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
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
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
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)
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)
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
An attractive couple pose for their portrait in Falmouth, England. The couple are very well dressed and appear very comfortable in front of the camera. The photographer is W. M. Harrison. Harrison had studios in Falmouth, Helson, Truro and Redruth. William Marsden Harrison (1852-?) worked as a photographer in Scotland but worked in Falmouth beginning the early 1880’s. By 1900, Harrison had won over 30 medals for his photographs, many of them from international competitions (ie. France, Austria, Belgium, Holland). Judging by the back design, this cabinet card photograph is circa 1902. SOLD
The message on this vintage real photo postcard is as follows: “Edd & Susan, Here is a picture. looks like us but not good work at all. How are you? We are all well. My Dishes haven’t come yet… Bird”. I added the punctuation since “Bird” didn’t seem to have the time or interest. This photograph features a young man and woman sitting in their horse drawn buggy in front of a rural house and landscape. The previous owner of this image believed that that the couple are dressed in their wedding clothes. I certainly can not confirm that, but the pair are certainly dressed in their nicest clothing. “Bird”, perhaps short for “Birdie”, is not very pleased with this photograph. Personally, I believe the photographer did an excellent job in capturing this couple, their horse and buggy, and their homestead. The stamp box on the reverse of this RPPC indicates that it was produced on Cyko paper sometime between 1904 and the 1920’s. SOLD
This cabinet card features Katharina Abel (1856 –1904), a distinguished Austrian ballerina renowned for her tenure as a solo dancer at the Vienna Court Opera (now the Vienna State Opera). She was born in Vienna. Abel was accepted into the ballet school of the Kärntnertortheater at the age of twelve. Under the tutelage of ballet mistress Johanna Telle, she honed her skills in classical dance. In 1871, Abel joined the Vienna Court Opera. She captivated audiences with her grace and charm, particularly excelling in pantomimic roles. Her breakthrough came on October 4, 1879, when she performed as the leader of the Amazons in the ballet “Dyellah oder die Reise nach Indien.” Her compelling performance led to her appointment as a solo dancer at the opera. Throughout her career, Abel starred in numerous productions, including the ballet “Coppélia” and the operas “Die schöne Melusine” by Louis Schindelmeisser and “Die Stumme von Portici,” where she portrayed Fenella. She also featured prominently in divertissements such as “Wiener Walzer,” “Die Puppenfee,” “Sonne und Erde,” “Fantasca,” “Fata Morgana,” and “Der Stock im Eisen. In 1890, Abel married Count Georg Orssich von Slavetich, who was ten years her junior. The couple resided on the count’s estate in Theresienfeld. Prior to her marriage, Abel had a daughter born in 1876. The father’s identity remains undisclosed. Abel’s illustrious career was abruptly halted during a performance of “Giselle” when a mechanical failure caused her to fall approximately ten feet onto the stage, resulting in a foot injury that ended her solo performances. She continued to engage audiences in pantomimic roles for a time. In 1892, she retired from the stage. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, Abel succumbed to cancer in 1904. This photograph is a striking portrait of Abel. Abel is adorned in an elaborate costume that reflects her talent for embodying diverse and exotic roles on stage. She wears a kimono-style garment, richly embroidered with intricate floral patterns. The fabric’s texture and sheen suggest luxurious materials befitting her status as a renowned performer. Her theatrical pose, with arms gracefully extended and a large fan arched behind her head, exudes poise and fluidity. The delicate placement of her hands and the tilt of her head convey a sense of grace. This cabinet card photograph was taken in 1888 by Dr. Josef Szekely (1838-1901). He captured her performance in “The Doll Fairy”. Székely was an Austro-Hungarian chemist and photographer renowned for his contributions to early photography in Central and Southeastern Europe. He had a master’s degree in pharmacy and a doctorate in chemistry. He taught at the University of Vienna before becoming a photographer. He was very successful as a photographer. Székely’s work garnered international acclaim. He was awarded the Bronze Prize at the 1867 World’s Fair in Paris and a silver medal in 1878. His studio produced portraits of many notable figures. This photograph is in the collection of the Theater Museum in Vienna. This cabinet card measures approximately 4.25 x 8 inches, which is larger than the standard cabinet card. SOLD
This vintage lithographic postcard features aa view of the Chinese Tuxedo Restaurant in New York City’s Chinatown. Note the people standing on the second floor balcony. They are likely employees of the restaurant. A shop below the restaurant has an awning advertising trunks & bags. Here is some history about the Chinese Tuxedo Restaurant. It opened it’s door in 1904 and was located at 2 Doyers Street. At the time, it was one of several upscale Chinese Restaurants capitalizing on the influx of non-Chinese tourists to Chinatown. The restaurant was decorated with elaborate chandeliers and other “exotic” accessories. The restaurant was well known for its ornate eagle crowned balcony. The restaurant closed it’s doors in the mid 1900’s. The text in the message section of this undivided back postcard states the following, “Uncle Jules & Aunt Aimee send kisses to their niece Marie Adele”. This message is dated 1906. The postcard was published by J. Koehler Publishing Company of New York City. Joseph Koehler (1842-1933) was a New York based lithographer, printer, and stationer active in the late 19th and early 20th century. He was born in France and was the son of a prominent physician. In fact his father was once Napleon Bonoparte’s personal physician. Koehler came to the US with his family at the age of four. He is credited with the invention of the “greeting card” in 1867. After inventing the greeting card, he built an extensive postcard and calling card business. Most of his cards were printed in Europe until the 1890’s when he established his own steam press operation in New York City. He retired sometime around 1914. A nearly identical card to this listed card can be seen in the collection of the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) located in New York City.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 