22.00 USD

Lise Fleuron was born Marguerite Rauscher on December 1st, 1874. Her father was an Alsatian who, following the Prussian annexation of the Alsace-Lorraine region in the early 1870s, chose French nationality, hence her very "German" name, Rauscher.

She was a popular cafe-concert/music hall performer in the late 1890s and into the 1900s. Her sister Meaty, or sometimes Miati, was likewise the toast of Paris for some time. Both sisters were particularly well known for their plunging necklines, apparently were the constant targets of gossip, which of course only bolstered their careers :)

So, from Rauscher to Fleuron (meaning "jewel," and why? Perhaps Monsieur Georges Ohnet, a popular nevelist in the 1880s, may have had something to do with it. In 1884 he wrote a novel titled, "Lise Fleuron," the tale of a young girl...her fall from innocence...her gradual climb to success in the theaters of Paris...romance, scandal, and according to at least one British reviewer, an utter lack of morality (which might be why it quickly sold through more than 100 editions!). When attempting to research Mlle. Fleuron and her sister Meaty, we run across page after page of references to this novel.
Would it be so surprising to learn that a young actress adopted the name of a very famous fictional siren of the stage? Maybe not so much :) She would have enjoyed immediate "brand recognition," at the very least.

Mlle. Fleuron passed away in Enghien, on the 27th of February, 1960.

A really wonderful portrait of this important Belle Epoque performer by Professor Stebbing of Paris, published by Rotophot of Berlin, and posted in 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!

36.00 USD

These three pioneer feminists were called, in 1927, "The Three Musketeers." They made international news and achieved way more than that "15 minutes of fame" we hear so much about, as the first women alone to hike the entire Green Mountain Trail, beginning in Mass. and ending in Vermont. They did this, a 27 day long hike, "without male escort, or firearms" which was deemed pretty courageous back then!

This is an original photograph, a press photo, in fact, used by a newspaper for an article on these three gals in 1927. The paper affixed to the back of the photograph reminds the newspaper editor to credit the photo agency if they use the image.

Photo is a very frameable large format with an interior image size of approx. 9 and 3/4 by 7 inches. As you can see, it has no left hand border, and there are various bends and minor creasings, also a little rippling at the edges. This would have been used by the newspaper, and then it seems carelessly shoved into a file cabinet to languish for decades before being discovered. A wonderful piece of history.

We'll ship this in a padded envelope with interior support.

24.00 USD

as per convos

29.00 USD

What a fabulous costume! This is not a postcard, but a CDV (carte de visite), with the interior image measuring approx. 2 and 1/4 inches by 3 and 1/2 inches. Despite its size, you can see how fine the resolution is on this photograph.

Probably made before 1880, this portrait is of an artiste named Lilly (written on the back side, as was common at that time). In case you see the similarity, yes, she does resemble the "Jersey Lilly," Miss Lilly Langtree in feature, and our hearts did a little bumpeteebump when we found this one, but in close view, our artiste's eyes are quite dark, and Lilly Langtree's eyes were a very, very, pale blue that is obvious in her photo portraits.

The photograph was taken by Charles Reutlinger, a German Jew who was born Carl Reutlinger, in Germany, in 1816. He was the founder of a dynasty of celebrity photographers that flourished in Paris for almost 90 years.

Having moved from Germany where he'd produced ​​daguerreotypes in the 1840s, he opened a studio in Paris in about 1850. He was later joined by his younger brother Émile Reutlinger (1825-1907), and then toward the end of his life, by his brother's son Leopold-Émile, who moved from his birthplace in Callao, Peru to Paris to join his father and uncle in the business, in the early 1880s.

It is Leopold Émile Reutlinger (usually called simply Leopold Reutlinger) with whom our customers will be most familiar, since we have sold probably hundreds of his beautiful postcards out of our shop.

Leopold Émile Reutlinger eventually took over the studio from his father, and then Jean, Leopold's son also entered the trade, but died in WWI, in 1914, so the dynasty ended with Leopold, in 1937.

That was a good bit of history for a single listing, but we thought it might be worthwhile to put this little jewel of a photograph into proper perspective.

The corners were clipped, probably having something to do with storage in an album or a tiny gilded frame. Otherwise, very nice condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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!

29.00 USD

This is not a postcard, but a CDV (carte de visite), with the interior image measuring approx. 2 and 1/4 inches by 3 and 1/2 inches. Despite its size, you can see how fine the resolution is on this photograph.

Probably made before 1880, this portrait is of an artiste named Sanseron. Unfortunately, we haven't found any history on her. What a lovely theater image, though.

The photograph was taken by Charles Reutlinger, a German Jew who was born Carl Reutlinger, in Germany, in 1816. He was the founder of a dynasty of celebrity photographers that flourished in Paris for almost 90 years.

Having moved from Germany where he'd produced ​​daguerreotypes in the 1840s, he opened a studio in Paris in about 1850. He was later joined by his younger brother Émile Reutlinger (1825-1907), and then toward the end of his life, by his brother's son Leopold-Émile, who moved from his birthplace in Callao, Peru to Paris to join his father and uncle in the business, in the early 1880s.

It is Leopold Émile Reutlinger (usually called simply Leopold Reutlinger) with whom our customers will be most familiar, since we have sold probably hundreds of his beautiful postcards out of our shop.

Leopold Émile Reutlinger eventually took over the studio from his father, and then Jean, Leopold's son also entered the trade, but died in WWI, in 1914, so the dynasty ended with Leopold, in 1937.

That was a good bit of history for a single listing, but we thought it might be worthwhile to put this little jewel of a photograph into proper perspective.

The corners were clipped, probably having something to do with storage in an album or a tiny gilded frame. Otherwise, very nice condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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!

36.00 USD

An original photograph, a press photo, in fact, of Charles Lindbergh, in the gray of dawn, examining the repaired tail of his famous monoplane, "The Spirit of St. Louis."
The photo was taken at the Croydon Aerodrome in England, where the tail of the plane had been damaged by the enthusiastic crowd of 100,000 people who mobbed him following his famous trans-atlantic flight. Here, we see him examining the repairs shortly before a quick flight to Gosport, where the plane would be dismantled for shipping to America.

A real piece of history! Follow the link below to read a short article about what happened when Lindy landed:

https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2009/07/11/lindbergh-lands/

Or, you can see our fourth listing image found at the above site (not for sale) of the crowd at Croydon surrounding the plane when he arrived.

A very controversial figure, Lindbergh's history is a fascinating, but not a simple one. The only thing about him that is very clear cut is that he had the courage to make that solo flight. Outside of that, questions surrounding his personal tragedies, politics and beliefs are up for grabs at this point, the history having been written from a number of different perspectives. Certainly for better or for worse he is, and will remain, an American cultural icon, most particularly of the 1920s.

Very nice condition on this press photo. Slight rippling at border is evident in scans. Small spot of what we just bet is newsprint ink in the upper right corner. Interior image measures 9 and 2/8 by 7 and 3/8 inches.

We will ship this, carefully wrapped, in a padded envelope with interior support.

11.00 USD

Lovely couples romance card by Sol, circa 1920s. Nice unposted condition, with writing, in a nice hand, on the reverse. 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

This beautiful gal often appeared in risque French postcard images photographed by J. Mandel and published by Alfred Noyer. Very nice monochrome glamor card by P-C Paris.
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

Wonderful 1920s couples romance with horse by Alfred Noyer.
Did we go a little too far with eggplant? :) But hey, there just aren't many shades of purple beginning with the letter E.
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

Very nice monochrome glamor image by P-C Paris, circa 1920s.
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!

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 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!

Lilian Harvey could play sexy, or sweet, or sweet and sexy, but never particularly vampy, or at least not that we've seen. Mostly known as a musical comedy star, she filled a place in late Weimar era Germany that actresses like Ruby Keeler filled in the US during that period of economic and cultural depression when people badly needed a bright and happy, optimistic character to cheer them through the tough times. The roles she played provided a necessary contrast to the often dark, "femme fatale" characters played by other German actresses of the same period, like the great Marlene Dietrich.

Miss Harvey led a fascinating life. She was born to an English mother and a German father in 1906, in London, but by the time WWI broke out, she was living with her family in Germany. She became a successful singer, dancer, and silent film actress in Vienna and Germany, made the transition to the talkies easily, and actually starred opposite Laurence Olivier in his film debut, an English version of a very successful German film called Hokuspokus in which she'd played the leading lady.

She was one of those people of conscience who though happy to play a part for her movie-going audience, was unwilling to act as a puppet for the state. In the late 1930s, after having been closely watched by the Gestapo for years as a result of her close associations with Jewish friends and politically dissident associates, she went out on a limb for one of them who'd been arrested, managed his release, and after his escape from Germany, she was pretty much forced out of the country herself and forced to leave her substantial fortune behind. Please read the Wikipedia article for so much more!!!

Below is a link to Youtube, and a clip from the film Die Drei von der Tankstelle (The Three from the Gas Station), a very popular musical produced in 1930, that will give you an idea of Fraulein Harvey's charms. Playing opposite her is Oskar Karlweis, a popular song and dance man of the 20s and 30s, who like so many others, was forced to flee Germany when Hitler came to power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri0sPJV3NGI

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

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!

So cute :) According to a previous owner of this card, this image is from Miss Harvey's 1930 comedy classic, "The Road to Paradise."

Lilian Harvey could play sexy, or sweet, or sweet and sexy, but never particularly vampy, or at least not that we've seen. Mostly known as a musical comedy star, she filled a place in late Weimar era Germany that actresses like Ruby Keeler filled in the US during that period of economic and cultural depression when people badly needed a bright and happy, optimistic character to cheer them through the tough times. The roles she played provided a necessary contrast to the often dark, "femme fatale" characters played by other German actresses of the same period, like the great Marlene Dietrich.

Miss Harvey led a fascinating life. She was born to an English mother and a German father in 1906, in London, but by the time WWI broke out, she was living with her family in Germany. She became a successful singer, dancer, and silent film actress in Vienna and Germany, made the transition to the talkies easily, and actually starred opposite Laurence Olivier in his film debut, an English version of a very successful German film called Hokuspokus in which she'd played the leading lady.

She was one of those people of conscience who though happy to play a part for her movie-going audience, was unwilling to act as a puppet for the state. In the late 1930s, after having been closely watched by the Gestapo for years as a result of her close associations with Jewish friends and politically dissident associates, she went out on a limb for one of them who'd been arrested, managed his release, and after his escape from Germany, she was pretty much forced out of the country herself and forced to leave her substantial fortune behind. Please read the Wikipedia article for so much more!!!

Below is a link to Youtube, and a clip from the film Die Drei von der Tankstelle (The Three from the Gas Station), a very popular musical produced in 1930, that will give you an idea of Fraulein Harvey's charms. Playing opposite her is Oskar Karlweis, a popular song and dance man of the 20s and 30s, who like so many others, was forced to flee Germany when Hitler came to power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri0sPJV3NGI

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!

17.00 USD

Beautiful Young Japanese Woman in Kimono, circa 1907
Unusual card! We don't often see the monochrome tint cards until the 1920s on French postcards, and this does appear to be a French postcard, printed in Japan...sort of a Japanese/French postcard. We do see what looks like an "07" written on the left side of the card's obverse, and coincidentally, an important treaty was signed between France and Japan in that same year.

Japan and France enjoyed warm relations for many years following that signing. The first airplane flights (shortly thereafter) in Japan were supported by French technology, and trade relations and military agreements were highly productive for both nations (for Indochina, now Vietnam, not so much).

Notice that the back of this card is divided with an area of 1/3 on the left side for personal messages or advertizing. This particular division dates this card to between 1907 and 1918. Just a little Japanese postcard trivia for ya :)

Notice that we didn't title this card "something" Geisha? It's a little personal bugbear of ours. This lovely young woman was Japanese. She wears a kimono. She was not any more likely to be a geisha than an anonymous western woman photographed in a pretty dress was likely to be an entertainer, film actress, or bartender! Okay, rant over :)

Impressions left by album corners are evident particularly in the top corners. A wonderful 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!

18.00 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!

Berlin photographer Alex Binder took this wonderful portrait of the Countess Agnes Esterhazy, in a fabulous mermaid gown.

Born Grafin Josika von Branyitska in Klausenburg, in what was formerly Transylvania (Yes, a real Transylvanian Countess), but was at that time a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and is now in Romania, Agnes Esterhazy (1891-1956), was a stunning gal who when interviewed on the subject of ladies fashion admitted that although fabric the same shade as the wearer's flesh was the most erotic, her favorite color was still black. Well, we think she looks pretty marvelous in this get-up!

As a young lady, following World War One, she left her ancestral home, and relocated to Budapest Hungary, where she studied stagecraft, performed at the State Theater, and in 1920 made her first appearance in a Hungarian film. It has been suggested that she arrived in Budapest with crates of native soil from her homeland...er...scratch that. She soon received an offer from a film production company in Vienna, moved to Austria, and then on to Berlin, where she became quite popular, playing mostly supporting, but some leading roles as well.

Weimar era Berlin of the 1920s was, in terms of the wild "jazz baby" culture of the period, wilder than we ever could have imagined before doing a little research on the time and place. The "party" atmosphere of Paris, took on in Berlin a dark and manic character as its populace suffered through a horrible economic depression and chaotic political upheavals. We'll just say that "Cabaret," the hit Broadway show and popular film that was set in Weimar era Berlin, only barely scratched the surface of that atmosphere.

In "Voluptuous Panic," a book by Berkeley Drama Professor and historian Mel Gordon, that delves well beneath that surface, Mr. Gordon, while touching on a particular "black mass" (yes, really) and details of a wild orgy that followed it, suggests that a certain "countess" involved, may have been our Grafin Esterhazy, who apparently had quite a reputation.

We searched around for other sources confirming this, but with our limited time and resources found only that in 1930, she was the editor of a book titled "Das Lasterhafte Weib," or "The Vicious Woman," a collection of writings on women's sexuality and eroticism that was popularly received at the time, and is still sought after today. Incidentally, her book made the Nazi's "black list" in 1938, and any copies discovered by them would presumably have been added to those now infamous bonfires (or hoarded).

Grafin Esterhazy's film career lasted only for about ten years, until the talkies made their appearance.
Though she did make a couple of sound pictures, she was either unable to satisfactorily make that transition (or uninterested in doing so), and "silently" retired from the motion picture business, appearing in one film later in her life, in 1943. She was married to the well respected Czech actor Fritz Schultz.

In 1956 she passed away, either in Budapest Hungary, or Munich Germany. Sources are not in agreement on this, but it is said that at midnight, upon the battlements of a crumbling castle deep in the Carpathian wilderness, a voluptuous femalle figure, draped in black silk, stalks the...okay, we'll stop.

Below, are two links to the 1925 Pabst film "Joyless Street" starring Greta Garbo and Grafin Agnes Esterhazy. The first link will take you to the full length version, in which Grafin Esterhazy's role as the young woman who chooses to "sell her virtue" in order to survive the depression is given a full showing. This version has the original German titles with subtitles in Spanish.

The second link is to an American cut, with English titles released some years later, which is basically a showcase for Miss Garbo, with very little of Miss Esterhazy's role remaining. American censors cut the original version by more than Half of its content!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZsbYIyRLPg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PsHu3F695s

A gorgeous unposted card by Ross Verlag. 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!

19.00 USD

One of our favorite and most magical subgenres of "Lovely Lady" postcards has to be that of the marvelous maenad. Idealized and presumably toned down versions of those wild maidens of ancient Greece, the maenad, as an image, was practically the poster girl of La Belle Epoque, expressing that rich, earthy, "joie de vivre," which has come to be seen as so representative of the era.

Great Art Nouveau image of stage performer Myriel in classical attire with cymbals. Produced by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, circa 1905, this image was also used as one in a series specifically representing celebrants of the Bacchanal! In that series, the same card, rather than bearing the title Myriel, was titled Bacchante Aux Cymbales! There was another cymbal image in that series as well, in which a different artiste named Beauregard was posed similarly. Additionally, there was another image of Mlle. Beauregard in which she upended a ewer, presumably filled with wine, titled Bacchante Buvant, which simply means "drinking," and yet another titled Bacchante Au Thyrse, in which the Bacchante (also the artiste Myriel in that one) holds up with reverence the "Thyrse," which beyond its modern botanical meaning, is French for the Greek thyrsus, a staff topped with a pine cone, often decorated with ivy, and carried by Bacchus (Ivy incidentally, was according to the late English poet and historian Robert Graves, one of the key ingredients used in brews by those wild celebrants to drive them to a frenzy. Let's definitely NOT try this at home ;).

Our fourth listing image (NOT for sale!) is a crop of an interestingly surreal and risque French postcard in our personal collection, showing a larger print (also a slightly different crop) of this Reutlinger photograph being used as fanciful decoration in another studio's set piece! What fun, but this also reminds us that some of these Belle Epoque postcard images were not only popular in postcard form, but as "parlor" art prints of the period!

Lovely 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!

11.00 USD

Another lovely evocative image produced by the Kunzli Brothers' Paris offices in the early 1900s. Carl and Max Kunzli were two brothers in art publishing from the 1870s and were known for high quality chromolithographs.

With the postcard boom, they were prepared to enter that industry as well and soon were so successful that they opened satellite offices in various countries including France, where the printed under the name KF, or Kunzli Freres. There is no photographer attribution on this card.

Very nice posted condition with some gentle softening of the 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!

9.00 USD

Mlle. Vera Nimidoff was a popular opera singer who toured internationally in the early 1900s. She hailed from Odessa (in the Ukraine, not Texas :) In this beautifully hand-tinted image by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, she carries on her shoulders all the weight of queenly responsibilities. Unfortunately we don't know what opera this image was drawn from.

A wonderful romantic fantasy card, but with a tiny spot of red ink on Mlle's face. The writing on the back was in red ink too. There is also a tiny 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!

18.00 USD

Lovely condition and brilliant color on this 1920s era risque flapper image. Inking and coloration are in many ways reminiscent of golden age comic book art! Sorry, but we cannot make out the artist's name, so can offer no information. If you recognize the work, or the signature, please let us know! We learn from you guys every day :)
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

Great image! Horizontal line high up on face of card is our naughty scanner acting up. Sorry.
No publisher, photographer, or artiste attribution. Might be an RPPC? Note the name Loredana handwritten on the reverse. No searches there bore any fruit either, so a nice mystery card in nice unposted 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 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!

36.00 USD

Rather casual attire for an evening out, don't you think? Another card out of this same series (with the model in a different pose) is one of the much reproduced risque cards out of this era. With rare exception, we sell only originals, and it is a treat to find one from this series that few people have seen! Lots of fun. This photograph was taken by Jean Agelou (or possibly George) and is marked by their GP logo.

There is some album residue on the back side of this card, otherwise in fine 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!