This photograph captures a young boy dressed in a formal sailor suit. The outfit is unusual, as most children wearing nautical clothing in photographs of this era are not clad in such a fine suit. The photographer is Taylor of Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington is a US naval port and it is very possible that this boys father was a high ranking naval officer stationed there. One can surmise that he was an officer because a child dressed in such finery must come from a well-to-do family. (SOLD)
SAILOR BOY IN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA (FUTURE NAVAL OFFICER?)
U.S. NAVY SAILOR : LANE STUDIO : BROOKLYN, NEW YORK : CABINET CARD 1890’s
This original cabinet card photograph, measuring approximately 4¼ x 6½ inches, features a striking portrait of a young U.S. Navy sailor, captured in formal studio attire. The sailor wears a traditional dark naval jumper with a wide collar and a neatly tied neckerchief. His uniform displays the eagle and chevron insignia on his right sleeve, identifying him as a petty officer in the United States Navy, likely from the late 1880s to 1890s, based on the style of dress and photograph mount. He also wears a flat, round sailor’s cap with a trailing ribbon, typical of American naval uniforms from this period. The sailor has a composed, thoughtful expression, with a full mustache and clear eyes gazing slightly off camera, conveying quiet confidence and professionalism. The photograph was taken by Lane Studio, located at 461 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, New York, a prominent address in the borough’s thriving commercial and photographic district during the late 19th century. The word “Carbonette” on the card refers to a photographic printing process used around the 1890s, known for its rich tonal quality and lasting image stability. It was considered a premium finish for portrait photography during that era. (SOLD)
JUDAICA : HEBREW WRITING : CUTE LITTLE BOY : NEW YORK CITY : MAX SIMON : RPPC
This vintage divided back real photo postcard features an adorable little boy. He is wearing a sailor outfit. Note his socks. There is a bow at the top of each sock. Also note the message on the reverse of the postcard is written in Hebrew. The card is dated 1924. The photographer of this child’s portrait is Max Simon. Simon was extremely likely, a Jewish man. He operated a studio at 331 Grand Street in New York City. (SOLD)
TWO HANDSOME AFFECTIONATE SAILORS : PRIVATE STUDIO : RPPC
This vintage real photo postcard features two handsome uniformed sailor in an affectionate pose. This is a studio photograph and is likely one-of-a-kind. (SOLD)
HANDSOME SAILOR : USS FISH HAWK : NAVY : APALACHICOLA, FLORIDA: CABINET CARD
This cabinet card portrait features a young and handsome naval sailor in uniform. His cap reveals that he was part of the crew of the USS Fish Hawk. The ship was launched in 1879. Originally, called the USFC Fish Hawk, the ship was a fisheries science research ship. It conducted research and ran a large fish hatchery on board. The ship was operated by the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries. The Fish Hawk was the first large ship built by any country for the purpose of promoting fisheries. The ship operated during it’s 46 year career along the US eastern coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. However, the ship also served in the US Navy in 1898 during the Spanish-American War and from 1918 to 1919. The sailor seen in this cabinet card portrait was serving on the ship during the Spanish-American War. The sailor had his photograph taken a the Ferris studio in Apalachicola, Florida. The city of Apalachicola is located on the shore of Apalachicola Bay, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico. The city was captured by the Union navy early in the Civil War. Before the late 19th century, Apalachicola was the third busiest port on the Gulf of Mexico. It was only behind New Orleans and Mobile. This cabinet card portrait is an interesting remnant of American naval history. SOLD
NAVAL CASUALTY MEMORIAL CARD FOR BRITISH SAILOR (HONG KONG, 1912)
This cabinet card is a memorial photograph of J. W. Stubbs who was accidentally killed in Hong Kong. Stubbs was a stoker (tended to the engine) aboard the H.M.S. Astraea. He died in 1912 and this cabinet card was made by his shipmates in his memory. The image of this smiling and handsome 20 year-old sailor, who died tragically, evokes much sadness. The Astraea was a cruiser of the Royal Navy. She was commissioned for service in 1895 and was active in World War I. She was scrapped in 1920. The photographer who made this memorial card was A. Hing of Hong Kong. (SOLD)
A SHIP CAPTAIN IN PANAMA : IDENTIFIED AS W. C. GIBB : CALM STUDIO : CABINET CARD
This photograph features a ship captain posing at the Calm Studio, located at the Plazuela De Alfaro in Panama. The card is inscribed to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and signed by W. C. Gibb. The captain is wearing a nautical uniform and it is unknown whether he is a military or a civilian sailor. Research reveals that the Alfaro Plaza may be named after Jose Eloy Alfaro Delgado (1842 -1912) who was a President of Ecuador who was a strong opponent of pro Catholic conservatism and whose views and actions caused him to be exiled to Panama in 1911. A year later he returned to Ecuador, where he was imprisoned; and then taken from the prison by a mob and executed. SOLD
YOUNG WOMAN POSES FOR PORTRAIT : NAUTICAL THEME : CROUCH END, ENGLAND
A pretty young woman wearing a sailor dress poses with a boat oar, rope, and life preserver at the Williams studio in Crouch End, England. Hopefully, she didn’t get her hair wet because her hair is so long that it might take decades to dry. This nautical minded subject appears to be standing on the steps outside a building, though it is possible that she is actually inside a studio in front of a terrific backdrop. Crouch End is five miles outside of London. SOLD
A SAILOR AND HIS GUN ON DECK IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND
A nice looking young sailor poses for his portrait at the Rembrandt Studio in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is a seaport and the sailor was likely in town on leave. While visiting the area he decided to capture his likeness at the studio. Perhaps he sent the resulting photograph to his family or girlfriend. He, or the photographer, chose an appropriate background for the portrait. The sailor is depicted aboard a ship, in uniform, and holding a rifle with a bayonet. The lettering on his sailor cap can only be partially read. The word “squadron” is proceeded by an unknown word which probably is the name of an area of the world where his ship was assigned. Perhaps a visitor to the cabinet card gallery can identify the sailors naval unit and rank. Research yielded no information pertaining to the Rembrandt Studio. SOLD
PORTRAIT OF AN ADORABLE BROTHER AND SISTER BY A FRENCH PHOTO STUDIO
This real photo postcard features an adorable brother and sister. The siblings are holding hands as they pose for this studio photograph. The boy looks handsome in his sailor outfit and the little girl appears precious as she holds her doll against her body. This postcard is of French origin and dates back to the 1920’s. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 