24.00 USD

Lovely risque image by Albert Penot, highly collectible French artist. Very nice unposted condition with only 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!

19.00 USD

Hilarious :) Being book people ourselves, we really appreciate this one and hesitate to let it go! If our period and place cultural reading of this is generally correct, the forbidden book the young lady is reading is probably a (hold on to your hats) popular novel!!! Such mind candy was often strictly discouraged by parents of "well brought up" young ladies.
This model is a regular favorite of ours who appeared in a particularly beautiful series of Mignon cards.

Lovely unposted condition on this card by Paul Fink of Berlin. The vertical dividing line on the obverse dates the card to post 1906 in Germany, but the triangle imprint in the stamp box, narrows our date of publication even further. That triangle is the mark of N.B.C. the Neue Bromsilber Convention, a pricing cartel established by many printer/publishers of silver bromide (photo-print) postcards in around 1909. This helps us date our card to somewhere between 1909 and 1914, when, with the onrush of WWI, German postcard production ground to a near halt.
Please note, our card's logo is often understandably confused with another PFB logo for Paul Finkenrath. Different printing house, similar name and same general period and place. This, according to our friends at the TPA project, a great research source on German cards. Link below.

http://www.tpa-project.info/html/body_paul_finkenrath.html

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!

33.00 USD

Great German card from the early 1910s. This is one of eight risque bathing image cards we recently acquired for the shop. The soft blending of the photographer's model, props and painted background, results in a romantic, almost painting-like image.

The printer/publisher, NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft, or the "New Photographic Society") was a Berlin company founded in 1894 by Arthur Schwarz. It soon became one of the largest (if not THE largest) producers of silver bromide photo image postcards in the world.
In Germany, Herr Schwarz improved upon mass photo printing technology he'd helped to develop while in the United States. These improvments allowed NPG to print greater numbers of cards more quickly (and profitably) than anyone had before. NPG's image quality was also top notch.

In his younger days, Arthur Schwarz had traveled extensively through Europe and America by train, selling photo studio backdrops (trompes l'oeil) his brother, an artist, had painted. The connections he established in those days probably stood him in good stead in later years, when NPG established subsidiaries in London, Paris, Rome and New York.

In the stamp box on the card's obverse, you will see the triangle mark of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention. NBC was an organization headed by Heinrich Ross of Rotophot (later Ross Verlag, the hugely prolific film star postcard publisher). NBC was a cartel, of sorts, the purpose of which was to regulate costs of printing and retail pricing of photo print postcards and probably, as with most cartels, to keep the control of what was then a huge industry, in the hands of the big guys. The NBC stamp is mostly of value to us because, since the organization was established in 1909, it lets us accurately date a card bearing the NBC logo at 1909 or later. Given the relative collapse of the postcard industry in Germany following the beginning of WWI (1914) and taking into account other details in the image that help us guess at the card's age, it's likely our card was printed sometime between 1909 and 1914.
A lovely card in very nice unposted condition! 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!

33.00 USD

Great German card from the early 1910s. This is one of eight risque bathing image cards we recently acquired for the shop. The soft blending of the photographer's model, props and painted background, results in a romantic, almost painting-like image.

The printer/publisher, NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft, or the "New Photographic Society") was a Berlin company founded in 1894 by Arthur Schwarz. It soon became one of the largest (if not THE largest) producers of silver bromide photo image postcards in the world.
In Germany, Herr Schwarz improved upon mass photo printing technology he'd helped to develop while in the United States. These improvments allowed NPG to print greater numbers of cards more quickly (and profitably) than anyone had before. NPG's image quality was also top notch.

In his younger days, Arthur Schwarz had traveled extensively through Europe and America by train, selling photo studio backdrops (trompes l'oeil) his brother, an artist, had painted. The connections he established in those days probably stood him in good stead in later years, when NPG established subsidiaries in London, Paris, Rome and New York.

In the stamp box on the card's obverse, you will see the triangle mark of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention. NBC was an organization headed by Heinrich Ross of Rotophot (later Ross Verlag, the hugely prolific film star postcard publisher). NBC was a cartel, of sorts, the purpose of which was to regulate costs of printing and retail pricing of photo print postcards and probably, as with most cartels, to keep the control of what was then a huge industry, in the hands of the big guys. The NBC stamp is mostly of value to us because, since the organization was established in 1909, it lets us accurately date a card bearing the NBC logo at 1909 or later. Given the relative collapse of the postcard industry in Germany following the beginning of WWI (1914) and taking into account other details in the image that help us guess at the card's age, it's likely our card was printed sometime between 1909 and 1914.
A lovely card in very nice unposted condition! 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!

33.00 USD

Great German card from the early 1910s. This is one of eight risque bathing image cards we recently acquired for the shop. The soft blending of the photographer's model, props and painted background, results in a romantic, almost painting-like image.

The printer/publisher, NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft, or the "New Photographic Society") was a Berlin company founded in 1894 by Arthur Schwarz. It soon became one of the largest (if not THE largest) producers of silver bromide photo image postcards in the world.
In Germany, Herr Schwarz improved upon mass photo printing technology he'd helped to develop while in the United States. These improvments allowed NPG to print greater numbers of cards more quickly (and profitably) than anyone had before. NPG's image quality was also top notch.

In his younger days, Arthur Schwarz had traveled extensively through Europe and America by train, selling photo studio backdrops (trompes l'oeil) his brother, an artist, had painted. The connections he established in those days probably stood him in good stead in later years, when NPG established subsidiaries in London, Paris, Rome and New York.

In the stamp box on the card's obverse, you will see the triangle mark of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention. NBC was an organization headed by Heinrich Ross of Rotophot (later Ross Verlag, the hugely prolific film star postcard publisher). NBC was a cartel, of sorts, the purpose of which was to regulate costs of printing and retail pricing of photo print postcards and probably, as with most cartels, to keep the control of what was then a huge industry, in the hands of the big guys. The NBC stamp is mostly of value to us because, since the organization was established in 1909, it lets us accurately date a card bearing the NBC logo at 1909 or later. Given the relative collapse of the postcard industry in Germany following the beginning of WWI (1914) and taking into account other details in the image that help us guess at the card's age, it's likely our card was printed sometime between 1909 and 1914.
A lovely card in very nice unposted condition! 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!

26.00 USD

Great German card from the early 1910s. This is one of eight risque bathing image cards we recently acquired for the shop. The soft blending of the photographer's model, props and painted background, results in a romantic, almost painting-like image.

The printer/publisher, NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft, or the "New Photographic Society") was a Berlin company founded in 1894 by Arthur Schwarz. It soon became one of the largest (if not THE largest) producers of silver bromide photo image postcards in the world.
In Germany, Herr Schwarz improved upon mass photo printing technology he'd helped to develop while in the United States. These improvments allowed NPG to print greater numbers of cards more quickly (and profitably) than anyone had before. NPG's image quality was also top notch.

In his younger days, Arthur Schwarz had traveled extensively through Europe and America by train, selling photo studio backdrops (trompes l'oeil) his brother, an artist, had painted. The connections he established in those days probably stood him in good stead in later years, when NPG established subsidiaries in London, Paris, Rome and New York.

In the stamp box on the card's obverse, you will see the triangle mark of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention. NBC was an organization headed by Heinrich Ross of Rotophot (later Ross Verlag, the hugely prolific film star postcard publisher). NBC was a cartel, of sorts, the purpose of which was to regulate costs of printing and retail pricing of photo print postcards and probably, as with most cartels, to keep the control of what was then a huge industry, in the hands of the big guys. The NBC stamp is mostly of value to us because, since the organization was established in 1909, it lets us accurately date a card bearing the NBC logo at 1909 or later. Given the relative collapse of the postcard industry in Germany following the beginning of WWI (1914) and taking into account other details in the image that help us guess at the card's age, it's likely our card was printed sometime between 1909 and 1914.
A lovely card in very nice unposted condition! Minor wear to edges and corners and a white spot on the image surface to the left of the model's right forearm. Priced accordingly. 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!

33.00 USD

Great German card from the early 1910s. This is one of eight risque bathing image cards we recently acquired for the shop. The soft blending of the photographer's model, props and painted background, results in a romantic, almost painting-like image.

The printer/publisher, NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft, or the "New Photographic Society") was a Berlin company founded in 1894 by Arthur Schwarz. It soon became one of the largest (if not THE largest) producers of silver bromide photo image postcards in the world.
In Germany, Herr Schwarz improved upon mass photo printing technology he'd helped to develop while in the United States. These improvments allowed NPG to print greater numbers of cards more quickly (and profitably) than anyone had before. NPG's image quality was also top notch.

In his younger days, Arthur Schwarz had traveled extensively through Europe and America by train, selling photo studio backdrops (trompes l'oeil) his brother, an artist, had painted. The connections he established in those days probably stood him in good stead in later years, when NPG established subsidiaries in London, Paris, Rome and New York.

In the stamp box on the card's obverse, you will see the triangle mark of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention. NBC was an organization headed by Heinrich Ross of Rotophot (later Ross Verlag, the hugely prolific film star postcard publisher). NBC was a cartel, of sorts, the purpose of which was to regulate costs of printing and retail pricing of photo print postcards and probably, as with most cartels, to keep the control of what was then a huge industry, in the hands of the big guys. The NBC stamp is mostly of value to us because, since the organization was established in 1909, it lets us accurately date a card bearing the NBC logo at 1909 or later. Given the relative collapse of the postcard industry in Germany following the beginning of WWI (1914) and taking into account other details in the image that help us guess at the card's age, it's likely our card was printed sometime between 1909 and 1914.
A lovely card in very nice unposted condition! 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!

9.00 USD

Wonderful image of artiste Myriel. Though hardly noticeable in person, there was a small amount of damage done to this card long ago. The scan shows it both on the back side, and on the front as tiny dark dots on the right side of her face. 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.
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

Gorgeous Japanese postcard of Yokohama pier, circa 1900-'07

Many thanks to the East Asia Image Collection Blog for the helpful page on dating pre-war Japanese postcards. Link below:

http://sites.lafayette.edu/eastasia/2014/09/04/how-to-ascertain-the-date-or-time-period-of-a-japanese-postcard/

Minor foxing and discoloration from album corners, otherwise very nice 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!

17.00 USD

Mabel Love (1874-1953) was born Mabel Watson in Folkstone, England. Her stage debut was as the Rose in the very first stage adaptation of Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland!" She was 12 at the time. For the next 30 or so years she went on to enjoy a very successful career as a dancer and an actress. She was considered one of the great beauties of the British stage and was also called "The Pretty Girl of the Postcard," suggesting that in the early 1900s she was one of the popular postcard queens of England. We can certainly see why!
A lovely card! There is a small crease in the upper left corner of the card's border. 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

It is difficult to find these Imperial Russian cards. La Cavalieri in what feels an almost candid pose. What a hat! :) Lina Cavalieri was adored in Russia. This image was produced in St Petersburg, and may well have been shot in early 1911, when she performed before members of the imperial family and other important dignitaries, at the Winter Palace. Such a charming image.
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!

24.00 USD

Gorgeous Viennese RPPC of a young woman on skates and in a marvelous Pierrot costume. Great Art Deco styling of skaters on trompe l'oeil. This RPPC was produced by the Jelinek Photo Studio (Photo Kunst Atelier Jelinek) in Vienna, at 20 Wallensteinstrasse. In 1916, the studio at that address was operated by a Paul Jelinek, so we are guessing this image was taken by the same Herr Jelinek. We are also guessing in the 1920s, but it might have been made in the 30s. Often a bit hard to tell. 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!

18.00 USD

Lovely risque image published by WEKO of Berlin. Very nice 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!

16.00 USD

Wonderful 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 nice posted 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!

49.00 USD

This is one of several well known "memento moris" in the surreal, metamorphic, or arcimboldesque (after the Italian renaissance painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo), style. Many will have seen later representations of this one, and of another, of a lady at her vanity, in the form of art prints and posters.

We have seen recent reproductions of this card listed as "a reproduction of a 1920's image." We believe this card is older than that though, dating back to somewhere between 1905 and 1914 (closer to the '05). We'd love more history on it. If you have some, be a pal and share :) What we do know about it is that although the artwork was very probably French, the printer logo, "PFB in a diamond frame," was for Paul Fink of Berlin, a photo printing house that was swallowed up by a bigger company, Amag (Albrecht and Meister), in around the early 1910s. This certainly helps us date the card to pre-1914, since there is no Amag logo present.

We've also seen this card described in listings as a "chromo" or chromolithograph. Not so. As the evident "silvering" around the edges of this card indicates, although the original artwork could have been a lithograph of some sort, the card itself is a silver bromide photographic print of the original artwork. We are certainly not experts, just sincere hobbyists, and we mean these corrections in a very friendly way, just doing our best to keep the info on this wonderful card straight.

The reminder of the presence of death, even in the midst of love, is fitting within the context of the Pierrot tale. Originating in the Italian renaissance and performed by traveling players, it tells of Pierrot, his love for Columbine, and how he is betrayed by her with Harlequin, and in many versions ends by killing her in a "rit of fealous jage!" (our compliments to Monsieur Clouseau :). This is one of the early postcards upon which this image first appeared. From the research we've done, the original artist seems to be unknown. If anyone out there knows better, please let us know.

P.S. For a real treat, go to youtube and check out a great tenor of our time, Luciano Pavarotti performing "Vesti la giubba," an aria out of Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," in which a traveling actor, playing the role of Pierrot, finds himself ironically trapped into experiencing that romantic tragedy in his own life. Link below:

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

An amazing card, very much sought after, in nearly pristine condition. So very pleased to be sharing this one with you!

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

14.00 USD

Mabel Love (1874-1953) was born Mabel Watson in Folkstone, England. Her stage debut was as the Rose in the very first stage adaptation of Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland!" She was 12 at the time. For the next 30 or so years she went on to enjoy a very successful career as a dancer and an actress. She was considered one of the great beauties of the British stage and was also called "The Pretty Girl of the Postcard," suggesting that in the early 1900s she was one of the popular postcard queens of England. We can certainly see why!
A 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!

16.00 USD

Mabel Love (1874-1953) was born Mabel Watson in Folkstone, England. Her stage debut was as the Rose in the very first stage adaptation of Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland!" She was 12 at the time. For the next 30 or so years she went on to enjoy a very successful career as a dancer and an actress. She was considered one of the great beauties of the British stage and was also called "The Pretty Girl of the Postcard," suggesting that in the early 1900s she was one of the popular postcard queens of England. We can certainly see why!
A 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

Young Japanese Woman with Violin. Vintage Japanese Postcard, circa 1920s
Lovely image of a young Japanese woman posed with violin. She is beautiful and we love the delicate coloration, a common feature in Japanese cards of this period. Not so common, in our limited experience, is that she is playing a western, rather than a traditional Japanese, instrument. In so many vintage Japanese cards, the intent seems to be to capture the essence of the traditional culture, while this is culturally "modern."
This vintage Japanese postcard is in overall very nice condition. One delightful bonus feature is the stamp box on its obverse, which is decorated by an image of Mt. Fujiyama! We would guess the cards era at the 1920's, and indeed a site we use to help us date our vintage Japanese cards, the East Asia Image Collection Blog, puts its period at sometime between 1918 and 1939. We'll still guess much closer to '18 than '39.
If you have Japanese cards in your collection that you'd like to date, you can visit the page below, which offers a simple chart we often find helpful. Link below:

https://sites.lafayette.edu/eastasia/2014/09/04/how-to-ascertain-the-date-or-time-period-of-a-japanese-postcard/

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

Beautiful! No info on E.L.X., I'm afraid. They produced many of these evocative cards and they tend to be difficult to find. The series also remained popular into the mid-1910s, which is a nice run, given that they were introduced as early as the late 1890s. Notice that this particular card has the undivided back, dating it to 1904 or earlier (probably around 1900 in this case), but we've seen others in this series that were printed on divided back card stock and postmarked 1915.
The gold colored paint/substance that was applied as a pochoir (fancy-pants term for stencil :) for a decorative border is not all that terribly bright (a hundred years will take their toll), but we must say our scanner really doesn't do it justice at all. It's so much prettier in person. 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 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.

14.00 USD

*Please note that there is a visible crease in this card near the top edge center, visible in our second listing image*
Sborgi is one of our favorite publishers of Italian photo image postcards and Italian romance postcards, well, some are definitely in a class by themselves. So often in these images the focus is not simply on romance, but it veers into the dark edges of romance. Betrayals, revenge, despair, etc. A love over which one agonizes. After all, we're talking about a culture that inspired Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet, a beautiful love story, but one in which the characters rather than being blessed by love, are trapped by it and as we know, love does not treat them gently.

In this case, we have a sweet image, a charming image, no? A beautifully arranged photograph in which a young woman in a magnificently strange costume who laboring at her music practice is falling asleep where she sits. But wait, and here is where the card turns so very Italian.... See the text below the image. "Canzone igannatrice dell' amore..." This translates as "Song of deceitful love..."

If we zoom in on the music she was practicing, we can just make out the title, "Canzone di Pierrot." Now it is up to the viewer to decide, given that the tale of Pierrot, one which originated in Italy with the Commedia dell' arte in the 16th century was often a story of a lovers' triangle, betrayal and murder. Is our subject the betrayer or the betrayed? Is she overwhelmed, bowed under the weight of this romantic tragedy, or as our first glance suggests, is she simply drifting off into peaceful sleep? It is the way these cards pose questions that we really love :)

Probably, to an Italian of the card's era, the image was a straightforward one, but to us these cards will remain charming puzzles.

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!