeared decades ago. Based on the graphic style, pricing in pence, and product packaging shown, this advertising bookmark most likely dates to the 1930s.The bookmark is in good vintage condition. There is some light wear consistent with use. There is a light crease near the gentleman’s hairline. The reverse has a handwritten inscription. Overall, it displays very well and is an unusual and attractive piece of vintage shaving advertising. See scans. 

This advertising item is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236738751926

This vintage real photo postcard 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.  It was published by E. A. Schwerdtfeger Company of London and printed in Berlin (no. 0291/5). 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 (Paris). The creator of Miss Deslys’s hat is also credited (Lewis). Gaby Deslys is shown in a softly lit studio setting, posed in a three-quarter view and looking directly toward the camera with a gentle, confident smile. Her expression is warm and engaging. She is wearing a fashionable cloche-style hat adorned with an enormous silk bow, dramatically oversized and extending widely on both sides of the hat. The bow has been hand-colored in a deep blue tone, making it the most visually striking element in the photograph. The photograph itself is sepia-toned, but selective hand-coloring has been applied to parts of her clothing—most notably the bow, the yellow lining of her coat or wrap, and subtle tinting on her blouse—creating a refined, elegant effect. Deslys is dressed in an elegant outfit consisting of a dark wrap or coat with a light-colored lining, worn over a delicate lace blouse. Around her neck she wears multiple strands of pearls, reinforcing her image as a glamorous stage celebrity. On her right hand she wears a ring, and her hand is posed lightly against her coat lapel, a classic studio pose meant to convey poise and sophistication. The background is softly blurred and neutral, ensuring full attention remains on the sitter. The overall composition—large hat, pearls, lace, and hand coloring—creates a strong sense of Parisian fashion and theatrical elegance from the late 1910s or early 1920s. Overall, this is a striking and stylish Paris studio portrait that captures Gaby Deslys at the height of her fame, emphasizing fashion, glamour, and personality—everything that made her one of the most famous French music hall stars of her era. This vintage postcard is in excellent condition (see scans).

This vintage postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $45.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336520522171

This vintage real photo postcard features a seven member basketball team and their coach. One player holds a ball marked with the team’s name (initials only) and the year 1914. Note the player’s uniforms. Long baggy shorts and tank top shirts were the order of the day. It is interesting to note, that just like the present, the team’s coach wears a suit for photos and games. SOLD

This beautiful antique postcard features French opera singer Jane Boïé, shown in a soft-focus studio portrait typical of early 20th century theatrical photography. Her name appears printed at the bottom of the card, and the word “Opéra” appears in the upper right corner, indicating that she was an opera performer rather than a stage actress or music hall performer. This designation was commonly used on European theatrical postcards to identify performers associated with opera companies or operatic roles. The postcard was published by Künzli Frères, Paris, a well-known French postcard publisher active in the early 1900s and particularly noted for producing high-quality theatrical and celebrity postcards of opera singers, actresses, and performers. The company was one of the largest pioneer postcard publishing houses. The company was established in 1874. It had offices in Zurich and Paris. Beginning 1898, it became known for publishing postcard maps throughout Europe. Miss Boie’s photograph was taken by the esteemed Reutlinger studio in Paris. Jane Boïé was a French opera singer (soprano) active in the early 20th century, particularly in the period around 1900–1915. She performed in opera and operetta and appeared in a number of productions in France and possibly Belgium. Singers like Boïé were frequently photographed and issued as postcards because opera singers were major celebrities of the era, much like film stars a few decades later. The translated handwritten message on the front of the postcard is in French and reads: “In every lover there is a poet. Love is pure poetry.” — Alfred de Vigny. Alfred de Vigny was a famous 19th-century French poet and writer, and this romantic quotation was likely chosen to accompany the portrait image. The postcard bears two 5 centimes French stamps and a postmark, indicating it was mailed. SOLD

This vintage real photo occupational postcard features a portrait of a large group of construction workers. They are standing by some sort of steam engine. They may be constructing tracks or a bridge.  SOLD

This is an exceptional and visually striking cabinet card featuring a group portrait of nine young women, posed closely together in a carefully arranged studio composition. Their attire—high-collared blouses, puffed sleeves, and decorative bows—reflects late Victorian to early Edwardian fashion, suggesting a date in the circa 1895–1905 range. The sitters present a unified and dignified appearance, possibly indicating a school group, literary society, or women’s club, all of which were increasingly prominent during this period. The photographer’s imprint appears prominently on the mount: “Elite Studio, Ground Floor, 226 S. 11th St., Lincoln, Neb.” The elaborate back mark, featuring decorative typography and floral motifs, is typical of turn-of-the-century cabinet card design and suggests a studio positioning itself as modern and upscale. It is likely that the photographers name is “Townsend”. That name can be found in the logo. Lincoln, Nebraska, during the cabinet card era was a rapidly growing Midwestern city following its designation as the state capital in 1867. By the late 19th century, Lincoln had developed into a regional hub for education, commerce, and culture, anchored by the presence of the University of Nebraska. The image itself is beautifully rendered, with strong tonal range and fine detail in the faces and textiles. The women’s expressions range from composed to subtly assertive, lending the photograph a compelling presence and a sense of individuality within the group. The cabinet card is in very good antique condition overall. The photograph remains crisp and well-defined, with strong contrast. There is light corner wear to the mount. The reverse backmark is clear and attractive, with only minor wear and no significant damage. Overall, this is a clean and highly displayable example. See Scans.

This vintage postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $28.00 or best offer.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236722549767

This striking cabinet card photograph captures a young child, seemingly around two or three years old, standing beside a small dog that is perched on an ornately decorated pedestal table. The child, dressed in a beautifully tailored Victorian outfit, places an arm around the dog in a gentle yet confident embrace, looking directly at the camera with an expression that conveys a mix of curiosity and composure. The child holds a small wooden toy boat, a charming prop that adds an element of playfulness to the otherwise formal portrait. The child is dressed in a dark-colored, long-sleeved dress with a pleated skirt, a lace-trimmed collar, and a large bow at the neck. White lace detailing decorates the cuffs and bodice, further emphasizing the intricate craftsmanship of the garment. The child’s short, neatly trimmed hair, round face, and large eyes give them an endearing yet serious appearance. At first glance, the dog appears almost lifelike, but upon closer inspection, its stiff posture, rigid gaze, and unnatural stillness suggest that it may not be a live animal but rather a taxidermy specimen or even a sculpted prop. The dog’s breed resembles that of a pug or pug-mix, with a compact, sturdy build, a broad face, short snout, and slightly bulging eyes. Its expression is frozen in an almost human-like seriousness. The photograph is mounted on a cabinet card with elegant scalloped edges, a decorative feature that enhances its visual appeal. The photographer’s name, De Young’s, is embossed in gold lettering at the bottom, along with the studio’s address at 815 Broadway, New York. The photographer, Joseph DeYoung (1843-1919), was both well known and highly respected. He had operated his studio from a number of addresses in New York City. He left the 815 Broadway address, where this photograph was taken in about 1890. He was at that location from at least 1884. In 1907 DeYoung’s studio was involved in the apprehension of a noted thief. The studio had a display case outside the store so pedestrians could see samples of their work. The thief was caught jimmying open the case and removing two sports photographs. The police were very interested in the home address given to them by their new arrestee. They were surprised that he lived in a mansion but it made sense when they learned he was a millionaire’s butler. He had worked in that same capacity for other millionaires living in the city. When the police searched his room, they found a cache of personal items belonging to his current and former employers. Years later, a deceased DeYoung made the news because of his bizarre estate planning. When he died, he left five dollars to his wife, five dollars to his son, and one half of his business to his business partner, Matilda Wallace. The back of the cabinet card is a masterpiece in itself, featuring an elaborate gold-embossed design against a black background. Swirling Victorian filigree, floral motifs, and elegant typography proudly advertise the services of De Young’s as Photographers, Portrait Painters, and Crayon Artists. The phrase “Extra Finish” suggests that this particular image may have been a premium offering, possibly with superior printing quality or special treatment. (SOLD)

This lovely antique cabinet card photograph features a full-length studio portrait of a young girl, photographed by Strunk of Reading, Pennsylvania, whose studio imprint appears prominently at the bottom of the mount. The girl stands beside an ornate wicker chair, resting one hand on the elaborately curved armrest. A small wooden chair is positioned on the opposite side, and a fur rug is visible beneath her feet, all typical studio props used in late 19th and early 20th century portrait photography. The painted studio backdrop creates a soft, neutral setting that keeps the focus on the subject. She wears a light-colored dress with decorative trim and a wide, ruffled collar, along with dark stockings and lace-up boots. A large bow adorns her hair, which is styled in a short bob with gentle waves. Her expression is serious and composed, as was common in children’s studio portraits of the period, and she stands very still in a formal pose, suggesting the photograph dates to a time when longer exposure times required subjects to remain motionless. John D. Strunk was a well-known Reading, Pennsylvania photographer and a pioneer in photography in the region, operating a studio in Reading for many decades. His cabinet cards are widely collected today, particularly those depicting children and families from the Reading area. I have a collection of Strunk photographs; he was a prolific photographer. Much of his work reflects high craftsmanship. This cabinet card is in very good condition for its age. The photograph retains strong detail throughout, with good contrast and clarity. The image has a tiny crease in it’s top right corner but is generally clean. Overall, it presents extremely well and remains a well-preserved portrait of an adorable little girl. (see scans). Based on the mount style, studio props, and the child’s clothing and hairstyle, this cabinet card likely dates to the late 1890s to early 1900s.

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $24.00 at auction.

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336504202383