PORTRAIT OF TWO ADORABLE LITTLE GIRLS : FANCY HATS : PC PARIS : RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard captures two very adorable and beautifully dressed little girls. They have magnificent smiles and sparkling eyes. This postcard was produced by PC Parisas part of a series (No.1510). The P.C logo is an abbreviation for Papeteries d Levallois-Clichy. The firm published a variety of real photo postcard topics including portraits of pretty models, nudes, views, and holiday cards. The company was active in the 1920’s. SOLD

Published in: on November 3, 2025 at 10:49 am  Leave a Comment  

CARNIVAL GOERS : COSTUMED GROUP : CHILD IN TOP HAT : VINTAGE FRENCH RPPC

This striking real photo postcard captures a costumed group of three women and one child, posed in a studio setting. The scene has a theatrical, almost carnivalesque quality. Standing proudly atop a small round table, the young child wears a bold striped clown suit with a wide ruffled collar. A tall top hat, much too large for their small stature, dominates the composition and draws the viewer’s attention. The child’s calm, self-possessed gaze truly upstages the surrounding adults. Two women wear exotic turbans adorned with feathers and strings of beads, evoking an “Orientalist” fantasy style popular in the early 20th century. One woman (seated) wears a ribboned dress and jeweled headband, giving her a regal presence. Despite their elaborate costumes and serious expressions, they are visually overshadowed by the whimsical, confident child. The atmospheric painted studio backdrop suggests a cloudy sky, enhancing the theatrical tone of the composition. On the reverse, the postcard is printed with the words “Fabriqué en Angleterre” (Made in England). Along the left edge appear addresses of French distributors. A small star is in the center of the stamp box. The card is unused and unposted. This unusual postcard reflects the playful spirit of costume photography.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 2, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

WWI SOLDIERS : PATRIOTIC : U.S. FLAG BACKDROP : RPPC 1904-1918

This original real photo postcard captures two World War I-era American soldiers posed proudly in front of a large U.S. flag backdrop. Both men wear their service uniforms complete with campaign hats, buttoned shirts, and breeches tucked into puttees or leggings. The soldier on the left is seated with legs crossed, hands resting naturally, and gazes directly at the camera. The standing soldier rests his hand casually on his comrade’s shoulder, creating a sense of camaraderie. The flag’s stars and stripes fill the background, adding a strong patriotic tone to the image. The reverse of this postcard has an AZO stamp box indicating that it dates back to between 1904 and 1918.  The card’s style and subject matter suggest that the postcard likely dates to the World War I period (circa 1917–1919).  SOLD

Published in: on November 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

THREE ATTRACTIVE COUPLES IN INTIMATE POSE : SPORTY WOMEN HATS : (1918-1930)

This vintage real photo postcard features three attractive couples posing at an unidentified photography studio. The six men and women in this photograph are chock full of personality. Five of the six are flashing wonderful smiles. The women, in particular, appear to be having fun. All six subjects are fashionably dressed. The women are wearing sporty hats. This is an intimate portrait. The three couples seem to be very relaxed and appear to be good friends. This postcard has an AZO stamp box which indicates that the photo was taken sometime between 1918 and 1930.  SOLD

Published in: on October 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , ,

VIOLET VANBRUGH : PHOTO BY LIZZIE CASWALL SMITH : UNCOMMON ROTOPHOT RPPC 1908

This is a rare and beautifully preserved Rotophot (RP) postcard featuring a striking portrait of the renowned British stage actress Miss Violet Vanbrugh (1867–1942). The postcard, numbered 0450, was published by Rotophot, a German publisher known for high-quality photographic postcards. The portrait itself was captured by Lizzie Caswall Smith, a prominent female photographer of actors and society figures during the early 20th century. This particular image is notable for its excellent clarity and fine detail, showcasing Vanbrugh in an elegant, dark gown with a delicate lace underlayer, her short wavy hair styled fashionably, and wearing simple yet refined pearl earrings. Violet Vanbrugh was part of a theatrical family—her sister, Irene Vanbrugh, was also a celebrated actress. She initially pursued her education at Exeter and developed an interest in drama at a young age. She made her stage debut in 1886 at the Theatre Royal, Margate, before stepping into the London theatre scene. Her breakthrough came when she joined Sir Henry Irving’s company, where she refined her skills and gained recognition for her classical performances. Over the years, she became highly regarded for her portrayals of Shakespearean heroines, including Lady Macbeth, Portia in The Merchant of Venice, and Queen Katherine in Henry VIII. Apart from Shakespeare, she also starred in major productions like “Caste” and “Diplomacy”. Vanbrugh was admired for her commanding presence and emotive delivery, making her a favorite among theatre audiences of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Violet Vanbrugh married Arthur Bourchier, a fellow actor, in 1894, and the couple became a theatrical powerhouse, frequently starring together in productions. They also managed the Garrick Theatre in London for a time. However, their marriage eventually ended in divorce. Despite personal setbacks, Vanbrugh remained a distinguished figure in the theatrical world well into the 20th century. She passed away in 1942 at the age of 75. The back of this postcard features the Rotophot logo in red, with a printed divider. It is addressed to Miss M. Pattison of  Cardiff, Wales. The handwritten message, written in cursive along the left margin, reads: “another for your collection”. The sender hopes the postcard will be added to the recipients postcard collection. The postcard bears a half-penny green King Edward VII stamp, which was postmarked in Cardiff in 1908.  (SOLD)

PORTRAIT OF TWO HANDSOME AND FIT TENNIS PLAYERS

muscle guys

This vintage photograph features two athletic and handsome men posing with tennis gear. They are holding racquets and one of them is grasping a tennis ball. These guys look like they exercise regularly. Judging by their smiles, they seem to be very happy.  SOLD

muscle guys 2

Published in: on October 29, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: ,

MERRILL’S MARUDERS : BURMA : WW ll : JUNGLE FIGHTERS : PRESS PHOTO

This vintage press photo features members of Merrill’s Maruders, a specialized American fighting group that fought the Japanese in the jungles of North Burma. They fought much like the Japanese soldiers. This American unit used Guerilla war tactics. The American unit was officially known as the 5307th Composite Unit. They conducted long-range penetration missions behind enemy lines. They were established in 1943 and named after their commander, Brigadier General Frank Merrill. All members of the Maruders were volunteers from various Army division. Many were already skilled in jungle warfare. The US soldiers faced many challenges besides facing Japanese forces. The Americans had to deal with harsh weather, disease and supply shortages. The unit completed their mission in 1944 and were disbanded. Many consider the Maruder’s as the predecessor to US modern day special forces. In 1962, a popular movie was released that told the story of this famous 3000 man unit. The movies, unsurprisingly, was titled “Merrill’s Maruders”. This photo includes eleven members of Merrill’s outfit. They are cooking a meal over a flame. Note the large can of compressed corned beef. Despite the tough conditions, the men are smiling as the pose for this news photograph. The photo was taken by the International News Photo. SOLD

Published in: on October 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , ,

ANNE VERNON & HER DACHSHUND : FRENCH ACTRESS : PHOTO BY LUCIENNE CHEVERT : RPPC

Anne Vernon (1924- ) was a French theatre, television and film actress. She is seen in this vintage real photo postcard, posing with a Dachshund dog. Vernon began her film career in the late 1940s, gaining attention for her elegance, charm, and natural screen presence. Her first notable role was in The Murdered Model (1948), marking her debut during the French occupation. In the post-war years, she became a prominent figure in French cinema, appearing in a variety of genres, including comedies, dramas, and musicals. One of her most significant roles came in Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), where she played Madame Emery, the mother of Catherine Deneuve’s character. Her nuanced performance brought depth to the bittersweet romance of the film, which remains a classic of French cinema. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Anne worked with esteemed directors such as René Clair and Julien Duvivier, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress. She also appeared in international productions, making her a recognized figure beyond France. Notably, she appeared in the Hollywood film Shakedown (1950), playing the role of Nita Palmer alongside Howard Duff and Peggy Dow. This was her only Hollywood film. Despite this venture into American cinema, she remained less known in the United States compared to her prominence in Europe. Over her career, Anne Vernon appeared in approximately 40 films between 1948 and 1970. Anne Vernon was married three times. Her husbands included  French lawyer and politician Robert Badinter and politician Jean-Pierre Prouteau. As of January 2025, Anne Vernon is still alive. She is 101 years-old. Miss Vernon’s photograph seen on this postcard was taken by Lucienne Chevert (1911-1982). She was a Paris based photographer who photographed dozens of French film stars post World War II. She was the partner of the well known celebrity photographer, Sam Levin. 
This postcard was published by the Globe Edition (Paris) and is part of a series (no.137). 
(SOLD)

TRINIDAD PHOTO c.1920s : BOY HOLDING BABY WITH GROUP OF CHILDREN : SERIES #3981

This is a striking original vintage photograph taken in Trinidad, measuring approximately 4 1/4 inches by 6 inches.The photograph shows a young Black boy holding a baby in his arms while several other children look on. The young boy, who is the central figure, wears worn clothing—his shirt is torn at the shoulders, and his pants show signs of heavy wear—suggesting a working-class or rural setting. He looks directly into the camera with a slight, dignified smile. The baby, seemingly asleep or resting, is bare-chested and clad in only a light cloth or diaper. The other children in the background, likely of Afro-Caribbean or Indo-Caribbean descent, wear simple white garments. Their expressions vary—some look somber, others curious, all facing the camera in the bright tropical daylight, with blurred palm trees and wild grass in the background.⚠️ Note on Historical Terminology: As a seller of vintage and historical photography, I am committed to presenting these images with honesty and care, while acknowledging and respecting their complex cultural contexts. The caption on this photograph includes a term that today is widely recognized as racially offensive. I include it here solely for the sake of historical accuracy and do not endorse its use or connotations. The term “Rastus” is historically a racially charged stereotype originating in the United States, where it was used derogatorily to caricature Black men, especially in minstrel shows and commercial branding (e.g., Cream of Wheat). Its use in this photograph’s caption, “Young Rastus, reflects a colonial-era mindset and exoticism that was common in early 20th-century ethnographic photography, particularly when Westerners documented life in colonized regions like Trinidad. In this case, the label was almost certainly applied by the photographer or publisher, not the subjects, and should be understood as a historical artifact rather than a descriptor used by the individuals pictured. SOLD

Published in: on October 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , ,

PORTRAIT OF A WELL DRESSED TEENAGE BOY IN CHENOA, ILLINOIS

This cabinet card features a teenage boy posing for his portrait at Smith’s Studio in Chenoa, Illinois. He is well dressed in his three piece suit. His derby hat is beside him, sitting on a faux wall. Note the backdrop. The artist who created it did not have an abundance of talent. SOLD

Published in: on October 25, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment