MADGE BELLAMY : RISQUE : PROVOCATIVE : TROUBLED FILM STAR : MISS FIRECRACKER : RPPC

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 4 (SOLD)

Postcard 1 is a hand tinted vintage real photo postcard that features Madge Bellamy (1899-1990), an American stage and film actress. She was a popular leading lady in films of the 1920’s and 1930’s. The sound era put the brakes on her career and a romantic scandal in the 1940’s brought it to a total stop. Madge was a Texan. She was born in Hillsboro and was raised in San Antonio and Brownwood. Her father was an English professor at Texas A&M University. As a young child she took dancing lessons but soon, she was interested in becoming an actress. At age 9, she made her stage debut in “Aida”. She and her family moved to Denver, Colorado. She met Carlos Bellamy there and the two married. When Madge decided to leave the state to pursue acting, her marriage ended. Madge went to New York City and worked on Broadway as a dancer. In 1919, she replaced Helen Hayes in Broadway’s “Dear Brutus”, opposite actor, William Gillette. Her career took off thereafter. In 1920, Madge appeared in her first film as a supporting actress to Geraldine Farrar. She then signed a contract with the Triangle Film Corporation. Her “breakout role” was as the title character in Lorna Doone (1922). In 1924 she signed a film contract with Fox Film Corporation. She stayed there five years and during that time she appeared in two films for film director, John Ford. In 1925, she began to have difficulties with fox executives. In 1928, she appeared in Fox’s first talking film, “Mother Knows Best”. In 1928, she married for a second time. The marriage lasted 3 days before she and her husband separated. By 1929, Bellamy’s career entered a tail-spin. She had made poor choices out of her unbridled anger. Fan magazines gave her the nickname of “Miss Firecracker” due to her temperament. In 1929, she also quit her contract with Fox, right after they bought the rights to make a film out of Broadway play. The vehicle was bought with a plan to have Madge be it’s star. Bellamy later admitted she quit over money and added “I got too big for my britches”. She didn’t work again until 1932. She accepted roles in “Poverty Row” (B-movies) films. One of these films was “White Zombie” (1932) in which she appeared opposite Bela Lugosi. Her performance received many poor reviews from film critics. By 1940, Madge basically had no film career. However, she wasn’t done with drama. She was arrested after firing three shots from  a .32 caliber revolver at her former lover of five years. The incident was premeditated. She was angry at her intended victim because he married a model shortly after ending their affair. Fortunately, her aim was poor and she missed. The only casualty was her ex boyfriend’s car which took a couple of shots into it’s body. Bellamy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge (violating gun laws), and received a suspended six month sentence and probation. Madge Bellamy’s IMDb filmography reports 61 credits between 1920 and 1945. This vintage postcard is provocative. This postcard is risque for it’s era. She is showing a lot of bare skin. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by J. Beagles and is part of the “Famous Cinema Star Series” (No.210P). (SOLD)

Postcard 2 offers another risque view of Madge Bellamy. Her alluring pose and short skirt qualifies this postcard to be considered provocative. This card was produced while Madge was under contract with Fox Films, sometime before 1929. This postcard was published by Ross Verlag as part of a series (No.3907/2). The postcard is in very good condition (see scans).

Postcard 3 is quite provocative. There are shades of Lady Godiva in this photograph. Miss Bellamy is pretty and scantily dressed. This postcard is risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox. Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Alfred Noyer and is part of the “Les Vedettes de Cinema” (The Stars of Film) series (No.200). This postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)

Postcard 4 is uncommon and provocative. Miss Bellamy is pretty and bare shouldered. Her alluring pose makes this postcard risque for it’s era. The postcard was published while Madge was under contract with Fox (note the logo in bottom right hand corner of the image). Therefore, the postcard is from before 1929. The card was published by Iris Verlag and is part of a series (No.480/2). SOLD

Postcard 2 is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $ 22.00

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236433767579

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

POSTCARD 3

POSTCARD 4

MISS MAGGY : PRETTY ACTRESS PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAZERAC : RPPC : 1905

This vintage color tinted  real photo postcard features Miss Maggy, a Paris cabaret performer. She is pretty and has a wonderful smile. Preliminary research found no biographical information concerning this actress. The photographer of this postcard portrait is the Sazerac studio which was located at the “Hotel Prive” in Paris, France. Little information could be located about Mr. Sazerac; but one can easily find real photo postcard portraits of French show girls that were produced by his studio. In fact, Britain’s National Portrait Gallery has one of Sazarac’s photographs (circa 1906) in it’s collection. This card was postmarked in 1905 and has a French stamp. This postcard is part of a series (N. 827 Th. 91). SOLD

Published in: on August 5, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

MARION MICHAEL : GERMAN FILM & TV ICON : 2ND GERMAN ACTRESS TO BE NUDE ON SCREEN

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 3 (SOLD)

These vintage real photo postcards feature German film actress and singer, Marion Michael (11940-2007). She is best known for her role in the film “Liane, Jungle Goddess” (1956). In that film, Marion became the second German actress to appear nude in a movie. It is reported that there were 12,000 actresses that competed for that role. Sadly, she was just 15 when the movie was filmed. She appeared topless in the film. Her nudity was not meant to be erotic. She was touted as Germany’s Brigitte Bardot. The movie, shot in Africa, was very popular at the box office. During the next 6 years, none of her 10 films were successful. Michael was injured in a car accident during her acting career. She returned to acting but stopped in 1965. From there on, she infrequently acted in television and film. The last film (television) she appeared in was a musical about her life. It was entitled “Liane” (1996). After retiring from acting, she worked as a sales woman. Her filmography reported by IMDb, credits her with 19 film and television appearances. Although she was not extremely successful as an actress, she was still considered a film icon in Germany.

Postcard 1 was published circa 1956-1959. Michael’s photograph is attributed to Stempka/Arca Film. The card was published by UFA, a German film and television production company. SOLD

Postcard 2 captures Miss Michael while she is in her role in the film, “The Mad Bomberg”. This vintage postcard was published in 1957 by UFA (Berlin). Michael’s photograph is attributed to Hoenchen / Arca. SOLD

Postcard 3 was published in the mid to late 1950’s. Michael’s photograph is attributed to Stempka/Arca Film. The card was published by UFA, a German film and television production company. SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Postcard 3

Published in: on August 4, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  

COUNTRY LAKE NURSING HOME : CENTERPORT, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK : MILL POND : RPPC

This lithographic postcard features the Country Lake Nursing Home. The home is located in Centerport, Long Island, New York. Advertising on the reverse of the card states that the home overlooks the “picturesque Mill Pond”. The home is on the Northshore of Long Island and a stones throw away from Centerport Harbor (Long Island Sound).The nursing home housed 20 patients. The postcards color photo of the nursing home was taken by Milt Price (Northport, New York) and the card was published by the Tomlin Art Company (Northport, New York).  SOLD

Published in: on August 4, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

HOTEL WELLSWOOD : HAMPTON FALLS, NEW HAMPSHIRE : HISTORY : VINTAGE POSTCARD 1926

This vintage lithographic postcard depicts the historic Hotel Wellswood in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. The hotel is a large, three-story building with a wraparound porch adorned with decorative railings. An American flag hangs prominently from the front of the building, adding a patriotic touch to the scene. The structure is surrounded by tall trees, giving it a serene and picturesque setting.A sign reading “Hotel Wellswood” is suspended between two posts at the entrance, welcoming guests. The front yard of the property appears to be well-kept, with visible landscaping and a grassy area. To the right of the hotel, a smaller sign is visible, likely advertising the hotel’s services or additional information for visitors. Power lines and a utility pole in the foreground indicate the era’s infrastructure. The Hotel Wellswood was a notable establishment in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, during the early 20th century. An advertising card from the 1920s lists Mrs. Bertha S. Graves as the proprietor, indicating that the hotel was operational during that period. The hotel no longer exists. Hampton Falls is a small, picturesque town located in Rockingham County in southeastern New Hampshire. This postcard was published by the Frank W. Swallow Post Card Company. The firm was located in Exeter, New Hampshire. The postcard has a Hampton Falls postmark dated 1926.  SOLD

Published in: on August 3, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  

JEWISH SYNAGOGUE : RICHMOND, VIRGINIA : VINTAGE POSTCARD

This vintage postcard features a Jewish synagogue located in Richmond, Virginia. The synagogue was named Beth Ahaba (House of Love) and was located at Franklin and Ryland streets. Beth Ahaba was founded in 1841 by Ashkenazic Jews. The building was dedicated in 1904. Architecturally, the building is shaped like a perfect octagon. Today, the congregation is composed of nearly 700 families. This divided back postcard was published by Southern Bargain House and was postmarked in 1910.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 3, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

HUNTINGTON, LONG ISLAND, NY : NEW YORK AVE & MAIN ST : SUFFOLK HOTEL : RPPC 1907

This lithographic postcard captures a bustling streetscape at the corner of New York Avenue and Main Street in Huntington, Long Island, New York, in 1907. The scene showcases a prominent two-story wooden structure with a shingled façade and arched windows, identified by the large sign over its storefront: “Barr & Willis”. This building, likely a general store or dry goods establishment, anchors the intersection and features wide display windows and wooden benches out front. Adjacent to this store, to the right, is the Suffolk Hotel, operated by Chas. A. Hallock, as noted on a hanging sign:“SUFFOLK HOTEL – CHAS. A. HALLOCK, PROPRIETOR”. A second sign underneath reads: “COMMERCIAL RATES – FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS – CAFE IN (CONNECTION)?”. Visible on the storefront window of the Barr & Willis shop is an ad that appears to read: “BROOKLYN TINSEL – WHOLE LINE OF OUTDOOR AND INDOOR DECO’N GOODS.” Horse-drawn carriages line the dirt road, and early trolley tracks run along the street, capturing a transitional period between horse-and-buggy transport and electric trolleys. Leafless trees indicate a fall or winter season. At the bottom of the card’s front, written in ink and dated 8/21/07, the sender has penned a charming personal message: “Do you recognize this place? Did we get it here? ha! ha! I mean right to the corner. Bessie.” The postcard was postmarked in Huntington, N.Y., and again in Middle Island, N.Y. later that same day. It was mailed with a green one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp (U.S. Series of 1902). The postcard is addressed to a woman in Middle Island. The postcard was published by D. W. Treanor of Huntington, NY.  Huntington is a historic town on the north shore of Long Island, New York, facing Long Island Sound. Settled in 1653, Huntington played a pivotal role in colonial and Revolutionary War history. By the early 20th century, it had grown into a commercial and transportation hub for Suffolk County. This corner at Main Street and New York Avenue marked a key intersection at the heart of downtown Huntington.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 2, 2026 at 12:30 pm  Leave a Comment  

MOLLY O’DAY : IN “THE PATENT LEATHER KID” : RISQUE : MOVIE PRESS PHOTO 1927

This original 8 x 10 glossy press photo captures a youthful Molly O’Day (1909-1998) in character for her role in The Patent Leather Kid (1927). She is posed confidently, wearing a two-piece costume that reveals her midriff — a daring choice for the 1920s — consisting of a bandeau-style top with soft ruffled trim and a matching skirt. Her attire, suggestive of a cabaret or showgirl character, was clearly intended to evoke a sense of allure and vivacity appropriate to the flapper era. Her expression is one of poise and subdued seductiveness, with a slight, knowing smile and eyes that seem to both challenge and engage the viewer. Her bobbed hair is tightly styled, in keeping with the flapper fashion of the time, and she wears light makeup that accentuates her cheekbones and lips. While this photograph would not be considered overtly risqué by today’s standards, in the context of the 1920s, it certainly leaned toward provocative. The exposed midriff and coquettish pose were part of the studio’s strategy to promote films with bold, modern female characters. The reverse of the photograph bears the original typed press caption, which names her and references The Patent Leather Kid. The handwritten “1927” corresponds with the film’s release year. The film was produced by First National Pictures and directed by Alfred Santell. Molly’s co-star was Richard Barthelmess. She played his love interest. This film is a silent drama with a strong boxing and war narrative. Barthelmess plays a tough New York prizefighter who finds redemption through love and heroism during World War I. Molly O’Day plays the spirited woman who softens the fighter’s hardened heart. The film was a major box office success, notable for its production values and emotional storytelling. It was a “million-dollar production,” a massive budget for the time, and was nominated for two Academy Awards at the first-ever Oscars. Molly was one of 11 children in a working-class Irish Catholic family. Her older sister, Sally O’Neil, was also a successful actress. Molly followed Sally to Hollywood and began her film career at just 16. Her big break came in 1927 when she won a “WAMPAS Baby Star” award, an honor given to promising young actresses. Her role in The Patent Leather Kid launched her into stardom. Known for her blend of wholesomeness and sex appeal, Molly became a popular figure in silent films and early talkies. Other notable films include: Gigolo (1926), Heroes In Blue (1927), and The Lovelorn (1927). Molly married actor Jack Durant in 1934, with whom she had four children. Her later years were marked by personal challenges, including struggles with weight and depression, which led her to step back from the industry in the 1930s. One of the more interesting footnotes to her career is that she underwent one of Hollywood’s earliest publicized weight-loss surgeries, which became a tabloid story in the early 1930s.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 2, 2026 at 11:30 am  Leave a Comment  

VINTAGE 1922 MILITARY PHOTO : CO. E, 110TH INFANTRY, MT. GRETNA PA : BY HARPEL

This is a vintage original photograph (not a postcard) measuring approximately 6.25 x 4.125 inches, showing a striking military drill scene from 1922. The handwritten captions on the front identify the subject as: “Co. E, 110 Inf., Mt. Gretna Pa., 1922”. The photographer is identified as Luther Harpel (Lebanan, Pennsylvania). He was one of the most celebrated photographers in his region and is known for his military photographs. The image features soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard. They are marching in formation with rifles shouldered and a regimental flag flying. The backdrop of the wooded Pennsylvania countryside and the crisp uniforms capture an evocative moment in early 20th-century Guard history. The 110th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage back to the 13th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Revolutionary War and later to Civil War service as the 13th Pennsylvania Volunteers. By 1922, the unit was part of the 28th Infantry Division (Pennsylvania National Guard), also known as the “Keystone Division.” During World War I, the 110th Infantry fought valiantly in France, taking part in key campaigns such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The regiment sustained heavy casualties but earned distinction for its service. In 1922, the regiment was engaged in annual training at Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania, a long-time National Guard training site where Pennsylvania troops drilled, maneuvered, and prepared for mobilization. This photograph likely records such a summer encampment. Later, the regiment would be mobilized again for World War II, fighting in Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Rhineland campaign. After the war, the 110th continued its service as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard, with descendants of the unit still active today. This is a rare and historically rich photograph.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 1, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

FELICIA TANG : ACTRESS & MODEL : 8X10 PHOTO : GORDON RAEL AGENCY : MURDERED 2011

This is a striking 8 x 10-inch black-and-white headshot photograph of the late model and actress Felicia Tang, created as a publicity image during her early efforts to break into television and film. Measuring approximately 8 x 10 inches overall, with the printed image area about 9 x 8 inches, this professional portrait was used to promote Felicia’s talents to casting directors and producers across Hollywood. A printed label on the front of the photo identifies her representation by the Gordon Rayel Agency, a Beverly Hills talent firm. The photograph also bears a stamp from Sun Imaging Center, which likely indicates either the photographer or the processing studio responsible for this high-quality promotional image. In the photograph, Felicia Tang appears poised and confident—her expression is soft but assured, with a faint smile that suggests both approachability and glamour. Her dark, voluminous hair is styled to frame her face with elegance, while her makeup highlights her strong cheekbones and expressive eyes. She is dressed in a simple yet flattering top, revealing her photogenic beauty without overwhelming it with distraction. The image is tastefully lit, capturing the glow of her complexion and the professional composure she brought to her modeling and acting work. Born Felicia Lee in 1977, in Singapore, Felicia Tang was of Chinese-Malaysian descent and moved to the United States at the age of seven. She grew up in Los Angeles, California, and began modeling in her late teens, eventually gaining fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a glamour and swimsuit model. She became known for her appearances on websites and in print media that featured exotic and adult-themed content. Her transition into television and film included minor roles and cameos, such as an appearance in Rush Hour 2 (2001), as well as The Fast and the Furious (2001). While she never secured a major recurring role on television, she cultivated a strong fanbase and carved a niche in independent media and internet-based video productions. Her striking looks, combined with her savvy for self-promotion, earned her a place among the top models in her genre during the early days of online modeling. In her personal life, Felicia began to shift away from modeling as she pursued a more grounded lifestyle. She converted to Christianity in 2009 after meeting Dr. Brian Randone, a former reality show contestant and preacher. The two were married, but tragedy struck shortly thereafter. In 2009, Felicia was found dead in their Monrovia, California home. She was only 31 years old. Brian Randone was charged with her murder but was later acquitted in 2011 after a widely publicized trial.  (SOLD)

Published in: on August 1, 2026 at 11:30 am  Comments (1)