THE CABINET CARD GALLERY

This terrific early New York City postcard captures Hester Street on the Lower East Side during its bustling immigrant-era heyday. Published by The American News Company (No. 139)—one of the major postcard publishers of the early 20th century—this 1906 street scene shows an extraordinarily lively and detailed view of life in one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in America at the time. The image portrays Hester Street crowded with vendors, pushcarts overflowing with produce, women in long skirts shopping along the muddy street, and merchants working under the characteristic canvas awnings hung from the tenement storefronts. Laundry hangs from iron fire escapes, children play in the street, and a man hoses down the roadway in an attempt to control dust and refuse. This postcard is a rich visual record of the Jewish immigrant community that transformed the Lower East Side in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The urban density, the clothing, the signage, and the architecture all reflect the conditions described in reform literature and immigrant memoirs of the era. The card is postmarked New York, 1906, and was mailed to Osiek, Slavonija, then part of Austro-Hungary. The handwriting on the front and back suggests that the writer was likely a Slavic-speaking immigrant sharing news and thanks with family overseas—a compelling historical link between the immigrant sending the card and the old world receiving it.The message is written in a South Slavic language (likely Croatian or Serbian written in Latin script). Handwriting is challenging, but the meaning is clear. The translated message is “Your card arrived. Thank you for the congratulations. I am healthy and wish you all the best”. SOLD

This vintage real photo postcard features Mrs. Lewis Waller, otherwise known as Florence West (1858-1912). She was an English actress known for creating roles in new plays written by Oscar Wilde and Bernard Shaw. She frequently appeared on London’s West End stages with her husband, actor Lewis Waller. She married Waller in 1882 and made her stage debut in 1883. She retired in 1905. Five portraits of Florence West can be found in Great Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo as part of a series (no.217C). Miss West’s photograph was taken by the studio of Louis Saul Langfier. He was the husband of actress Pearl Lyndon. SOLD

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty American stage and silent film actress and film producer, Fanny Ward (1872-1952). She was also the star of light comedies on Broadway. She began her career in the early 1890s, and appeared in over 100 films between 1895 and 1920. She was known for her roles in silent comedies and melodramas, and was considered one of the most popular actresses of her time. She played starring roles in “Madam President”, “The Shop Girl” and many others. Her screen debut was in Cecil B DeMille’s sexually charged, “The Cheat” (1915). Ward also produced several films, including the 1913 film “The Chink in the Armour,” which was directed by her then-husband, Frank Keenan. She retired from acting in 1920, but continued to work in the film industry as a producer until her death in 1952. In addition, after her retirement from the screen, she opened a beauty salon in Paris called “The Fountain of Youth”. The name of the salon is a bit ironic. Ward was known for her youthful appearance. It was not ununsual for her to play the parts of women one of two decades her junior. Ward held feminist beliefs which she wasn’t shy to talk about. In 1909, she told a reporter that her husband hated her work and then pointed out the hypocrisy of society’s support of men pursuing their interests (ie. art, sports, travel) but not supporting women who did the same. In addition, Ward worked as a film producer, a role not usually populated by women. Philco published this postcard as part of a series (No.3061C). The firm was located in London. Miss Ward was photographed by the Lafayette studio. James Lafayetter was the pseudonym of photographer James Stack Lauder (18853-1923). His Dublin, Ireland studio specialized in photographing members of high society. His photographs are part of the collections of many British museums, including the National Portrait Gallery. SOLD

Three young children pose together for a cabinet card portrait by the Columbia View & Button Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This photograph precipitates a number of questions. Was this photograph taken outdoors, or is this an in-studio portrait? Finally, why is the photographic studio called a “View & Button Company”? Lets attempt to answer the previous questions. First, it is not clear if this is an indoor, or outdoor photograph. The next question concerns the reason the name of the studio includes the terms “View & Button” . The likely answer is that the studio originally produced stereoviews and photograph buttons. The buttons were generally portraits and varied in size. They could be worn or displayed on a piece of furniture or shelf. Large photographic buttons were most popular between 1900 and 1930. The smaller pinback buttons were popular beginning the 1890’s. One wonders if the three children in this photograph are siblings. Their facial appearance is similar so it is likely the case that they are siblings. This cabinet card has corner wear and is in overall good condition (see scans).

This Cabinet Card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $48.00 at auction

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236794008555

This charming and visually captivating piece of vintage sheet music, “I’m Forever Thinking of You,” (1920) is a fine example of early 20th-century popular music publishing, brought to life through both its romantic theme and its striking cover art. The lyrics were written by Lillian Fitzgerald, a lyricist active during the era when sentimental ballads and parlor songs were at the height of their popularity. Fitzgerald’s work reflects the period’s fondness for tender, emotionally direct expressions of love and longing. The music was composed by Clarence Senna, a prolific composer associated with Tin Pan Alley traditions. Senna contributed to a wide range of popular songs during the early decades of the 20th century, often collaborating with lyricists like Fitzgerald to produce accessible, melodic pieces designed for mass appeal. His compositions are typically marked by smooth, lyrical phrasing and a strong sense of melody. What truly elevates this sheet music, however, is the extraordinary cover illustration by Rolf Armstrong, one of the most celebrated American illustrators of the early 20th century. Armstrong was renowned for his idealized portrayals of feminine beauty—often referred to as “American Beauties”—which appeared on magazine covers, advertisements, and sheet music. His work is characterized by luminous skin tones, expressive eyes, and a soft yet vibrant use of color, all of which are beautifully evident here. The smiling young woman, rendered with warmth and vitality, reflects Armstrong’s exceptional ability to combine glamour with approachability. His contributions helped define the visual culture of the Jazz Age and remain iconic in the field of illustration. This piece was published by the A.J. Stasny Music Company of New York, a significant player in the popular music industry during the early 1900s. Stasny was known for producing a wide array of songs that catered to mainstream tastes, and their publications often featured eye-catching covers like this one to attract buyers. An additional point of interest is found on the reverse, which features an advertisement titled “Songs That Reach Every Heart.” This promotional page offers insight into the publisher’s catalog and marketing approach, highlighting other sentimental favorites of the period. This sheet music measures about 9 1/4 x 12 1/8 inches and is in very good condition. I scanned every page so you can judge the condition for yourself (see scans). 

This Sheet Music is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $9.95 or best offer. 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236798079389

This press photo features Maria Rosaria Omaggio (1954–2024). She was an Italian actress, writer, and cultural figure whose career spanned film, television, and theater. Born in Rome, she gained recognition in the 1970s and went on to appear in a wide range of Italian and international productions, often noted for her elegance, intelligence, and strong screen presence. Beyond acting, Omaggio was also an accomplished author and a passionate advocate for cultural and humanitarian causes. She is perhaps best remembered for her portrayal of journalist Oriana Fallaci, a role that reflected both her dramatic depth and intellectual engagement. Over the course of her career, she remained a distinctive and respected presence in European cinema and the arts. The beauty of Omaggio is evident in this press photo. This image is from the television mini-series “La nouvelle malle des Indes” (1981). The black and white portrait-style image measures about 7 x 9 3/8 inches. The image is in excellent condition (see scans).

This Press Photo is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $24.00 or best offer. 

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236354012829