VINTAGE NUDE PHOTOGRAPH : BY LUCIEN WALERY (AS YRELAW) : FRENCH ART DECO MODEL

This striking vintage postcard features a classic nude portrait by celebrated Parisian photographer Lucien Waléry, whose name appears here in reverse as “YrélaW” — a common practice he used to subtly obscure his identity on more provocative works. The image is numbered 1088 in the lower right corner, indicating it was part of a larger, collectible series. 
The young model is posed in an artful semi-recline, one hand supporting her as she leans back against a textured curtain backdrop. She appears relaxed yet lively, her head turned to the side as she offers a gentle, playful smile. Her hair is dark, voluminous, and naturally wavy, framing her face with softness. Her expression conveys youthful confidence with an air of ease — not coy or provocative, but serene and open, as though caught in conversation or reacting to someone just out of frame. The pose emphasizes the natural curves of her body, rendered with artistic sensitivity in the soft lighting typical of Waléry’s photographic style. Though nude, the model is not sexualized in a gratuitous way; the tone is classical and aesthetic, clearly intended as fine art rather than erotica.  Lucien Waléry was the pseudonym of Stanisław Julian Ignacy Ostroróg (1863–1929), a French-born photographer of Polish descent. He came from a line of photographers — his father was also a notable portraitist — and worked during the height of the Belle Époque and Art Deco periods in Paris. Waléry’s photography specialized in glamour, cabaret performers, and nude or semi-nude models, often featuring stars of the Folies Bergère and other Parisian revues. His studio attracted both high-society clientele and show business personalities. While many of his portraits were openly credited, he used backwards spellings of his name (YrélaW or similar variations) for his nude and risqué imagery — a clever form of self-censorship and anonymity designed to navigate laws and cultural norms concerning modesty and pornography in early 20th-century Europe. His works were widely reproduced as postcards, photogravures, and portfolio prints, making them highly collectible today. (SOLD)

Published in: on May 13, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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PRETTY GIRL : FASHIONABLE : HIGH STRIPED COLLAR : VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPH

This vintage photograph features a pretty young girl. She is fashionably dressed. Note her high collar and the circle striped pattern of the collar and the top of her dress. She is wearing flowers pinned to her shoulder. She is likely in her early, or mid teenage years. The photo studio’s name and location are not identified.  SOLD

Published in: on May 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

BEAUTIFUL STAGE ACTRESS DENISE ORME (THREE VINTAGE REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS)

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                                                                            POSTCARD 1

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                                                                              POSTCARD 2

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                                                                                 POSTCARD 3  (SOLD)

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                                                                            POSTCARD 4  (SOLD)

Postcard 1 features stage actress Miss Denise Orme. She is very attractive and beautifully dressed. She is wearing a fur stole and and fur muffs. She has a lovely hat and wonderful smile. Miss Orme’s given name was Jessie Smither, and was later known as Duchess of Leinster. Denise Orme (1885-1960) was an English music hall singer, actress and musician who was a regular performeer at the Alhambra and Gaiety Theatres in London during the early years of the twentieth century. Her mother was a professor of music. She trained for her theatrical career at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Her stage debut was in 1906 in the chorus at Daly’s Theatre in London. Later that same year she appeared in the title role of “See See” at the Prince of Wales Theatre. In 1906 she participated in gramophone recordings of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado”. Her marital history reveals that she had a predilection to choosing husbands that were “rich and famous”. She was married to an English Baron, A Danish millionaire, and an Irish duke. She was the maternal grandmother of Aga Khan IV.who is the current Imam of Nizari Ismailism which is a denomination of of Ismailism within Shia Islam with 15 million adherents. He is also a British business magnate. Miss Orme’s photographic portrait was taken by the Foulsham and Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s. The postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (#4098 Q). The postcard has a postmark from London, England, and dated 1907. The postmark date reveals that this portrait of Miss Orme was taken at the beginning of her stage career. In the message section of the postcard, the sender asks the receiver, “What do you think of Denise?”. In addition, the sender asserts on the front of the postcard “Nice hat, isn’t it?”. I have to agree; not only is Miss Orme lovely, so is her hat…….  

Postcard 2 shows the beautiful and well dressed Miss Orme peeking out from behind a curtain. The photographer is Alexander Bassano (1829-1913) who was a leading royal and high society photographer located in London. This postcard, like the first was published by Rotary Photo and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 1933 I).

Postcard 3 presents a close-up profile view of this stunningly pretty young actress. Like the first two photo postcards, this one is also published by the Rotary Photo company and is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 4098 M). The photograph was taken by “Play Pictorial” which was an English theatre magazine published in London between 1902 and 1939. The publication provided a pictorial presentation of West End theatrical productions with each issue focusing on just one play.  (SOLD)

Postcard 4 presents a close-up profile view of this stunningly pretty young actress. It is published by the Davidson Brothers and is part of the Real Photographic Series (no.1670). The photograph was taken by Alexander Bassano. Bassano  (1829 –1913) was a leading royal and high society photographer in Victorian London.  (SOLD)

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REVERSE OF FIRST POSTCARD

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REVERSE OF SECOND POSTCARD

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REVERSE OF THIRD POSTCARD

REVERSE OF POSTCARD 4

Published in: on May 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
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KITTY MALONE : EDWARDIAN RISQUE RPPC : VINTAGE THEATRICAL POSTCARD : RAPID PHOTO

POSTCARD 1 (SOLD)

POSTCARD 2 SOLD

Postcard 1 is a risque original real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring Miss Kitty Malone, an early 20th-century stage performer or model. Malone is wrapped in a tight gown that accentuates all of her curves. The postcard was produced by Rapid Photo Co. in London, with the photograph taken at Dover St. Studios. In the image, Miss Kitty Malone strikes a dramatic pose, wrapped in a flowing, textured gown reminiscent of Grecian or theatrical costume styles. Her long, voluminous dark hair cascades down her shoulders, framing her striking face. She gazes directly at the camera with an intense and almost mysterious expression, her lips slightly parted. Her arms are lifted behind her head, adding to the dramatic, posed aesthetic that was characteristic of early Edwardian stage and artistic photography. This postcard is part of a series and numbered 2676 . This antique real photo postcard (RPPC) was postally used and sent in 1908. It features a green half-penny King Edward VII postage stamp, which was commonly used in the early 20th century for domestic postcards. The handwritten message is addressed to Miss V. Green and is written in black ink in elegant cursive handwriting. The sender, signed as “Aunt Emma”, writes to Violet, mentioning that she has received a postal order (P.O.) safely and hopes Violet and her mother are doing well. She asks if Violet’s mother has any homemade wine available and requests that she let her know by Sunday so she can send for a bottle. Aunt Emma also states that she will send money so it can be delivered by carrier on Wednesday, mentioning that she finds it beneficial for herself and thought Violet’s mother might feel the same. SOLD

Postcard 2 is a risque vintage postcard, published by Rotary Photo and numbered 1945G in the series, features Miss Kitty Malone in an elaborate theatrical costume. This card earns the title of risque because Miss Malone’s top is exceedingly short, exposing much of her legs. The photograph was taken by the renowned Foulsham & Banfield studio. Miss Malone is dressed in an ornate, short tunic-style dress adorned with intricate embroidery and decorative trim. The outfit is cinched at the waist with a bejeweled belt, and she wears sheer, flowing sleeves that drape elegantly from her arms. She also sports shimmering stockings, one of which is embellished with a delicate garter, and dainty, pointed shoes. Her regal headpiece, topped with tall, white feathered plumes, adds to the opulent and theatrical nature of her attire. Her expression is warm and confident, with a slight smile and a poised demeanor. She gazes directly at the camera, her head tilted slightly to one side. Her dark, voluminous hair is styled in an elegant updo, framing her face beautifully. Her pose, with one hand resting on her hip and the other raised near her face, conveys a sense of grace and charisma, suggesting she was a performer or stage actress. The background of the image is softly blurred, allowing the intricate details of her costume and expression to stand out. The overall aesthetic of the postcard captures the glamour and theatrical style of the era.  SOLD

POSTCARD 1

POSTCARD 2

Published in: on May 10, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MARGUERITE CHAPMAN : FILM SERIES : ACTRESS : BIKINI : RISQUE ; RWP CARDS : 2003

This vintage real photo postcard features American actress, Marguerite Chapman (1918-1999). She was born in New York. While working as a telephone switchboard operator, she began to pursue a career in modelling. She was involved in national advertising campaigns. She approached Howard Hughes about appearing in one of his films. The film was never made but he showed her screen test to some Hollywood people and in 1939, she was signed by 20th Century Fox. In 1941 she did a brief stint with Warner Brothers and between 1942 and 1948, she worked for Columbia Pictures. Her film debut was in 1940 and for a couple of years she appeared in small roles of various films. Her 1942, she was signed for a lead role in a Republic Pictures in a twelve part adventure series. More leading roles followed. During World War II she entertained the troops and sold war bonds. In the 1950’s her work mostly included supporting film roles and in the 1960’s she appeared on many television shows. Chapman was married and divorced twice. The IMDb gives her 76 credits in her filmography between 1940 and 1977. She is credited with originating the concept of traveling autograph conventions. This postcard was published by RWP in 2003. SOLD

Published in: on May 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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SIX PEOPLE RELAXING ON FRONT PORCH : CAT, ROCKING CHAIR, HAMMOCK : VINTAGE PHOTO

This vintage photograph captures six individuals relaxing on a large porch. There appears to be four women and two children enjoying some leisurely time. At least one woman is sitting in a rocking chair while another two are on hammocks. A young boy is perched on a railing. There is a cat sitting on an unoccupied rocking chair with a pillow behind him/her. There is a nice view of two houses across the way.  SOLD

Published in: on May 8, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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DEATH CARD : WORLD WAR I GERMAN SOLDIER : DIED IN BATTLE : TRIBUTE TO FRANZ HUBER

This item is a World War I death card. It was customary to issue a card for fallen soldiers of the German army, navy and air force. The front of the card states that it is a Christian commemoration of the campaign soldier youth, Franz Huber. Information about his regiment and overall unit is provided. It is stated that the soldier was awarded the Cross of Merit. Furthermore, it states that Huber died a heroic death for his country on April 5, 1918. He died as the result of a serious injury at the young age of 24. A prayer is at the bottom of the card and there is a notation that the card was printed by H. Ostermann of Waging, Germany. The reverse of the card has a touching quote. “With the tender love of a mother I want to comfort you. SOLD

Published in: on May 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CABINET CARD : 19TH CENTURY MAIL CARRIER : NORTH TONAWANDA NY : KNEIS STUDIO

This is a striking vintage cabinet card photograph of a proud mail carrier from North Tonawanda, New York. He is dressed in a distinguished double-breasted uniform, complete with a high-collared coat and a matching cap adorned with an insignia marked with the title of U.S. Mail and the number “3.” His neatly groomed mustache and confident yet approachable expression add to the charm of this historical portrait. The photograph was taken by Kneis’ Photographic Art Studio, located at the corner of Schenck and Oliver Streets in North Tonawanda, NY.  The photographer is likely John Kneis. He is listed in the 1902 business directory that focuses on North Tonawanda and other nearby cities, including Buffalo, New York. The town of North Tonawanda, situated along the Niagara River, was a bustling industrial and shipping hub during this time, known for its lumber trade and manufacturing industries. Mail carriers like the gentleman in this photograph played a crucial role in connecting the growing community, ensuring the timely delivery of letters and packages. (SOLD)

Published in: on May 6, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CLINTON PRISON : WARDEN’S RESIDENCE : DANNEMORA, NY : VINTAGE POSTCARD

This vintage lithographic postcard captures the Warden’s Residence of Clinton Prison, located in Dannemora, New York. The imposing Victorian-era building features intricate architectural details, including steep gabled roofs, dormer windows, and a central tower that conveys a sense of authority and grandeur. The multi-story structure is surrounded by a wrought iron fence and a landscaped yard with trees, reflecting a stark contrast to the austere purpose of the adjacent Clinton Prison, one of New York State’s most infamous correctional facilities. A classic 1950s automobile is parked near the entrance gate, giving the image a sense of time and place. To the rear, parts of the prison’s foreboding walls and other structures are visible, reinforcing its presence as a maximum-security penitentiary. The postcard’s monochromatic tones enhance the historic feel of the scene. Clinton Prison, also known as Dannemora State Prison, opened in 1845. Located in the remote Adirondack Mountains of northern New York, this maximum-security facility earned the nickname “Little Siberia” due to the area’s frigid winters. Initially constructed to house inmates working in nearby iron mines, it became one of the most secure and storied prisons in the state. Throughout its history, Clinton Prison has housed some of New York’s most notorious criminals. In 2015, it gained national attention for a dramatic daring and well-publicized prison break involving two inmates. Dannemora is a small village in Clinton County, situated near the Canadian border in upstate New York. Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, the village is characterized by its rugged natural beauty and isolation. This postcard was produced by the Merrimack Post Card Company, based in Haverhill, Massachusetts.  (SOLD)

Published in: on May 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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TWO YOUNG AND ADORABLE SIBLINGS : MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card portrait features two adorable siblings. They are beautifully dressed and both have wonderful smiles. The photographer of this image is the Halmrast Studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. SOLD

Published in: on May 4, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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