AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS : COMRADES : RAPHAEL TUCK : ANTIQUE POSTCARD : 1905

This postcard is a powerful and historically important antique illustrated postcard titled “Comrades,” copyrighted 1905 and published by Raphael Tuck & Sons (No.2181), one of the most influential postcard publishers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The image depicts two African American boys standing arm-in-arm on a wooden walkway beside tall marsh grasses at sunset. Their clothing—patched trousers, work shirts, and bare or worn footwear—signals rural labor and economic hardship, while their relaxed posture and direct gaze convey dignity, friendship, and resilience. The boys are presented as equals and companions, underscoring the title’s emphasis on solidarity and shared experience. The card is color-printed from an original photograph, a common Raphael Tuck practice, combining photographic realism with painterly color enhancement. The image bears the printed line “Copyright 1905 by V. G. Schreck”, identifying the photographer whose work Tuck adapted for postcard publication. Schreck supplied images that were frequently used by Tuck for genre scenes reflecting American life. V.G. Schreck (Victor G. Schreck) was a turn-of-the-century (c. 1900s) photographer known for capturing everyday life, especially early African American culture. His work documented urban life and posed subjects, leaving behind valuable historical photographic records. The reverse identifies the publisher as Raphael Tuck & Sons, with the familiar “Art Publishers to Their Majesties the King and Queen” designation, and references “The Sunny South” postcard series—an indication of the card’s intended thematic framing. The undivided back format places production squarely in the pre-1907 period. Founded in London in 1866, Raphael Tuck & Sons became the most important postcard publisher of the era, with production facilities in England, Germany, and the United States. Tuck was known for commissioning and adapting photographic images into finely printed postcards, often emphasizing sentiment, narrative, and moral framing. Cards from Tuck’s American series are especially historic due to their role in shaping visual culture and public perception. This postcard occupies a complex and significant place in American visual history. While published within a commercial framework that often romanticized Southern life for white audiences, “Comrades” departs from caricature by portraying Black children with humanity, mutual affection, and quiet strength. The absence of overt stereotyping, combined with the emphasis on companionship, makes the image notable within early 20th-century postcard production. This postcard is in good antique condition. The card has edge and corner wear, surface toning consistent with age, and minor handling marks. The image remains strong with good color retention. The postcard has no writing and is  postally unused (see scans).

This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $16.48 or Best Offer.   

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/336350276660

Published in: on December 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BLOOD BANK EVENT : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO : AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

This original black-and-white press photograph was taken by noted Cleveland photographer Jimmy Baynes, whose stamp appears on the reverse. Baynes was a prolific photojournalist and chronicler of Cleveland’s African American community during the mid-20th century. His work documented civic events, political gatherings, cultural programs, and the everyday lives of African Americans in Cleveland. His images today stand as a vital record of local history and are increasingly valued by collectors of press photography and African American ephemera. The photograph depicts a group at the Associated Community Blood Banks booth (Cleveland, Ohio). The booth is labeled “54 Associated Community Blood Banks” on the backdrop. Five individuals are present. One of the individuals is a young woman wearing a white uniform and holding testing equipment. She is likely a  nurse or a blood bank technician. The scene captures both the professionalism and community service focus of Cleveland’s blood bank efforts in the late 1960s or 1970s, with an emphasis on outreach, participation, and health education. The candid but posed composition reflects Baynes’s signature style of highlighting people within civic and cultural spaces. The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century.  (SOLD)

Published in: on November 30, 2025 at 12:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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STYLISH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO c1956

This dynamic vintage press photograph captures a joyous and stylish moment at what appears to be a mid-century African-American social event or pageant, photographed by Jimmy H. Baynes, a notable African-American photographer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio. The image dates likely to the late 1950s or early 1960s, an era when such gatherings were vital community affairs celebrating Black excellence, fashion, and music. The central focus is a beautifully posed group of six African-American women, all elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening wear. The women wear a range of fashionable 1950s attire, from a sharp houndstooth pantsuit and flowing evening gowns to a crisp white suit. Their hairstyles are elegant and era-appropriate, and their expressions range from joy to pride to graceful composure. The setting appears to be a formal banquet hall or community venue, likely in Cleveland. Each woman holds a trophy, suggesting the conclusion of a pageant, award ceremony, or fashion competition. The photograph is the work of Jimmy H. Baynes, a prominent African-American photographer who chronicled the Black social and cultural scene in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century. His work often captured the heart of the community—beauty pageants, civic events, family milestones, and musical gatherings—preserving an important visual history that is increasingly recognized and appreciated by collectors and scholars.  The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s.  (SOLD)

Published in: on September 15, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Comments (2)  
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STYLISH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO c 1956

This dynamic vintage press photograph captures a joyous and stylish moment at what appears to be a mid-century African-American social event or pageant, photographed by Jimmy H. Baynes, a notable African-American photographer who was active in Cleveland, Ohio. The image dates likely to the late 1950s or early 1960s, an era when such gatherings were vital community affairs celebrating Black excellence, fashion, and music. The central focus is a beautifully posed group of eight African-American women, all elegantly dressed in cocktail or evening wear. Each woman wears a dress that reflects the fashion of the era—from sleek satin to lace, florals, and polished tailoring. Their heels, jewelry, and stylish hairdos speak to pride and sophistication. Several wear ribbons or corsages, suggesting this might be a pageant, cotillion, or civic recognition event. The women’s expressions range from warm smiles to dignified calm, exuding confidence and unity. In the background, we see a small jazz ensemble, including a guitarist in a white jacket and a saxophonist, adding to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. The wall décor includes two large theatrical masks (tragedy and comedy), enhancing the impression that this event took place at a community center, fraternal hall, or social club with cultural significance. The photograph is the work of Jimmy H. Baynes, a prominent African-American photographer who chronicled the Black social and cultural scene in Cleveland throughout the mid-20th century. His work often captured the heart of the community—beauty pageants, civic events, family milestones, and musical gatherings—preserving an important visual history that is increasingly recognized and appreciated by collectors and scholars. This original black-and-white photograph measures approximately 8 x 10 inches and is in very good condition with only minimal corner wear. The contrast is strong, the image is sharp, and all details are well preserved (see scans). The photographer of this photograph, Jimmy Baynes was  known for his ability to capture the essence of African American life, culture, and entertainment from the 1950s through the 1980s. Originally a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passion, ultimately founding Baynes Foto Service. His work chronicled the vibrancy of mid-century African American social life, from intimate gatherings and beauty contests to the pulsating energy of live music performances and political events. Baynes photographed some of the most iconic figures in entertainment history, including Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. His ability to capture both candid and staged moments gave his work a lasting impact, preserving the rich history of Cleveland’s African American community. His legacy is recognized today by institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, which houses a collection of his photographs, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. In 2010, shortly before his passing, his work was featured in the “Polaroid: Instant Joy” exhibition in Brooklyn, New York, reaffirming his role as a visual storyteller of African American life in the mid-20th century. This photograph was taken in the 1950’s.  SOLD

Published in: on August 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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STYLISH AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN : PHOTO BY JIMMY BAYNES : CLEVELAND, OHIO 1956

A group of elegantly dressed African American women gathers for a formal event, their smiles warm and inviting. The air is filled with laughter and the quiet hum of conversation, the kind shared among close friends and social circles. Captured through the lens of Jimmy Baynes (1922-2010), this striking black-and-white photograph offers a window into a bygone era of grace and refinement. The photograph was taken in 1956. Each woman stands poised in a display of sophistication, dressed in the finest evening attire of the time. Flowing cocktail dresses and full-skirted gowns drape effortlessly, adorned with delicate lace, satin finishes, and off-the-shoulder silhouettes. Wrist corsages add a touch of tradition, suggesting the occasion could be a gala, a debutante ball, or an exclusive sorority event. Their accessories—clutch purses, pearl necklaces, and elegantly styled hair—complete their timeless looks, reflecting the pride and elegance of their community. The setting, a well-appointed room with patterned wallpaper and a shelf filled with trinkets, provides an intimate backdrop for this moment of celebration. The women lean into each other slightly, exuding warmth, camaraderie, and joy. This is more than just a photograph; it is a glimpse into a world where fashion, culture, and history intertwine. Baynes, a Cleveland-based photographer known for documenting African American life, produced this image which holds both artistic and historical significance. He is renowned for capturing the vibrancy of African American life from the 1950s through the 1980s. Initially working as a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passionate side venture, eventually establishing Baynes Foto Service. ​Over more than three decades, Baynes documented a wide array of events, including weddings, beauty contests, burlesque shows, and live music performances. His portfolio features candid and authentic glimpses into Cleveland’s African American community, encompassing local politicians, nightclub entertainers, and everyday social gatherings. Notably, he photographed prominent figures such as Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. ​Baynes’ work has been recognized and preserved by institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, where a collection of his photographs is housed, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. His images offer a rich narrative of mid-20th-century African American public life in the Midwest, reflecting both the cultural significance and everyday experiences of the community.​ In the summer of 2010, just months before his passing, Baynes’ photographs were featured in a group exhibition titled “Polaroid: Instant Joy” at a gallery in Brooklyn, New York, highlighting the enduring impact of his visual storytelling. (SOLD)

Published in: on March 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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BLACK FEMALE DANCER IN COSTUME : STUDIO PORTRAIT : VINTAGE RPPC

This vintage real photo postcard features a Black Woman in her dance costume. She is an unusual costume and she is lifting her skirt in a risque manner. The woman has a pretty smile.  SOLD

Published in: on April 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm  Comments (4)  
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