14.00 USD

But say, what is that young French girl doing with a four leafed clover, anyway? Funny thing, that. Although the shamrock is certainly the most widely recognized symbol of the Irish, the harp being probably next down the line, clovers are common throughout Europe and to find the uncommon four leafed one in a passle of the ordinary three leafed clovers, or trefles, as they are called in France is considered good fortune pretty much everywhere.

And although it has been said that St. Patrick taught the nature of the Holy Trinity to the Irish using the shamrock to illustrate the idea of one body manifesting as three persons, it was also taught that as a boy, St. Patrick escaped from slavery to France, where he was eventually made a bishop, before traveling to Ireland to teach the Irish Christianity.

Drowning the shamrock is an interesting ritual we read about today. Apparently after wearing the shamrock on your person throughout the 17th of March (St. Patrick's Day), at the end of the day, you toast St Patrick with a glass of whatever might take your fancy, me Darlin', making sure you've placed the shamrock in the pot before commencing with the toast. Once you've emptied the glass, being careful not to swallow the shamrock, take it out from the bottom of the glass, and toss it over your left shoulder. By the way, please be careful if you do this in a pub, that no one is standing directly behind you as you toss a sopping wet shamrock over your shoulder. Feelings can run pretty high on St. Paddy's day, or so we've heard :)

Well anyway, whatever her reason for clinging to this huge clover, the card, probably a French image printed in Germany, is simply charming, and faith, 'tis certain we hope it may lighten the heart, brighten the eyes, and bring good luck to any and all who may gaze upon it :)

69.00 USD

Gorgeous, hand-tinted nude by J. Mandel, circa 1920s. Some of the coloring is apparent on the back of the card (a common enough occurrence with deeply tinted cards) Lovely condition, with very minor wear to edges and corners. Quite a find, and we are very pleased to share it with you.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

18.00 USD

Following a period of around 200 years of self imposed cultural isolation, Japan underwent the Meiji Restoration in 1868, and opened wide its gates to trade with other nations. Japanese culture was suddenly accessible to westerners, and it was only thirty or so years after this, in 1904, that Puccini wrote the hugely successful opera, Madame Butterfly. Talk about jumping on the bandwagon, these gals, performing in kimonos, under the name, "The Butterflies," were almost certainly riding on the coattails of that opera's popularity, and the resurgence of Japonism that followed!
We can't find any information on this trio, and because their name was "The Butterflies," instead of "Les Papillons," they may well have been an English trio of dancers performing in France, but, in any event, this wonderful image was photographed by the great Walery of Paris, probably sometime between 1905, and 1910. Beautiful, and such fun, and filled with such wonderful contrasts and inconsistencies! The umbrella's Japanese style decoration, in contrast with its European design, the European tea cups! The darling kimonos with the lapels, and European decolletage! The flowers in their hair, in the French, Belle Epoque, fashion. We could go on, but it is such fun, we'll let you draw your own conclusions. A very nice, unposted card with minor wear to corners.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, or in a padded envelope reinforced for protection of the merchandise. We happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of recent increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.
We do not profit from shipping, shipping materials, or handling. Shipping as we normally do, first class, fully insured, and in secure packaging to prevent damage to our cards, we generally accept a small loss in shipping expenses, whether domestically or internationally.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Sarah Bernhardt in Crown and Lalique Tiara, by Reutlinger, circa 1900

Breathtaking portrait by Leopold Reutlinger, of French actress of stage and screen, Sarah Bernhardt. We believe this to be one of a series done by Reutlinger in 1895.

Once known as the “First Lady of the Stage” and the “Divine Sarah,” Bernhardt is probably better known today for the marvelous poster images of her produced by those masters of Belle Époque advertising art, such as Alphonse Mucha.

In this image, the Divine Sarah is in costume as Melisande in "La Princesse Lointaine," ("The Princess Far Away"), a play written by Edmond Rostand. The play was produced in 1895 and performed at the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre in Paris. Although Sarah appears to be wearing a single headpiece in the photograph, we believe this to be two separate pieces which work together, a large crown at the center of a more delicate tiara of pearl-encrusted flowers.

**Note** One of our wonderful customers let us know that these Art Nouveau flowers worn by Mme. Bernhardt, were actually designed by Alphonse Mucha! Searching the internet for more information, we learned that the tiara was apparently a separate piece from the crown, and had been made by René Lalique, apparently working to Mucha's design. We are not often able to see the actual accoutrements worn by the subjects of our images, but in this case, we have found a modern photograph of the tiara, credited on Pinterest as being from the Musée et Bibliothèque de l’Opera Paris, although we have not been able to find the original source of the image on that site. The image of the tiara, of course, is not for sale; we are selling only the Reutlinger postcard!

Thanks to all those who write in with help and information. You not only make the existence of Red Poulaine possible with your purchases, but your willingness to share your knowledge and experience helps to make Red Poulaine, our own revolving museum exhibit of small, popular art, much more entertaining and informative!

For those of you who would like more information, there is a detailed and fascinating biographical article about Sarah Bernhardt in the Jewish Women’s Archive at:

http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/bernhardt-sarah

*********************

A stunning and dramatic card. An uncommon edition published by Rotary of London, circa 1905. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

12.00 USD

Very nice untinted Mignon image. A german card in very nice, unposted condition, circa 1910.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

16.00 USD

In a September, 1906 issue of the Brooklyn Eagle, "La Belle Carmen De Villers is written up, advertizing her upcoming appearance at the Imperial Theater, on Fulton, opposite Flatbush Avenue.

We also read that the Imperial was formerly "the Montauk," which is of interest to theater historians, because in 1907, after Mlle. de Viller's appearance there, the 850 ton brownstone was apparently moved 200, to 300 feet, in one piece, to make way for the Flatbush avenue extension, that would have run straight thru its lobby!

The Imperial apparently offered showings of "refined" burlesque, "smoking concerts" (for men only shows that allowed smoking, which was, at that time, frowned upon in the presence of ladies), and amateur nights.

A non smoking concert event, advertized "for the ladies," was "A Pair of Peaches," a two act comedy in which Mlle. De Villers would be playing the part of, fittingly, a French actress. She would also be performing her "Plastic Poses," which had already made her name famous.

Note that these "Poses Plastiques" as they were called in France, were basically what we see on this card, the performer assuming various poses, often with props such as swords, hand-mirrors, veils, etc. attired in a tight-fitting elastic costume that left no questions regarding her physical form unanswered.

Was this an obvious objectification of woman, an act performed at least in part with the intention of inciting lust on the part of men in the audience? Undoubtedly! But, some readers may be interested to learn that at the time, many women, particularly those active in the women's movement, found such performances liberating and uplifting.

In the stifling atmosphere of a patriarchal society in which ankles were kept hidden, and anyone who mattered knew very well that "ladies" did not have legs, these performances, and the nude, risque, and faux-nude photographic images that were circulating mostly among men, were considered to be tools of the movement, which it was hoped would lead to a greater awareness of what a woman was. For one thing, the elastic "union suit," was becoming very popular among ordinary women, freeing them from the corset, which was seen as a device imposed upon them by a male dominated society!

An interesting turnaround, no? When what is now seen as mere objectification, was once seen by the women's movement as a move in the direction of liberation, and one tiny step closer to winning the vote. Isn't history awesome? We first became interested in these wonderful old postcards for their images, but when taken in historical context, the people who posed for the photos, the photographers, publishers, etc., come alive. Really wonderful :)

Anyway...a very nice image of Mlle. De Villers, by Professor Edward Stebbing. There is some wear to the surface, edges and corners of this card.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

14.00 USD

Lovely image of Mia May in an absolutely marvelous headdress. Though the brief bio of her on IMDB calls Mia May(pronounced Mai) "a minor film actress in Germany," the fact is, that for a decade or so between the mid 1910s, and the early 1920s, Mia May was a huge star, and is still sometimes called Germany's first film star. Most of her work was in Germany. Her career as a film actress began in 1912, and she and her husband, Joe May (who actually adopted the name May from her, after their marriage) produced a number of serialized adventure films and thrillers with Mia as the star, that filled theater seats with very eager viewers. The couple worked with the big names of early German silent film, Fritz Lang (whom Joe May actually gave one of his earliest breaks in the industry), Emil Jannings, Thea von Harbou, Conrad Veidt, just to name a few.

Frau May's career may well have endured long enough to secure her a loftier place in film history, but for a family tragedy, the death of her daughter Eva by suicide in 1924, that she took very deeply to heart. In fact, she never appeared in another film following that incident.

Both Mia and Joe were Jews, who like so many others, left Germany, and Europe, for the USA in 1933, the same year Hitler came to power.

In Hollywood, Joe May continued his work as a director, mostly on B movies, until his death in 1959. Mia May passed away in 1980.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few diva's of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

What gorgeous hair! Lotte Neumann was a very important star of German silent film, her career beginning in 1912, under director Max Mack and working with actress Hanni Weisse, in "Die Launen des Schicksals", or "The Whims of Fate. She retired from film in the very early 30s. We retrieved this information from one of our favorite sites, europeanfilmstarpostcards.blogspot.com where you will find a very concise biographical article on Fraulein Neumann.

A wonderful card in very nice unposted condition. A note on the back of this card seems to suggest it is from 1930, but in fact it was produced as early as 1919, but probably no later than 1924.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

17.00 USD

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few diva's of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

Pola Negri, born Apolonia Chalupiek in 1897 Poland rose out of poverty and began her performing career as a ballerina. She was struck by tuberculosis, however, and had to give up dancing. She became for a time one of the most popular femme fatales in Hollywood.

She had a long affair with Charles Chaplin, and then Rudolf Valentino, apparently they were lovers until his death in 1926. She was one of the two major femme fatales at Paramount studios, (Gloria Swanson being the other), and according to Chaplin, Paramount dreamed up all kinds of false rivalry and jealousy between Pola and Gloria for publicity purposes.

To give an indication of the way Pola felt about Valentino, here is a quote attributed to Pola Negri, that we found on the great blog:

http://classicglamourchic.blogspot.com/2010/12/pola-negri-talks-more-about-meeting_20.html

"Before he could say another word, we were interrupted by an exceedingly beautiful young blonde. She said in a thick accent, "Rudy, please take me home now. I've an early call in the morning."
Valentino asked, "Do you two know each other? Pola Negri -- Vilma Banky."

I said good night and watched the striking couple walk away. She was one of his favorite leading ladies, and there were many rumors of a romance, which I found myself alternately hoping were true and resenting. I wondered if I was subconsciously jealous but quickly dismissed that as being out of the question. It was no more than a passing physical attraction. There had been my reaction to the way he led me across the floor, merely physical again. No, I had to admit he appealed to something deeper, something atavistic, something so basic in me that I had forgotten it was there, if, indeed, I had ever known it. It stripped away the veneers that went into the composition of my too public self, and exposed what lay beneath. Call it fatalism, but from our very first meeting I knew that somehow this man had the power either to destroy my life or so irrevocably alter its course that it would never again be the same."

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

18.00 USD

The Thief of Bagdad, an all time favorite silent film, was directed by Raoul Walsh in 1924. Packed with special effects that still fill one with awe today, it is a truly magical example from the great era of silent film.

Follow the link below to see the full length film on Youtube. A wonderful print with a soundtrack that makes use of the gorgeous Scheherazade, a symphonic suite composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888. This is an investment in time. Two and a half hours long, but very well worth it. Mr. Fairbanks is at his dashing best, Julanne Johnston is lovely, and look out for an appearance by Anna May Wong as a Mongol slave girl!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFOjCXzaOgA

A great unposted card in very nice condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few diva's of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

What gorgeous hair! Lotte Neumann was a very important star of German silent film, her career beginning in 1912, under director Max Mack and working with actress Hanni Weisse, in "Die Launen des Schicksals", or "The Whims of Fate. She retired from film in the very early 30s. We retrieved this information from one of our favorite sites, europeanfilmstarpostcards.blogspot.com where you will find a very concise biographical article on Fraulein Neumann.

A wonderful card in very nice unposted condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

17.00 USD

A delightful card from the "Motor City," Detroit, Michigan, but from a time shortly before the auto industry had really begun to take off.
Here we see a very charming early example of a glamor gal in men's attire whose image was used as an eye catcher in advertizing for a men's tailor shop. No idea who the model was, but the image was by the National Photograph Company.

The card itself, printed on stock with an undivided back, was probably produced before 1906, which was when the USA began printing divided back cards ( a couple of years after most of Europe). The fact that the card was posted in 1909, suggests that Anthony C. Licht succeeded his brother Frank as early as 1905, and had quite a number of these cards printed, for them to have lasted in the undivided format for at least four years.

Anthony Casper Licht, the proprietor, was the younger brother of Frank J. Licht, known as the "Nobby Tailor." Nobby is a not very common term today, meaning stylish, or chic, originating in the UK, and probably from "noble," as in the "classy" upper class :)

In the 1891 "Detroit in History and Commerce," Frank Licht, the "Nobby Tailor" received some mention. It was said of him that:

"By dint of pushing energy, perseverance,
business integrity and all the qualifications pertaining to his trade,
he has won the enconiums of a large and increasing patronage.
His store is well stocked with an elegant line of cloth and
furnishings, and his prices are as pleasing to his many patrons as
his excellent fits, which are guaranteed to suit the most fastidious."

Born in 1860 to parents who came to this country from Prussia ( a German principality), his father was also a tailor, as he and two brothers, Anthony and William, would become.

Although working as a journeyman tailor in a number of cities outside of Michigan while still in his teens, he returned to Detroit, and opened this shop in 1880. He died in 1908. It would seem from the printing period of the card (1905, as mentioned earlier), that he may have died from a prolonged illness.

Anthony Licht, his brother who succeeded him, seems to have made a go of the business, at least into the 20s, but since in the 1930s we find him working as a garment cutter in that land of golden opportunity, Los Angeles, California, we are thinking the business, like so many others, failed in the Great Depression.

The trade of tailor, like that of garment cutter, was, and still is, often a trade attributed to Jews. The name Licht is also often a Jewish name, but we couldn't find out if this family was Jewish or gentile.

One of the "Reds" of Red Poulaine (not implying any political affiliation :), is our resident genealogist, who really enjoyed researching the history on this card, and we hope you enjoyed reading it.

We love this card! She is so darned dapper, and reminds us very much of some of those wonderful illustrations by artists like Howard Chandler Christy and Harrison Fisher.

Very nice posted condition, but with a small nick along the right edge, center, that is a bit hard to see.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

14.00 USD

Lovely hand-tinted image of Carmen De Villers, Belle Epoque beauty queen and stage performer, by Edward Stebbing, prolific photographer and inventor. Glossy print does (as glossy images will) show off every little suface rub, but overall, a very nice card.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

22.00 USD

Mine!!!
Great Art Deco background on this hot pink image of an extremely cute flapper! One of the wonderful "Diamant G E. F." series. Metallic silvery, or ground glass enhanced, ink contrasting with the pink tones doesn't scan quite as glittery as it shows up in person. G E. F., by the way, is a diamond grading term, standing for, "Grade, Extra Flourescent." Great condition, with a greeting on the back in that ubiquitous violet ink of the period.

P-C Paris was one of the most prolific, and loved, of French postcard publishers in the 1920s. We are still hunting down company history, but we can tell you that contrary to popular belief, the P-C in their logo doesn't stand for "post card," or "carte postale." The full company name was "Papeterie de Levallois-Clichy," Clichy being a suburb of Paris. "P-C" also published the "REX" line of postcards. Like many postcard publishers, it probably began as a stationary and printing house that incorporated postcard printing in with its traditional business model when the postcard boom occurred at the turn of the century. P-C Paris was responsible for many of the brightly colored, garish even, tinted postcards that are so dear to our hearts. Lots of romance imagery, lots of tease, and a line of very professionally produced nudes. Catalogs of their work would be a real joy to pour over.
A wonderful card, expressing the irrepressible attitude of the 1920s. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

11.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.
Fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

8.00 USD

Gorgeous portrait of Belle Epoque actress Martha De Villers by Oricelly of Paris. Posted in 1905. Minimal writing, in a nice hand, on both sides. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

16.00 USD

Stupendous "Mignonesque" costume image, lovely contrast. Not a whisper about Lise Walton that we can find. We did dig up another image of her, in a lovely big hat :) but more than that...no.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

18.00 USD

Wow, what a beauty! Guillaume Seignac (1870-1924) was an award winning French painter in the academic tradition who incorporated classical, renaissance and mythological elements into his work, which today appears in many important collections. He studied under William Bouguereau, among others, at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and regularly showed his work at the Salon de Paris. Indolence was shown in 1914. Seignac's work with the human figure was, at the time, considered to be second to none.
A lovely card in almost perfect, unposted, condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of sudden increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

Nice flapper image from a playful series produced by P-C Paris (Papeterie de Levallois Clichy), one of the most collected publishers active at that time. Though from the tilt of her head, we can't be sure, but having seen a number of images out of this series in the past, we think this model was a French actress named Féliane de Beaumont. Nope, we can't be sure, but identification of these models can be tricky, and after all...that's why she's wearing the mask! :)
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!

19.00 USD

When the "Jugend" and theatrical modernism had filtered down to the masses in German society, but was still very much the "in" thing among "upper classes," Mary Irber was a great favorite among those audiences. She performed in Berlin, Salzburg and Munich, with a theatrical troupe put together by Joseph Hunkele, who, according to Peter Jelavich, in his "Munich and Theatrical Modernism," "was a cultural parasite of the first order" who capitalized on the popularity of modernism, proponents of which had expressed the aim of raising variety theater to a high art, but instead, Hunkele "succeeded in pulling cabaret down below the level of vaudeville."
Morality groups and police agents were a constant presence at performances, and finally, when several witnesses testified at court that Fraulein Irber "imitates the movements of sexual intercourse while singing some of her songs," Hunkele's concession was revoked. This publicity apparently did Mary Irber's popularity little harm, as images of her in varying states of undress, by photographers such as Georg Gerlach and Heinrich (Henry) Traut abound.
Classic dressing room, or boudoir, image in nice condition with minor wear to edges and corners.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!