SHIRTLESS MSTR. MERINO : MUSCLE AND STRENGTH PHENOMENON : STRONGMAN : RPPC

This uncommon vintage real photo postcard features a shirtless body builder named Mstr. Merino. The caption on the postcard states “Mstr. Merino, Muscle & Strength Phenomenon”. The  body builder’s muscles have muscles. Note his right bicept. It appears that he has barbed wire looped around his right upper arm. Merino has something wrapped around his wrists. The wraps purpose is unknown to me. This postcard was published by Ernst Schneider & Company. The firm was located in Lubeck, Germany and was known for publishing a collection of postcards with portraits of male and female impersonators and cross dressers. These cards were produced between 1900 and 1930.  SOLD

PORTRAIT OF EIGHT MEN IN THE GERMAN COUNTRYSIDE DRINKING BEER; ONE IS WEARING A DRESS (1927)

This vintage real photo postcard features a group of German beer lovers gathered around a keg in a country-side setting. This photograph is a treasure trove of interesting elements. First, the keg of beer is labelled with the title “Memories in Lindau 1927” (translated from German). Second,the bruiser in the center of the back row is holding a beer mug on steroids. It is likely that no one will challenge or fight him for the huge glass of dark beer. Finally, what is the story about the gentleman/lady in the center of the middle row. To quote the Kinks, “Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls”. It is likely that the man wearing the dress, seen in this postcard, did so for fun. It is not unusual to see cross dressing in photographs from this era. Generally, wearing opposite sex clothing in these images was done for entertainment, rather than for sexuality reasons. Women also dressed as men in photographs. Vesta Tilley (1864-1952) was an English music hall performer who was one of the most famous male impersonators of her time. She was a star in both Britain and the United States for over three decades (see her photo below). Returning to the subject of the beer drinking celebrants, we learn from the writing on the keg, that they are partying in Lindau, Germany. Lindau is a major town and an island in Bavaria. It is located on the eastern side of Lake Constance (Bodensee in German). The origin of Lindau’s name is thought to be the “linden tree”. Lindau is known for being near the Austrian, German, and Swiss borders. This vintage postcard has excellent clarity and is in very good condition (see scans).

Buy this original Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #2577

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$40.00

Buy this original Real Photo Postcard (includes International shipping outside the US) #2577

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$48.00