This cabinet card is quite unusual in that it has photographic images on both sides of the card. A very pretty ballet dancer is from the Alhambra Ballet production of Cupid is pictured in each image. In one photograph her legs are crossed while in the second photograph her legs are open and her undergarment is visible through her transparent tutu. The cabinet card is risque for it’s era. The Alhambra was a theatre in London, England. It was opened in 1854 as “The Royal Panopticon”. A circus ring was added and it was reopened in 1858 as the Alhambra. The theatre stage hosted music hall acts, aerial acts, ballet, light opera, and other events. The theatre was closed and demolished in 1936. This cabinet card features a dancer from the ballet, Cupid which opened at the Alhambra on 5/24/1886. The principal dancer in this production was Emma Bessone, and research reveals that the ballerina in this image is likely Emma Bessone. She was an Italian dancer who trained at La Scala and became prima ballerina for both the Maryinsky and Bolshoi companies in Russia. The photographer of this cabinet card was Samuel A. Walker whose studio was located in London. SOLD
This vintage real photo postcard features a lovely portrait of Joan Fontaine (1917-2013). She was a British-American actress known for her starring roles during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She acted in more than 50 films and her career had a five decade duration. Fontaine’s older sister was the actress Olivia de Haviland, and the pair had a rivalry well covered by the press. In 1942, the sisters were both nominated for the Academy Awards “Best Actress” title. Joan won and reportedly rejected her sister’s congratulations. In commenting about their rivalry, Fontaine stated that she had both married and won an Oscar before her sister, and that she had little doubt that “if I die first, she’ll undoubtedly be livid because I beat her to it!”. Their competitive relationship began early. At the age of nine, sister Olivia wrote a will in which she stated, “I bequeath all my beauty to my younger sister Joan, since she has none”. Joan’s film career began in 1935. She was working for RKO pictures. Her first major role was in the film, “The Man Who Found Himself (1937). Also in 1937, she appeared alongside Fred Astaire in “A Damsel in Distress”. She followed that appearance with the female lead in “Gunga Din” (1939). The film was based on the work of Rudyard Kipling and it was an exciting adventure film. Some contemporary critics compare it to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981). I recently viewed “Gunga Din” and it was an exciting film, but it unfortunately glorified colonialism. In 1940 Joan’s career was propelled by her appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca”. This role resulted in an Academy Award nomination for “Best Actress”. In 1941 she won the “Best Actress” award for her appearance in Hitchcock’s “Suspicion”. In 1943 she received her third “Best Actress” nomination. Much of her acting in the 1940’s involved drama films. During the war, she worked on a limited basis as a nurse’s aide. In 1946, Fontaine established her own film company with her husband, William Dozier. The company was named Rampart Productions and she appeared in a number of the company’s films. In the early 1950’s her film career began to dwindle. She then took her talent to stage, radio, and television roles. She appeared in two Broadway theater productions (1955 and 1970). Her final film appearance was in 1966. She continued to act until 1994. Now, for some biographical facts. Fontaine was born in Tokyo, Japan, to English parents. Her father was an English professor and later became a patent attorney. Her mother was a stage actress until she moved with her husband to Tokyo. Her mom did return to the stage after her daughters became successful in the 1940’s. Fontaine’s parents separated in 1914, when Joan was just two years-old. It seems that Fontaine’s father enjoyed intimate relationships with some of the geishas of Tokyo. Joan’s mother decided to move with her two daughters to the United States on the advice of a doctor. Joan was a “sickly” child and a change of climate was advised. The family settled in California and Joan’s health normalized. Joan was married and divorced four times. Her first two marriages were to actors, the third was to a producer/writer, and the fourth to the golf editor at “Sports Illustrated”. She had personal relationships with Harry Belafonte and Presidential candidate, Adlai Stevenson. Fontaine was a citizen of both the United States and Great Britain. She had a pilot’s license, was an expert rider, and was an accomplished interior decorator and chef. In fact, she excelled at too many things to mention in this description. This vintage portrait postcard was published by Soberanas as part of a series (no.21). SOLD
The pretty actress featured in this vintage real photo postcard is film actress Marie Prevost (1896-1937). She was born in Canada and during her twenty-year career, she made 121 silent and talking movies. She was originally “discovered” by Mack Sennett who inked her to a film contract after she played a bit part in one of his movies. She was only on the set (Keystone Studios) because she was running an errand for the law firm where she was employed as a secretary. She became one of his Bathing Beauties in the late 1910’s. She appeared in dozens of Sennett’s short comedy films. Her first lead role was for Sennett in “Yankee Doodle in Berlin” (1919). She than began to make feature length films for Universal Studios, where she signed for $1,000.00 a week. In 1922 she moved to Warner Brothers where she became one of the studio’s leading ladies (her contract was for $1,500.00 per week). Her movie roles at Warner included “The Beautiful and Damned” (1922), “The Marriage Circle” (1924), and “Kiss Me Again” (1925). Warner Brothers dropped her in 1926 and her career began to diminish as she was offered primarily secondary roles. Her personal life also began to decline, if not plummet. Her mother died in 1926 and her second marriage, to actor Kenneth Harlan, fell apart in 1927. She became very depressed and her symptoms included alcohol abuse and binge eating. In 1928 she was cast in “The Racket” which was directed by Howard Hughes. The pair had a brief affair and when it ended, Prevost fell into an even deeper depression. It became increasingly difficult for her to obtain parts in films and her last film role was in 1936. At the age of 38, Marie Prevost died from acute alcoholism and malnutrition. Her estate was worth just three hundred dollars and her death helped prompt the creation of the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital. The details of Prevost’s death have become a bit of Hollywood legend. She was found in her apartment two days after her death. Also at death scene were empty bottles of alcohol, a promissory note to Joan Crawford, and Prevost’s pet dachshund. She was discovered because neighbors had complained about her dog’s continued barking. The legend claims that by the time she was found, her corpse was half-eaten by Maxie, her dog. It was asserted that this of course was only because the dog was trying to awaken his deceased master. This story is not true, but it appeared in Kenneth Anger’s book “Hollywood Babylon” (1959) and in Nick Lowe’s song “Marie Provost” (1978). The lyrics from Lowe’s song include “She was the winner, That became the doggie’s dinner, She never meant that much to me, Woe, poor Marie”.
Postcard 1 was published by A.N. of Paris for Universal Films. It is part of as series entitled “Les Vedettes de Cinema” (The Stars of Cinema). This postcard is the first in the series (No. 1). SOLD
Arcade Card 1 This striking vintage arcade card features silent film star Marie Prevost, posed in an eye-catching beach setting as part of a Mack Sennett Comedies publicity series. The card is marked “Evans – L.A.”, identifying the work of a notable Hollywood photographer known for capturing many silent-era stars in playful and glamorous portraits that were mass-produced as postcards and arcade cards during the 1920s. Marie Prevost stands confidently on a wooden dock or boardwalk, with the sea or beach receding into the background. She is dressed in a bold, striped one-piece bathing costume, typical of the early 1920s, with black knee socks and classic lace-up shoes. She holds a whimsically oversized parasol — black and white with a bold pinwheel pattern — behind her shoulder, adding a splash of theatrical flair to the scene. Her expression is flirtatious and relaxed, with a subtle smile and a slight tilt of the head. A ribbon wraps around her short, styled hair, in keeping with the flapper aesthetic of the Jazz Age. At the bottom of the image, the words “Mack Sennett Comedies” are clearly printed, linking this photo to the famed Keystone-style slapstick studio that helped launch the careers of many silent film legends — including Marie Prevost. The signature “Evans – L.A.” refers to a Los Angeles-based photography studio active in the 1920s and 1930s that produced portraits of film stars for promotional use. Though not as well-documented as some Hollywood photographers, Evans specialized in theatrical and beach-themed photos of actresses for use in arcade cards, penny cards, and other mass-market prints that were sold in coin-operated machines or five-and-dime stores. These cards remain highly collectible today. This is a lithographed arcade card. SOLD
This dynamic vintage press photograph captures a joyous and stylish moment at what appears to be a mid-century African-American social event or pageant, photographed by Jimmy H. Baynes, a notable African-American photographer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio. The image dates likely to the late 1950s or early 1960s, an era when such gatherings were vital community affairs celebrating Black excellence, fashion, and music. The central focus is a beautifully posed group of eight African-American women, all elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening wear. Each woman wears a dress that reflects the fashion of the era—from sleek satin to lace, florals, and polished tailoring. Their heels, jewelry, and stylish hairdos speak to pride and sophistication. Several wear ribbons or corsages, suggesting this might be a pageant, cotillion, or civic recognition event. The women’s expressions range from warm smiles to dignified calm, exuding confidence and unity. In the background, we see a small jazz ensemble, including a guitarist in a white jacket and a saxophonist, adding to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. The wall décor includes two large theatrical masks (tragedy and comedy), enhancing the impression that this event took place at a community center, fraternal hall, or social club with cultural significance. The photograph is the work of Jimmy H. Baynes, a prominent African-American photographer who chronicled the Black social and cultural scene in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century. His work often captured the heart of the community—beauty pageants, civic events, family milestones, and musical gatherings—preserving an important visual history that is increasingly recognized and appreciated by collectors and scholars. This original black-and-white photograph measures approximately 8 x 10 inches and is in very good condition with only minimal corner wear. The contrast is strong, the image is sharp, and all details are well preserved (see scans). The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s. SOLD
You’re looking at a charming early 20th-century real photo postcard taken at one of Colorado’s most iconic natural landmarks—Balanced Rock, located in the stunning Garden of the Gods park just outside Colorado Springs. This novelty photograph captures a group of five women posing proudly on donkeys in front of the massive, gravity-defying sandstone formation. The photograph radiates the playful spirit of early Western tourism. Five women sit astride small donkeys, all lined up neatly in front of the looming shadow of Balanced Rock. Their expressions vary from reserved amusement to open cheerfulness, suggesting they are enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience in the American West. Each woman wears a wide-brimmed sombrero-style hat, likely provided by the concession for a touch of “Wild West” flair. Their clothing is modest but stylish for the era—ankle-length skirts, blouses with sailor collars or lace trim, and fitted jackets give them a slightly adventurous, yet feminine look appropriate for tourists of the 1910s or early 1920s. Despite riding donkeys—often considered humble beasts of burden—the women’s confident postures and bemused smiles give the impression that they’re enjoying their frontier fantasy. Their donkeys stand calmly, reins held loosely in the women’s hands, adding to the relaxed, posed nature of the scene. The back of the card identifies the photographer as Paul Goerke & Son, who operated a thriving photography business in Manitou, Colorado. This firm set up a concession at Balanced Rock, one of the most photographed natural features in the West. Tourists could ride donkeys or burros up to the site, don hats, and pose for a souvenir photograph, which Goerke’s team would develop and print on postcard stock. (SOLD)
This French vintage postcard features two young woman in risque poses. One woman is completely nude while the other is wearing lingerie and black stocking and garters. Both ladies have mischievous smiles. This postcard was published by Lagache Imp. (Paris, France). The card is part of a series (No.6). SOLD
This cabinet card features a teenage girl posing at the studio of photographer Anton Rohde of Chicago, Illinois. She is wearing a pretty wheat stalk print dress. Advertising on the bottom of the image indicates Rohde had wonf awards for some of his photographs. One of the displayed awards was received in 1888, and the other award was from the Photographers Association of America. The reverse of the photograph has an inscription which states “To Gini” and lists the subjects name as “Dagmar” and her age as fifteen years and eight months. Anton Rohde was once partners in a photography firm called Rohde & Schutz which was located at the same address that produced this photograph. He also was once located at 88 West Ohio Street. He is listed in the 1892 and 1900 Chicago business directories. Research located his obituary which indicates that he died in 1917 at the age of fifty-five. He was survived by his wife, Augusta Rohde. SOLD
This vintage real photo features a cute little girl with sparkling eyes. Her smile is infectious. She must have been a spark plug. The postcard was published by NPG (“Neue Photographische Gesellschaft” as part of a series (no.721/3). The card has a Belgian stamp and is postmarked in the Belgian town of Petit-Fays. The postmark year is 1908. SOLD
This vintage real photo postcard features a beautiful young girl wearing a frilly dress and adorned with flowers. The postcard was published by Rotophot (RPH) as part of a series (S-917/2). The company was based in Berlin, Germany. In the message section, the writer wishes the reader “good health”. The hand tinted color postcard was mailed with a French stamp. SOLD
This photograph features English film and television actress, Charlotte Lewis (1967-). Her mother is Irish/English while her father was half Chilean and half Iraqi. Lewis’s film debut was in Roman Polanski’s film “Pirates (1986)”. During that same year she played the female lead in “The Golden Child” with Eddie Murphy. Many film roles followed. In 1993, Lewis appeared on the cover and inside Playboy magazine. In 2010, Lewis and her attorney Gloria Allred (famed women’s rights attorney), accused Roman Polanski of sexual assault. The incident allegedly occurred while Lewis was working with him on “Pirates”. Lewis was just sixteen years old at the time. A news article was published that brought up information from an interview she had given that appeared to contradict Lewis’s testimony. The controversy appeared again in 2024 when Lewis lost a defamation case she had filed against Polanski. Polanski is a convicted sex offender and is alleged to be a serial sexual predator. The IMDb reports that Lewis has 30 film credits between 1978 and 2019. This photograph was sent to a casting director, or some other film decision maker, to ask for consideration for an acting role in the production. The letterhead of Greene & Associates is on the resume. The firm is a talent agency in Los Angeles representing Lewis. SOLD
This cabinet card is quite unusual in that it has photographic images on both sides of the card. A very pretty ballet dancer is from the Alhambra Ballet production of Cupid is pictured in each image. In one photograph her legs are crossed while in the second photograph her legs are open and her undergarment is visible through her transparent tutu. The cabinet card is risque for it’s era. The Alhambra was a theatre in London, England. It was opened in 1854 as “The Royal Panopticon”. A circus ring was added and it was reopened in 1858 as the Alhambra. The theatre stage hosted music hall acts, aerial acts, ballet, light opera, and other events. The theatre was closed and demolished in 1936. This cabinet card features a dancer from the ballet, Cupid which opened at the Alhambra on 5/24/1886. The principal dancer in this production was Emma Bessone, and research reveals that the ballerina in this image is likely Emma Bessone. She was an Italian dancer who trained at La Scala and became prima ballerina for both the Maryinsky and Bolshoi companies in Russia. The photographer of this cabinet card was Samuel A. Walker whose studio was located in London. SOLD
ARCADE CARD 1 (SOLD)
POSTCARD 1
This vintage real photo postcard features a beautiful young girl wearing a frilly dress and adorned with flowers. The postcard was published by Rotophot (RPH) as part of a series (S-917/2). The company was based in Berlin, Germany. In the message section, the writer wishes the reader “good health”. The hand tinted color postcard was mailed with a French stamp. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 