ST. LEOS SCHOOL : ST. LEO, MINNESOTA : WITH CHILDREN & TEACHER : RPPC : 1908

This real photo postcard captures a moment in time outside St. Leo’s School, a two-story wooden schoolhouse with a central bell tower topped by a cross. The sign above the doorway clearly reads “ST. LEO SCHULE,” suggesting a German influence in the local community. The school stands in what appears to be a rural area, with a few trees and a distant building visible in the background. In front of the school, a large group of schoolchildren—boys and girls of various ages—stand in an orderly line. The girls are dressed in long skirts or dresses, many wearing aprons over them, while the boys are attired in dark suits, jackets, and trousers, appearing more formal. A single teacher, possibly Joseph, who wrote the message on the card, stands among them, dressed in a longer coat. The handwritten inscription on the front of the postcard identifies the scene:“This is St. Leo’s School, taken last year. My school, St. Leo’s, So. Min.” On the back, a brief note is addressed to Mr. B. S. Kuchen in Albany, Minnesota, and is signed Joseph. He mentions receiving a letter and promises to respond soon, adding: “Teaching is fine now I suppose. It’s cold. Regards, Joseph.” The postmark is from Saint Leo, Minnesota, dated October 12, 1908, and features a one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp. This postcard is a wonderful historical artifact, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century rural education in Minnesota. The presence of a German-language school sign and the formal attire of the children suggest a tight-knit immigrant community.  (SOLD)

Published in: on February 25, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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TOPLESS WOMAN SERVING TEA : RISQUE VINTAGE POSTCARD : BOUDOIR GLAMOUR : 1920’s

This rare risque real photo postcard captures a staged and playful tableau likely from the 1920s or 1930s. The photograph features a woman in a provocative pose, standing against a backdrop with decorative elements. Her attire is minimal—she wears a halter-style garment fashioned from a patterned scarf or similar material, leaving her torso exposed. She also dons stockings secured with garters, along with a string of pearls that adds a touch of elegance to her otherwise suggestive presentation. Her curly hairstyle is typical of the early 20th century. The woman holds a tray containing a striped tea set, consisting of a teapot, cups, and saucers, which she presents as if serving tea. On the small table to her left, there is a whimsical figurine, perhaps a pierrot or clown. This object adds a playful and slightly surreal touch to the scene. The art on the wall behind her appears to be a fabric panel with a floral design, adding a domestic and slightly bohemian atmosphere to the setting. The woman’s facial expression is subtle, with a faint smile that exudes confidence and a hint of amusement. Her pose, along with the setting, suggests that this postcard was intended as a risqué but artistic depiction, typical of many such images produced for collectors or admirers of “boudoir” photography during this era. The publisher of this postcard is unidentified, other than the initials “NP”. Preliminary research did not reveal the actual name of the publishing company. SOLD

Published in: on February 24, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (3)  
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PORTRAIT OF A DISTINGUISHED LOOKING BEARDED GENTLEMAN IN LEWISTON, MAINE (CDV)

This carte de visite portrait features a well-dressed and distinguished looking gentleman posing for his portrait at the Crosby studio in Lewiston, Maine. He has piercing eyes and a wiry beard and mustache. The photographer of this image is A B Crosby (1836-1879). Crosby worked alone during his career but he was also involved in two partnerships. He had a brief partnership with George W Barnes in Topsham, Maine. He also was in business in Lewiston with C W Curtis. Both of these business relationships occurred in the 1870’s. The earliest record I could find of Crosby working as a photographer was in an 1864 Lewiston business directory. Crosby’s life was cut short when he succumbed to brain disease at the age of 43. He was married at the time of his death. I have seen a number of Crosby’s photographs and it is clear that he was a talented lensman.   SOLD

Published in: on February 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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MOTHER AND DAUGHTER DRAMA : LEHIGHTON, PENNSYLVANIA : CABINET CARD

This portrait features a mother and daughter posing at the Bretney studio in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. There appears to be some sort of emotional situation occurring during the taking of this photograph. The mother in the image seems none too pleased, while her daughter appears to be consoling her. The reverse of the photograph indicates the daughter’s name is Molly. It appears that Molly has to be strong for her mother, as her mother has suffered some sort of a loss. The History of Carbon County, Pennsylvania (1912) reports that Clement H. Bretney was the leading photographer of Lehighton. He was born in Mahoning, Pennsylvania in 1873.  After leaving public school he studied art as a private pupil of H. Parker Rolfe of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Next he studied at Curtis-Taylor Studio in Philadelphia. He then worked with W. D. Rishel, a Lehighton photographer. Bretney bought Rishel’s studio in 1899. It is also reported that Bretney was a “dealer in Kodaks” and carried a large stock of photographic supplies. Langdon’s list of 19th and early 20th century photographers asserts that Bretney operated his studio until 1905. This cabinet card portrait is in very good condition (see scans).

6515

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6515

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Published in: on February 22, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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939/40 PONTIAC WOODY STATION WAGON : PETER ROBERTS COLLECTION : PRESS PHOTO

This striking black-and-white press photograph captures a nostalgic moment in time, likely from the late 1930s or early 1940s, featuring a Pontiac “Woody” Station Wagon parked in front of a rustic log cabin. The “Woody” wagon, with its distinctive wooden paneling, was a popular vehicle during this era, blending practical utility with stylish craftsmanship. The car’s streamlined design, rounded fenders, and chrome accents highlight the Art Deco influence of the time. The scene presents a group of four individuals, seemingly engaged in a friendly outdoor exchange. A man in a cap and knee-high boots stands at the front of the car, gesturing towards the hood, perhaps discussing the vehicle’s performance or offering assistance. Opposite him, two individuals—one male and one female—are leaning slightly forward, both dressed in formal coats and hats, suggestive of a road trip or an autumn excursion. Inside the car, a smiling woman peeks out from the driver’s seat. Behind them is a log cabin that has a second story with multiple windows and a classic pitched roof. The stone chimney at the far right suggests a cozy setting, likely a retreat for leisure travelers or outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding wooded area reinforces the rustic feel. The back of the image contains several annotations and stamps. Handwritten notes label the car as a 1939/40 Pontiac “Woody” Station Wagon. A Peter Roberts Collection stamp is prominently displayed, suggesting that this image was part of a well-documented automotive archive. The collection was based in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire, UK. SOLD

Published in: on February 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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ARTIFICIAL LEGS : GEORGE R. FULLER CO : USS MAINE : ADVERTISING TRADE CARD 1898

This vintage trade card advertises the George R. Fuller Co., manufacturer of Artificial Limbs, Trusses, and other products. This advertising trade card focuses on “The Fuller Walkeasy” artificial leg. The firm was established in 1857 and was located in Rochester, New York. The firm also had branches in Buffalo, New York and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company issued a set of 15 cards illustrating different ships of the US Navy. This card features the USS Maine which in early 1898, tragically suffered a massive explosion on board causing the ship to sink in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. Interestingly, this trade card has a copyright from 1898. The card was published by Koerner & Hayes.  SOLD

Published in: on February 18, 2025 at 8:36 pm  Leave a Comment  
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FAMILY PORTRAIT: RUBIN FAMILY : HEMPSTED STUDIO : COSHOCTON, OHIO : CABINET CARD

This cabinet card photograph, taken by C. Hempsted in Coshocton, Ohio, depicts a family of eight—most likely two parents with their six children. The formal arrangement and careful clothing suggest this was a significant family portrait, perhaps taken to commemorate an important event. The parents of this family are both seated. The father is dressed in a dark three-piece suit with a tie, reflecting the formality of the occasion. His robust features, thick mustache, and confident posture suggest he may be of Eastern European descent—possibly Polish, Hungarian, or Jewish. The name “Rubin” handwritten on the lower left corner of the card might correspond to the family surname, which is common among Jewish and Slavic communities. His serious expression reflects the dignified tone often captured in Victorian-era portraits. The mother wears a high-necked black dress with intricate detailing, signifying modesty and respectability. Her calm yet serious demeanor speaks to her role as the matriarch of the family. The older daughters are dressed in fashionable blouses and skirts, accessorized with sashes and bows. Their hairstyles are neat and adorned with ribbons, suggesting the family valued appearances and formality. The younger children are also well-dressed. The toddler, wearing a delicate white lace dress, is held protectively by one of the parents. The young boy standing at the far right wears a suit with a flower pinned to his jacket, hinting that this may have been taken on a special occasion such as a wedding, religious milestone, or holiday. The handwritten name “Rubin” and the father’s features suggest Eastern European or Jewish ancestry. The word “Ansonia,” written on the lower right corner, could have multiple meanings. “Ansonia” may be a first or last name belonging to a pictured family member. Ansonia is also a small town located in Darke County, Ohio, about 100 miles west of Coshocton. This may indicate a family connection to that town.The photographer is C. Hempsted. He operated a studio in Coshocton. Coshocton is located in east-central Ohio, Coshocton, and was a vibrant industrial and agricultural hub in the late 1800s. Its location along the Muskingum River and Ohio-Erie Canal made it accessible to immigrants and settlers, including Germans, Irish, and Eastern Europeans. (SOLD)

Published in: on February 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A DAY AT THE BEACH FOR EIGHT BATHERS IN TOKAJ, HUNGARY

Eight bathers gather for their group photo at a beach in Tokaj, Hungary. The historical town is located in the northern part of Hungary. It is in the district where Tokaji wine is produced. The beach goers are wearing bathing suits. Half of the subjects are sitting in a beached rowboat.The reverse of this vintage real photo postcard indicates that the message was written in 1927. It appears that seven of the individuals in the photo are identified in the column on the right side of the back of the postcard. Perhaps a visitor to the cabinet card gallery will be able to leave a comment translating the postcard’s message.   SOLD

Published in: on February 16, 2025 at 12:01 pm  Comments (2)  
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DELIA MASON & CUTE DOG :STAGE ACTRESS & SINGER : BROADWAY : ROTOPHOT : RPPC 1905

This vintage real photo postcard features pretty stage actress and singer, Delia Mason (1880-1980). She is posed with a dog that appears to be a Jack Russell Terrier. There is little biographical information about her readily available online. She was a native of Coventry, England. There are seven portraits of Mason that can be found in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. Her first professional appearance was in “Three Little Maids” (1902) at the Apollo Theatre in London. 
She was “discovered” by English theatre manager and producer, George Edwardes. A reviewer at her first performance, described her as “a tall and extremely good-looking with laughing blue eyes”. The reviewer also stated that she was an expert swimmer and oarsman, as well as an “ardent motorist”. Mason appeared in two Broadway productions; “Three Little Maids” (1903) and “My Lady’s Maid” (1906). She was married to Walter Wysard, a merchant and director of a number of companies. The couples son, Tony Wysard became a well known cartoonist and illustrator. This postcard was published by Rotophot as part of a series (No.0292). The company was based in Berlin, Germany. This postcard was postmarked in 1905. Mason was likely around 25 years of age when her photograph was taken for this card. Her photo was taken by the Hutchinson & Svendsen studio in Berlin, Germany.  SOLD

Published in: on February 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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NAPOLEON SARONY CARTE de VISITE : HANDSOME MAN WITH GREAT BEARD & MUSTACHE : NYC

This carte de visite portrait features a handsome well dressed man with a wonderful beard and mustache. The cdv photograph was taken by celebrity photographer Napoleon Sarony. He operated a photo studio in the Union Square area of New York City. He was a famous photographer and was considered very talented and quite eccentric.  SOLD

Published in: on February 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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