48.85 USD

as per convo

12.00 USD

as per convo

24.00 USD

Fantastic card with Brigitte Helm, beloved star of "Metropolis," in the role of Alraune, in the Silent German film of the same name. Mandragore was the film's title for its French release, both Alraune and Mandragore meaning Mandrake, that root to which has been attached so many mysterious and occult superstitions and legends.

The 1928 film "Mandragore," or "Alraune," was based on the novel of the same name by German author Hanns Heinz Ewers. It is a classic science fiction/horror tale, generally of the "Frankenstein" (artificial creation of life) genre, in which Fraulein Helm plays the very epitome of the femme fatale opposite the great Paul Wegener. Brigitte Helm reprised her role in a talkie version made just two years later. We've seen both versions, and so we can say for certain that this image was taken from the 1928 silent one.

For what it's worth, we preferred the silent version, just finding it a lot more fun, though a reviewer on IMDB wrote that the talkie was much truer to the original story, so no, the talkie was definitely not a scene for scene remake, but differed from the silent version substantially (no spoilers here!)

Below is a link to the silent version on Youtube, so if you'd like to, pop up some popcorn, and get cozy :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCj7rU6LF98

A fantastic card, published by Cinemagazine Editions of Paris, one of our very favorite publishers. 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 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!

39.00 USD

Great autographed card. A rare, early silver screen item.

Lucy Doraine was a very popular star of the silent screen. She was born Ilona Kovacs in Budapest, Hungary in 1898. We've recently heard from one of our wonderful customers that her full name was in fact Ilona Kovacs Perenyi, and that she was the daughter of a Baron Perenyi. We'll be checking out this new information, and are always grateful for the interest you take in our shop!

Between 1918 and 1931, she appeared in 24 films. First in Hungary, then Germany, and finally in Hollywood. Early in her career, between 1918, and 1923, she was married to a fellow Hungarian who would become the famous Hollywood director, Michael Curtiz (The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Casablanca).

Miss Doraine would not fare so well in Hollywood, unfortunately, and with the advent of the new "talking pictures" faded from popularity. We don't find a lot of history on her beyond her retirement from the screen in the 1930s. She passed away in California, in 1989.

This card though, dates back to the height of her fame, circa 1925, when she had her own film company in Europe, was considered one of the sexiest ladies of the silver screen, and called all her own shots.

Wonderfully decorative signature in blue ink.

Many thanks to Wikipedia for most of our biographical info!

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!

61.00 USD

as per convo

22.00 USD

Wonderful find! We're stepping out of our usual period here as we tend to start with the mid-1890s at Red Poulaine and move forward into the 1930s, but not usually past that. This card is probably from the 1940s and still we're very pleased to share it!

No history on Homer and Holly we're sorry to say, but this card was probably used for promotional purposes, sent to possible venues and perhaps distributed among dance-goers who attended performances.

Jitterbugs, or bitter jugs? Jitterbugging is said to have originated with the Lindy Hop, and other dances out of the teens and twenties.

What is the jitters? The term may have appeared with a spoonerism for gin and bitters, the very popular prohibition era drink, twisted into the phrase, "bin and jitters."

During prohibition, "bathtub gin" sometimes contained all sorts of nasty stuff to lend it flavor and a kick, like battery acid, formaldehyde, etc., no kidding...you got the jitters (also known as the "heebie jeebies" not just from drinking too much or too often (which was certainly common enough in the "Roaring 20s"), but from some of the poisons included in the illicit potion!

The legendary Cab Calloway, Mister Hidey-hidey-ho himself, in his song "Call of the Jitterbug" wrote:

"If you'd like to be a jitter bug,
First thing you must do is get a jug,
Put whiskey, wine and gin within,
And shake it all up and then begin.
Grab a cup and start to toss,
You are drinking jitter sauce!
Don't you worry, you just mug,
And then you'll be a jitter bug!" (Thanks Wikipedia!)

You get the idea. His recipe however, was a cleaned up version of some of those dangerous brews common in the 20s.

The style of dance quite likely earned the name through the shaking, jerking and jittering that were among its common features.

Follow this link to Youtube to get a general idea of 1940s jitterbugging. The little girl at 2 minutes 50 secs (approx) shows us some of the actual "jitters" :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS5oCLXrQLs

Awesome 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!

24.00 USD

Quite the costume party, no? Delightful image of friends costumed in fashion out of the late 18th century. We wonder if they danced the minuet at this shindig :) Very nice condition on this probably one of a kind, rare RPPC.
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!

24.00 USD

as per convo

19.00 USD

Abominably cute RPPC! The two children were actually named James and Sylvia, according to the back of the card. This is a British RPPC, lovely, rare and filled with dreams :)

The horseshoe logo in the stamp box on the back side was the mark of Thomas Illingworth and Co., a London paper manufacturer since around 1904, and up until about 1930. This, according to the wonderful site,

http://www.photodetective.co.uk/Index.html

A wonderful source if you crave a deeper understanding of the details found in your collection of RPPCs. Its focus is on British photographs from 1900 to the 1950s, but much of its information is applicable to RPPCs made on the European continent, and here in the USA.

A great little RPPC! 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

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!

This is one of our favorite, favorites! We found this card in the collection of a Bulgarian dealer we know. Gorgeous! She looks a little like Hanni Weisse, but it might well be an RPPC. Love the heavy cake makeup, the beauty mark, and teased up hair! High 20s style, 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!

14.00 USD

A very unusual image of actress Suzanne Miéris, playing the part of the Greek slave, Eunice, in Émile Moreau's Quo Vadis, probably at the Théâtre Antoine, Porte-Saint-Martin, in Paris.

Quo Vadis, a play based upon a tremendously successful novel by Polish author Henryk Sienkiewicz, was a great hit, and Mlle. Miéris toured with the production as far away from Paris as Brazil. It seems likely that this role catapulted her into stardom, as most of the images we find of her, show her wearing this costume.

"Quo Vadis," the novel, was also a huge bestseller here in the USA, by the way. Like "Ben Hur," and written at around the same time, it was one of those sprawling romances of popular Christian literature, and probably rivaled "Ben Hur" in popularity for a time.

We wrote that "probably" her name was Suzanne, because we've found several references to her in which she is called Yvonne. We haven't yet found any definite information offering us a first name, nor any biographical information whatsoever.. All of our references, thus far, have been from snippets in recent articles, blog posts, and other card dealer's listings. However, since we found many more Suzannes than Yvonnes, we're betting on the former (This is a constant challenge one faces in online research. With the best of intentions, "John" says her name is Yvonne. "Mary" repeats it. "Peter" does the same, and suddenly we all take it for fact! Unfortunately, as time passes, documentary evidence crumbles to dust, and we can only do our best).

Incidentally, there was a Zany Miéris, who appeared in at least one silent film of Mlle. Miéris' era. Stage actresses of that time, frequently appeared in early examples of the "new" motion picture medium and though we have no established connection, "Zany" makes a wonderful nickname for Suzanne, don't you think?

Because there is no photographer attribution on the card, we're guessing this wonderful montage image was created, by the Kunzli brothers, from an original portrait by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, who definitely produced a number of images of Miéris in this costume.

The Kunzli brothers, Karl and Max, of Zurich Switzerland, were in the art publishing business as early as the 1870s. Small wonder then, that when the postcard craze occurred at the turn of the century, they jumped in with both feet. Also, their experience in art publishing (they were particularly well known for their top notch chromolithographs), gives us a better understanding of the very "pictorialist" quality of many of their photographic images. This one is more reminiscent of Reutlinger's own photo-montage renditions of his portrait work, but still has very much the feel of the Kunzli brothers' work. Gorgeous. This card was published by their French satellite, Kunzli Freres (Kunzli Brothers, or just KF of Paris). minor wear to edges and corners, and a gentle thumb crease in the center, and another in the lower right hand corner. If you collect Mlle. Miéris images, please note that despite the card's minor faults, in some years of combing through these wonderful old Belle Epoque cards, this is the only time we've come across this particular card, or for that matter, a shot of her in this particular pose, making this one, for us at least, a rarity.
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!

14.00 USD

Lovely image, classical motif, might have been produced a decade earlier, but is dated on the reverse 1920. So charming. The jeweled teardrop clasp at her shoulder is amazing.
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

While searching for old postcards of girls and their dolls, we found a number of cards like this one, showing images of WWI era soldiers having their picture taken with a doll. If we'd found just the one, it wouldn't have seemed that remarkable, but finding several in a general search definitely piqued our interest. This is a particularly interesting one in that the doll being held by the soldier on the left, is easily identifiable as a "boudoir doll."

Boudoir dolls are a highly collectible item these days, and were all the rage with the "Jazz Babies" of the 1920s. These charming (though often uncanny looking) dolls were in some ways symbolic of the cultural liberation (some might say "libertinism") of the period.

Carried along by young ladies to the ball, carnaval, or fete, they took the place of Cousin Bette, or Aunt Margaret, who in past decades would have acted as chaperones, guaranteeing the good behavior of their wards.

Instead, the very presence of the boudoir doll in a girl's arms was in some ways a declaration that she was chaperone free, and "thoroughly modern" (some of these dolls even smoked little cigarettes!).
Of course, aside from these cultural implications which may or may not have applied in individual cases, boudoir dolls were also simply a stylish young lady's accoutrement, though a very unique one when viewed through the lens of our present day experience.

In this card, we have combined, a WWI era image of soldiers playing around in front of the camera, with a rare image of one of those highly collectible dolls. The other doll may be a Pierrot. That one is a bit difficult to make out.

Wonderful historical artifact! There is a smudge on the reverse side of this card, but otherwise it is 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 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!

18.00 USD

The American style walze, or Valse Americaine, was a popular late 19th/early 20th century version of the walze in which there was a fair amount of freestyle separation between dancers as we can see a bit of in this charming RPPC.

In the upper left of the image we see how at the edge of the bandstand a placard was placed facing the dancers supplying them with the name of the dance.

Further back along the wall there is a signboard identifying the ballroom as "La Glycine," etc. We found a Hotel La Glycine in Benouville, Normandy and wonder if this "happening" (stuck in the sixties :) might have taken place there. It really does look like a lot of fun though, doesn't it?

Incidentally, Benouville was the site of the first battle fought on D-Day on the 6th of June, in 1944, some 35 or so years after this photograph was made.

According to Wikipedia, "On D Day M and Mme Gondrée who lived in the café were woken up by the landing of the gliders. M Gondrée looked out of a window of the café and saw black masked troops running over the bridge which he later learned were British, and in celebration dug up some 99 bottles of champagne which he had hidden in the garden and celebrated his liberation with some of the men from the gliders." Ah, the French, huh? Really...you have to love them :)

A very nice RPPC 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 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!

24.00 USD

Amazing RPPC of Carnaval revelers in costume. This is an early one, posted in 1905. Having your picture taken was serious business, you notice these folks aren't exactly smiling, and the image itself though magnificent in its detail, feels just a little menacing! We really love this one :)

Not certain what "Port Arthur" (see the sign on the wall behind the revelers and the decorative script on the card's obverse) has to do with Frankfurt, Germany. We looked and looked, but found no reference to a "Port Arthur" associated with that city. It could very well be that some name change occurred during the intervening years, particularly considering the two world wars which were yet to come.

A fantastic card! Some creasing on the left side 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!

78.00 USD

as per convo

101.00 USD

as per convo

18.00 USD

"Danger! Danger! High Voltage!
When we touch, When we kiss
Danger! Danger! High Voltage!
When we touch, when we kiss
When we touch" --Electric Six

No history on this Belle Epoque performer, darn it. Great image by Walery of Paris. Lovely hand-coloring work.

A 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 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

So sweet. Lovely tone and clarity. We had originally thought this was a French photo, but recently have discovered that this photo series of woman and child was probably taken by Heinrich Traut, dated 1904. Where the stamp was franked, in 1906, a circular mark of indentation shows through a bit onto the image. One of the faults of the beautiful Oranotype production process, appears to have been a sensitivity that shows up any pressure to the surface. This is true with any glossy finish, really, since light reflects off the surface and picks up dents and bends more than it does on a matte finish, but with the Oranotype, it is as if the surface finish is somehow softer, and more easily marred. We'd love to learn more about the process, but it seems to be one of those things that has been lost in the sands of time.

Heinrich Traut (aka Henry), was a German photographer, inventor and patent holder (he patented an electric arc lamp for photographic lighting), of the Jugendstil Epoche whose studio was based in Munich Germany. Thirty years ago, we first learned about Traut's work because signed (identified), images were quite sought after, just as they are today. Traut's images, though we haven't run across a great many actual nudes, per se, sometimes bordered on the erotic and innuendo-ish, and possibly that is what a lot of the hub-bub's been about, but at least half of the Traut images we've run across in intervening years have been beautifully wrought photographs of mothers and children, heart warming, lovely, innocent stuff. Like many of the popular Belle Epoque photographers and their publishers, Traut seems to have covered a very broad spectrum of subject in his work.

Overall lovely condition on this 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!

11.00 USD

A charming image, and what a cute feathered cap :) The diamond pattern identifies this young lady as a Harlequin, that perennial mischief maker, rather than as Pierrette. Probably her costume was red, or orange, and white too, rather than black and white as a Pierrette's would probably have been.

You really can't ask for more 1920's style than she creates with this simple costume, while still maintaining a little of the 1910-ish decorum.
Her hair looks as if it was done up in the swaithed fashion, sometimes called a "nervous" bob, a style popular with young ladies who wanted the "thoroughly modern" look, but weren't quite ready to shed their tresses and so artfully swept their long hair around their heads to imitate the bob.

The dropped waist of her costume can't really be dropped any further, and of course she sports the bar strap shoes with the Louis heels, a flapper favorite. She's only missing the long strand of beads which would have got in the way of her ruff anyway :) Very cute!

This RPPC was made by Wilhelm Ballizany of Kleve (still spelled Cleve at that time). There are many references to his work as a printer and photographer, but no personal history we've been able to locate.

Cleve is a port city on the Rhine river near Germany's border with the Netherlands. At the time our photo was taken it was quite a beautiful, bustling, town, but in the 1940s during WWII, its location was one of strategic importance and consequently allied bombing raids so completely destroyed the place that our Harlequinette would probably not recognize it today.

This is the thing about RPPCs that so draws us in. We glimpse through the little window a moment in a stranger's life and then begin to wonder about them. Curiosity sooner or later turns into research, which opens the door to history. Sometimes when an image is evocative enough, the stories just unfold in our imaginations like raspberry soda over the rim of the glass when you drop in too much vanilla ice cream. We love RPPCs!

A nice card with an unfortunately evident thumb crease about a third of the way up along the left edge. 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!