18.00 USD

May Fris, or possibly Jris, since the letter "F" in Fris on this card, is identical to the capital "J" in Joly Violetta's name as it appears on another G.G. card. It's just that Fris seems a more likely name to us!

Anyway...:) Miss May, was of the "Tiller Troupe." It doesn't even say formerly, so perhaps at that time, she was still a Tiller Girl. "Who were the Tiller Girls?" you ask. They were troupes of what we call today "precision" dancers, the brainchild, or "brainchildren," if you will, of John Tiller of London.

When you see showgirls in Vegas linking arms and high-stepping, or lines of dancers at the Folies Bergere performing the can-can, or fancy geometric routines performed by a few dozen charming Jean Harlow wannabes in an old Busby Berkeley musical, you can thank John Tiller. He is credited with the invention of precision dancing in around 1890, and for the next nearly 90 years bands of Tiller Girls performed on stages all over the world, all of them very carefully trained and in groups whose heights and weights were carefully taken into account when matching them together.

In this wonderful Martin Gerlach image we aren't given any clues as to what exactly Miss May's act was, but she was disarmingly cute, and had a very nice tush! :) So many of the cards produced by Gerlach offered such gorgeous contrast and resolution that there are very few publishers whose cards we share in our shop that can match them in print quality.

A very nice unposted card with minor corner wear.
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!

33.00 USD

We've had cards with this particularly charming image of La Belle Oterita in our shop a number of times, but never an autographed version! This came into our hands with another card, out of the same collection. That one too, was signed, though with an additional message, and dated 1906 in Rio de Janeiro. We are particularly fond of the highly decorative tambourine in this photo.

La Belle Oterita has been one of our favorites for quite some time. Though we don't personally see any close resemblance, her cards have frequently been mistakenly listed as images of the much better known Belle (Caroline) Otero, and we used to wonder if this extraordinarily cute dancer had chosen the name Oterita ("Little Otero"), intentionally associating herself with Caroline Otero in order to further her career. Well, now we know that the answer to that question is yes! But perhaps for a very good reason.

We recently learned that she used to be billed as La Belle Otero's little sister. True? Why not? Caroline Otero had siblings, we know that, so it's certainly possible that a younger sister chose to follow in the famous dancer's footsteps. On the other hand, many performers have embellished their backgrounds in order to make themselves more fascinating to their audience, and it's seen not so much as a negative thing, as some dark deception, but rather as just another piece of "theater." :)

A wonderful image, and a wonderfully personal connection with the artiste, herself!
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!

36.00 USD

This card is a special, special, treat! La Belle Oterita, who (we've only recently discovered) used to be billed as La Belle Otero's younger sister, was apparently dancing in Rio de Janeiro in September of 1906, when she received flowers from someone (presumably in the audience), and a request for a private audience.

In the message she wrote on the front of the card, in the violet ink so popular at that time, she thanked them for the beautiful flowers, and wrote that she would await their visit! Now that is fun!! This card then, was seemingly not purchased by an admirer at the theater, or in a shop, but one the dancer herself had delivered to her admirer, inviting them to her dressing room after the performance!

Was it a handsome gentleman? Would they perhaps have dinner together after the show? Or was it a young girl, an aspiring dancer, starstruck, and hoping for some professional advice? Who knows? Definitely a one of a kind card though, and we are very pleased to share it with you :)

La Belle Oterita has been one of our favorites for quite some time. Though we don't personally see any close resemblance, her cards have frequently been mistakenly listed as images of the much better known Belle (Caroline) Otero, and we used to wonder if this extraordinarily cute dancer had chosen the name Oterita ("Little Otero"), intentionally associating herself with Otero in order to further her career. Well, now we know that the answer to that question is yes! But perhaps for a very good reason.

Was she La Belle Otero's little sister? Why not? Caroline Otero had siblings, we know that, so it's certainly possible that a younger sister chose to follow in the famous dancer's footsteps. On the other hand, many performers have embellished their backgrounds in order to make themselves more fascinating to their audience, and it's seen not so much as a negative thing, as some dark deception, but rather as just another piece of "theater." :)

A wonderful image by Gerlach of Berlin, and a wonderfully personal connection with the artiste, herself!
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!

26.00 USD

This is one of the finest examples of an embossed image of theatrical performers we've seen in some time. Published by F.M. of Cologne, a large German company that produced unembossed cards as well, but definitely produced many gorgeously embossed ones.

This variety of "stacked profile" image is one of a sort Leopold Reutlinger of Paris created many of. We could be mistaken, but we're pretty sure this was not however a Reutlinger image, but one produced by either Benjamin Falk or Jacob (Jake) Schloss, both born and raised New Yorkers who competed with one another in producing portraits of American "Broadway" performers, vaudevillians, and also many portraits of European and English performers, like Cleo de Merode and Madge Lessing, when they were touring the U.S. Many Schloss and Falk images found their way across the Atlantic, and were printed by the big German firms like Arthur Schwarz's N.P.G.

Only minor age tanning on the reverse side of this card, and some silvering on the front surface indicate that time has passed since its printing. It is in otherwise as close to mint as one can get. The embossing is deep, clean and crisp. The hand coloring, superb. Just beautiful!
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 not charge for 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

Lovely seductive image of artiste Myriel. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
A wonderful card in very wonderful condition with just a little wear to 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 not charge for 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!

16.00 USD

The beautiful Marthe Régnier (1880-1967) made her stage debut in 1901, was a respected member of the Comédie Francaise, was married to French play-write Abel Tarride, mistress to the Baron Henri de Rothschild and appeared in motion pictures from the early 1910s into the early 1940s.

Wonderful portrait by Leopold Reutlinger and one of our favorite images of her in fine, unposted condition.
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 not charge for 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!

11.00 USD

There are a few flaws on the surface of this card, but Mlle. Fleuron in this magnificent Belle Epoque headdress had to make her appearance anyway :)
Lise Fleuron, born Marguerite Rauscher in the 1870s, may have read as a young lady what was considered at the time a scandalous novel, "Lise Fleuron" (1884) by French novelist Georges Ohnet. This was apparently a rather spicy tale of decadent life in the theater, so why wouldn't she take the name of its lead character, a fallen woman with a big heart, for her stage name? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time this was done... "You loved her in the novel, just wait 'til you see her dance and sing on our stage!"

Lise Fleuron was particularly well known for her plunging necklines! She was a very popular performer, appearing at the Café des Ambassadeurs and the Alcazar d'Ete from the mid-eighties (our thanks to dutempsdescerisesauxfeuillesmortes.net for this history!).
Again, the timing of this bears out our hypothesis that she based her stage persona on the 1884 novel's main character.

According to Mlle. Polaire (that Belle Epoque performer notorious for her extreme wasp-waist :), Mlle. Fleuron married Polaire's older brother, Edmond Bouchaud (known as Dufleuve) a popular songwriter and singer of the time.

We are also great fans of Meaty (sometimes Miati) Fleuron, Lise's sister, who, from the images we've seen, favored the same plunging necklines and who (and we base this only upon her facial expressions) was the kind of "brassy dame" popular American culture often seems to imagine working in a Parisian music hall.

Anyhow, we love them both :)

This card has a little brown spot, left center, the name Julia, written
beneath the portrait (probably the name of the sender, a common practice on posted, undivided-back cards pre 1904, when any sort of writing beyond the recipient's address was prohibited by regulation), and a not very obvious scratch above the headdress. Flaws, yes, but a wonderful card just the same!
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 not charge for 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

Lise Fleuron, born Marguerite Rauscher in the 1870s, may have read as a young lady what was considered at the time a scandalous novel, "Lise Fleuron" (1884) by French novelist Georges Ohnet. This was apparently a rather spicy tale of decadent life in the theater, so why wouldn't she take the name of its lead character, a fallen woman with a big heart, for her stage name? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time this was done... "You loved her in the novel, just wait 'til you see her dance and sing on our stage!"

Lise Fleuron was particularly well known for her plunging necklines! She was a very popular performer, appearing at the Café des Ambassadeurs and the Alcazar d'Ete from the mid-eighties (our thanks to dutempsdescerisesauxfeuillesmortes.net for this history!).
Again, the timing of this bears out our hypothesis that she based her stage persona on the 1884 novel's main character.

According to Mlle. Polaire (that Belle Epoque performer notorious for her extreme wasp-waist :), Mlle. Fleuron married Polaire's older brother, Edmond Bouchaud (known as Dufleuve) a popular songwriter and singer of the time.

We are also great fans of Meaty (sometimes Miati) Fleuron, Lise's sister, who, from the images we've seen, favored the same plunging necklines and who (and we base this only upon her facial expressions) was the kind of "brassy dame" popular American culture often seems to imagine working in a Parisian music hall.

Anyhow, we love them both :)
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 not charge for 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

Lise Fleuron cuddling pussycat in her unmentionables! Technically risque for the time, but.... Born Marguerite Rauscher in the 1870s, Mlle. Fleuron may have read as a young lady what was considered at the time a scandalous novel, "Lise Fleuron" (1884) by French novelist Georges Ohnet. This was apparently a rather spicy tale of decadent life in the theater, so why wouldn't she take the name of its lead character, a fallen woman with a big heart, for her stage name? It certainly wouldn't have been the first time this was done... "You loved her in the novel, just wait 'til you see her dance and sing on our stage!"

Lise Fleuron was particularly well known for her plunging necklines! She was a very popular performer, appearing at the Café des Ambassadeurs and the Alcazar d'Ete from the mid-eighties (our thanks to dutempsdescerisesauxfeuillesmortes.net for this history!).
Again, the timing of this bears out our hypothesis that she based her stage persona on the 1884 novel's main character.

According to Mlle. Polaire (that Belle Epoque performer notorious for her extreme wasp-waist :), Mlle. Fleuron married Polaire's older brother, Edmond Bouchaud (known as Dufleuve) a popular songwriter and singer of the time.

We are also great fans of Meaty (sometimes Miati) Fleuron, Lise's sister, who, from the images we've seen, favored the same plunging necklines and who (and we base this only upon her facial expressions) was the kind of "brassy dame" popular American culture often seems to imagine working in a Parisian music hall.

Anyhow, we love them both :)
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 not charge for 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!

6.00 USD

We love Ketty cards. Do we know who the model is? Nope. The photographer? Also nope :) But that gorgeous silver glow that Ketty seemed so often to manage is there,
Wonderful. Please note that on this card there is a visible crease in the upper left hand corner.
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

Gorgeous portrait of that queen of theater, Sarah (the Divine) Bernhardt, in a wonderful velvet gown. There is no photographer attribution on this card, but this looks like the same high-collared, velvet outfit she wore in that wonderful portrait in which she sports a stuffed bat on her head. Possibly this image is out of that same set?

Wonderful card. 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!

36.00 USD

Great, great image of the Countess as Messalina, the fallen Empress, from the 1922 silent film that was the most important of her career. Born in Florence, in 1892, Rina De Liguoro is sometimes known as the last of Italy's great silent movie stars. She began her stage career as a concert pianist, then acting in film in the late teens. In 1922, she starred as the Empress Messalina in "Messalina, Fall of an Empress" This was apparently the turning point in her career. Through the 20s, she made several successful films, then moved to Hollywood, but the age of the silents was over, and she won only small supporting roles. She was often billed as Countess De Liguoro, which was appropriate enough, since her husband was a count!
She returned to Italy in the late 30s, rekindled her career as a pianist while occasionally performing relatively small parts in film. She passed away in Rome, in 1966, and was buried in the costume she wore in her first big film, "Messalina," which is a pretty romantic touch, we think :)

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!

17.00 USD

Gorgeously hand-tinted image of unidentified corseted artiste, Mlle. Meryl, in a beautiful calf-length costume. performing at the Scala, one of the many wonderful Parisian Caf' Conc' of the period.
We don't often come across these Oricelly masterpieces so marvelously tinted. This one was printed in Germany by N.P.G. (the Neue Photographische Gesellschaft), one of the most prolific postcard publishers of the time, which turned out fine quality silver-bromide photo print postcards, utilizing technology originally developed in the United States, but improved upon and patented in Germany (but that's another story :). This particular image is an oranotype, a photo printing process used with, as you can see, great success by N.P.G.
It was not uncommon for "identified" images, originally published in France by houses like S.I.P., in black and white, to be printed in a tinted version by a company like N.P.G., and for that version to lack attributions for the artiste or photographer. Understandable at that time, when these performers might have been very well known, the practice nevertheless resulted in enticing mysteries just waiting for us to solve :)
A lovely card, in very nice posted 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!

18.00 USD

Faye Templeton (1865-1939) was a much loved star of Broadway musicals, light opera and Vaudeville from the 1870s into the 1930s...yep, her career spanned 60 years! She was born into the theater on Christmas morning 1865 to parents who were themselves old troupers, performing with their own company in Little Rock Arkansas just a few short months after Lee's surrender at Appomattox in April of that year.

Some of our visitors might remember the classic James Cagney musical "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942 Michael Curtiz), a bio-pic about the life and times of George M. Cohan, in which Cagney played Cohan, and Irene Manning played the part of Faye Templeton. It was a pivotal role, in a hinted at love triangle. We've never come across any actual details to support the idea that Cohan and Templeton had an affair, but she was, in fact, hired by Cohan to star in his musical "45 Minutes from Broadway" (1906), a huge success.

Below is a link to a Youtube clip of Miss Manning, as Faye Templeton, singing a couple of numbers in "Yankee Doodle" that were from the original musical "45 Minutes." Of course the style and choreography will have been tempered by early 1940s aesthetic, but it's still fun :)

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

So, here is the real Faye Templeton shaking her ruffles at us. Lots of history, lots of fun, and a near mint American postcard from around 1900, printed in Hamburg, Germany.
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 not charge for 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!

12.00 USD

Lovely postcard print (circa 1905) of what was a photograph of ballet dancer Mlle. Boutouyrie in costume for a performance at the Opéra de Paris, probably circa 1890s. Mlle. Boutouyrie was a contemporary of Cléo de Merode and from her jaw-droppingly gorgeous costume, this image might even have been drawn from her performance with Cléo de Merode in Louis Gallet's "Thamara," a romantic tragedy and two part extravagance of Oriental Exoticism set in Baku, in which Boutouyrie and Merode dance the parts of favorites in a harem (Nope, as far as we know, they did not sing. Opera often used (uses) dancers too!). We do know that French operatic soprano Jeanne Hatto performed as Thamara in at least two of the opera's productions.

The detail on this costume is just amazing!
A truly lovely 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 not charge for 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!

22.00 USD

Fun risque image, circa late 20s or early 30s (just our guess). No history on the model, photographer or publisher, sorry.

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 not charge for 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!

11.00 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 divas 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!

Anny Ondra, born Anna Sophie Ondráková in 1903, was a Czech film actress who began in the silents, but was also successful in the talkies. Most of her films were German, though she did make a couple of British films with director Alfred Hitchcock!

After an amicable divorce from her first husband, producer Karel Lamac (with whom she continued a professional relationship long after their divorce), she married the famous heavyweight boxer Max Schmelling, to whom she remained married until her passing in 1987.

Incidentally, although Schmeling a heavyweight contender and champion, famous for his bouts against Baer and Louis, was used as a propaganda tool by the Nazi regime in the 1930s, the story emerged long after the war, that he and Anny Ondra had hidden a couple of Jewish children in their home, thus saving their lives, during the Berlin Purge.

One of those two early Hitchcock films, "Blackmail," released in 1929, was also the very first "talkie" made in Britain. If you follow the link below to Youtube you can watch a very nice print of it, so butter up some popcorn and get cozy :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwkfM-Gi7KU

A wonderfully evocative image. Card shows some wear on corners and surface. 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

Okay, of course we know who's stealing the show in this image, but sadly we know nothing about the cute pup :)

Miss Louise Fazenda (1895-1962) was a very successful actress, appearing in more than 300 films (mostly comedies) over the course of her career. In the early 20s, she also took a break from film and appeared in vaudeville for a time (Thanks Wikipedia!).

If you follow the link below to Youtube, you can enjoy the 1916 comedy short starring Miss Fazenda, "Her Fame and Shame," in which her character "helps out at her papa's beanery, and serves up indigestion a la carte!"

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

It's hard to find her postcards. This one was published by Iris Verlag, which was pretty much the Austrian version of German publisher Ross Verlag, but we notice the Amag (Albrecht and Meister, a Berlin postcard publisher) logo on the back side of this card too.
A great card, but with a visible crease in the upper left corner.
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 not charge for 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!

11.00 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 divas 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!

Stunning image, circa 1920s, of Silent movie maven Pola Negri lying back and no doubt plotting some fiendish femme fatale maneuver. Here, she is unusually minus a turban. We have sometimes wondered if Miss Negri was less than entirely pleased with the look of her brow on camera, (you know, the way Fred Astaire thought his hands were too large, and always contrived to hide some of his fingers in dance scenes), because she has it covered with crowns and turbans and sashes in more images than any other actress we've run across. In fact, she is credited with creating the fashion of turban wearing here in the U.S.

A very nice card published by Iris Verlag of Austria, but with a visible crease in the lower left corner.
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!

26.00 USD

Wow! Hot stuff! Very cute model in this wonderful Jean Agelou risque lingerie image.

Jean Agelou is practically notorious for his risque and erotic postcard images of the early 1900s. Born in Alexandria Egypt to French parents in 1878, he was active as a photographer in France from at least the early 1900s. He is best known today for his risque and erotic "french postcards."

He and his brother George produced "legitimate" work as well, though we've read in a few places that George was not, himself, the photographer, but only handled the business end of their partnership.

Jean Agelou and his brother George, both died as a result of an automobile accident in 1921.

Lovely card in very nice condition. 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!