19.00 USD

One of six lovely hand-tinted postcards in a series of the "bathing beauty" variety, circa 1906-08 (1906 at the earliest, because Germany adopted the "new" divided back cards at that time, two years after France had done so, and no later than 1908, because the "P.R.A." design in card's stamp box was the logo for "Verein Photographischer Reproduktions-Anstalten GmbH,” a cost and quality control organization of silver bromide photo postcard printers and publishers--a cartel of sorts--that went defunct in 1908.

We have no information on the photographer or model. For those interested in the history of G.G. of Berlin though (the printer/publisher), we recently came across a catalogue offered for sale online titled "Galerie Alter und Moderner Meister," a collection of color lithographs produced by Georg Gerlach & Co. A.G., Berlin in 1888, giving us a little more insight into G.G. (Georg Gerlach). It suggests that like many other early picture postcard publishers, G.G. began as a printer of art prints, was therefore already set up (at least partially) for production, and when the picture postcard boom hit at the turn of the century, jumped right in.

In 1888, G.G.'s location was at 42 Chausee Strasse, Berlin, and in 1910, after they'd become very successful with postcard publishing, architect Max Richter designed new buildings for them which were still standing as of 2010 and designated an historical site.

All of this casts some doubt on the idea that those hundreds and hundreds (vast understatement :) of wonderful theatrical portraits and "fantaisies" were actually photographed by Georg Gerlach himself, who had to have been rather busy running a large company that not only published, but also printed those series of postcards, in addition to other lines of production.

Also, the fact that the company was well established by 1888 makes it unlikely that publisher Georg Gerlach was also the Austrian painter named Georg Gerlach, which is a question that sometimes comes up. That painter was born in 1874, which would have placed him running the printing and publishing firm in Berlin (in 1888) at age 14...unlikely.

Nor does there seem to be a connection between G.G. Co Berlin and photographers Martin Gerlach Sr., or Martin Gerlach Jr. (as we previously were led to believe), Since both father and son were primarily working out of Vienna Austria, not Berlin. There are a number of G.G. Co postcards attributed to the photographer Martin Gerlach online, through various sources, but we suspect this is simply confusion due to them being signed "Gerlach," and we haven't through our research been able to establish any definite connection.

Returning to the question of whether or not Georg Gerlach was a photographer as well as a publisher though, we have wondered if those cards that actually bear the name "Gerlach," printed out in a script font might not have been photographed by him. Questions :)

G.G. Co. of Berlin may have closed its doors in 1939, but we've only found a hint of that so far.

It's a shame that we find so little information on a publisher of some of the finest theatrical portraits of the period. If anyone out there has any further information on G.G. Co. A.G. Berlin, please share!

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!

36.00 USD

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

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

19.00 USD

Lovely seductive image of artiste Myriel. We have no bio on this lovely Belle Epoque performer. We find her most often in maenad-type images, playing cymbals, or holding aloft the thyrsus of Bacchus. Often she is posed, like Doll, another favorite, in a woodland setting.
A wonderful card in very wonderful condition with just a little wear to corners.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

29.00 USD

Lebender Marmor, or Living Marble. One of a very popular postcard series in which the models, often in classical costume, were posed and made up to resemble marble statues. This one is a real beauty, and the silvering only serves to add to the image!

See another card from the same series:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/redpoulaine/tools/listings/stats:true/268159810

Tableaux vivants are a form of performance art in which a costumed actor (in the case of the "tableaux," usually "actors plural") pose motionlessly, creating a scene from a painting, sculpture, etc., that is often recognizable and meaningful to the viewing audience. It puts us in mind of street artists painted in silver or white, and posing as statues for passing tourists at street fairs and the like.

In the early 1900s, it was not uncommon to see tableaux vivants of favorite religious scenes, such as the last supper, or, for example, during the run-up to WWI, a tableau vivant of Washington crossing the Delaware created on the stage of a vaudeville theater in order to stir the patriotic blood of the audience and help out with the recruitment drive.

Wikipedia notes, "The most recent heyday of the tableau vivant was the 19th century, with virtually nude tableaux vivants or poses plastiques providing a form of erotic entertainment."

Even when legislation restricted risque performances in the theaters, it was difficult to shut down a nude tableau vivant or pose plastique (a term we believe was more commonly used to describe this type of performance by a single actor) when it was touted as a work of art!

Our card demonstrates that the popularity of the pose plastique as a theatrical act carried over into picture postcards. We run across these fairly often, with the Lebender Marmor series being one of the nicest, we think.

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

Great flapper RPPC. Don't know who this gal was, but she certainly had something! Wouldn't be surprised to discover that she was a film actress. Love the costume,
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!

29.00 USD

A risque flapper by the Riverside. This card puts us in mind of Jacques Biederer's campy "up-skirt" imagery, but it was done by another Parisian photographer.

We are very pleased to share with you a wonderful small collection of postcard images by Parisian photographer Albert Wyndham. This is one of several we got into the shop a short while ago.

Most of these probably date to the mid 1920s and early 30s.
There is little information available on Wyndham himself. A few auction listings of his work give his birth and death as 1903-1977, but nothing yet as to Wyndham's place of birth or death. We'll keep looking.
Undoubtedly, Wyndham did commercial work for Parisian lingerie manufacturers, as did so very many Paris photographers, and those glamor cards we so love often originated as fashion images in French magazines.
Wyndham's focus on undergarments and stockings though, moved beyond the commercial fashion view, into fetish, and he had (still has) a tremendous following as a photographer of "risque" images.

In his book, "Erotic Photography," Alexandre Dupouy mentions Albert Wyndham.
Dupouy writes that Wyndham worked for several minor magazines in the 1930s, and also produced catalogues "called Poupees Parisiennes or Camera Prints, which were published in English and aimed at an Anglo-Saxon clientele."
He writes that prints of catalogue images could be ordered through the mail and that this end of the business was very successful.
The postcards were sometimes signed "Film Art," or sometimes "Wyndham" but were in our experience always marked by a lower case "c" in a circle accompanied by a series number.

Monsieur Dupouy also put forth the very interesting theory that Wyndham may have actually been the photographer, Grundworth, another Parisian photographer (or group of photographers, as has been suggested elsewhere) about whom almost nothing is known, but whose work was produced on the same paper and whose style was very similar to Wyndham's, with the major difference being that while Wyndham's work was merely risque (and barely so, by modern standards), Grundworth's often entered the realm of what many would label pornography.

We hope you enjoy these classic lingerie images!
Some of the cards in this collection show minor wear to edges and corners. If we find any with major defects, we will, as always, list them, but please do 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

One of six lovely hand-tinted postcards in a series of the "bathing beauty" variety, circa 1906-08 (1906 at the earliest, because Germany adopted the "new" divided back cards at that time, two years after France had done so, and no later than 1908, because the "P.R.A." design in card's stamp box was the logo for "Verein Photographischer Reproduktions-Anstalten GmbH,” a cost and quality control organization of silver bromide photo postcard printers and publishers--a cartel of sorts--that went defunct in 1908.

We have no information on the photographer or model. For those interested in the history of G.G. of Berlin though (the printer/publisher), we recently came across a catalogue offered for sale online titled "Galerie Alter und Moderner Meister," a collection of color lithographs produced by Georg Gerlach & Co. A.G., Berlin, giving us a little more insight into G.G. (Georg Gerlach). It suggests that like many other early picture postcard publishers, G.G. began as a printer of art prints, was therefore already set up (at least partially) for production, and when the picture postcard boom hit at the turn of the century, jumped right in.

In 1888, G.G.'s location was at 42 Chausee Strasse, Berlin, and in 1910, after they'd become very successful with postcard publishing, architect Max Richter designed new buildings for them which were still standing as of 2010 and designated an historical site.

All of this casts some doubt on the idea that those hundreds and hundreds (vast understatement :) of wonderful theatrical portraits and "fantaisies" were actually photographed by Georg Gerlach himself, who had to have been rather busy running a large company that not only published, but also printed those series of postcards, in addition to other lines of production.

Also, the fact that the company was well established by 1888 makes it unlikely that publisher Georg Gerlach was also the Austrian painter named Georg Gerlach, which is a question that sometimes comes up. That painter was born in 1874, which would have placed him running the printing and publishing firm in Berlin (in 1888) at age 14...unlikely.

Nor does there seem to be a connection between G.G. Co Berlin and photographers Martin Gerlach Sr., or Martin Gerlach Jr. (as we previously were led to believe), Since both father and son were primarily working out of Vienna Austria, not Berlin. There are a number of G.G. Co postcards attributed to the photographer Martin Gerlach online, through various sources, but we suspect this is simply confusion due to them being signed "Gerlach," and we haven't through our research been able to establish any definite connection.

Returning to the question of whether or not Georg Gerlach was a photographer as well as a publisher though, we have wondered if those cards that actually bear the name "Gerlach," printed out in a script font might not have been photographed by him. Questions :)

G.G. Co. of Berlin may have closed its doors in 1939, but we've only found a hint of that so far.

It's a shame that we find so little information on a publisher of some of the finest theatrical portraits of the period. If anyone out there has any further information on G.G. Co. A.G. Berlin, please share!

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

Beautifully hand-tinted vintage postcard of two very pretty young women (probably well known theatrical performers of the time), printed by Rotophot of Berlin circa 1904. Rotophot was a major German postcard producer, appearing on the scene in around 1900. It later became Ross Verlag, the publisher so well known for its film star postcards.

This card was posted in Austria. We think the simple "X" on the stamp is a variety of cancellation, though we'll leave that to our stamp collector friends. There is no visible date, but the stamp itself, an Austrian five heller stamp, bears particular markings that let us date the stamp to between 1901 and 1905, so we get a general date on our card as well.
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 shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

24.00 USD

Did your knees just go weak? Don't be alarmed. Signorina Menichelli has that effect on many people! One of the most beautifully expressive faces of the Italian cinema, Pina Menichelli, radiates dramatic presence. We are particularly fond of her images, and in general love what these Italian photographers, working with these amazing models, were able to achieve!

We also love being able to offer you cards of this almost pristine quality, as if you had just stepped off a train in Milan, in 1917, and while waiting for your aunt, who was to meet you at the station but is late in arriving, you stop at a kiosk which sells newspapers, magazines and postcards. This particular image catches your eye, because only last month you admired Pina in one of her films, wearing this oh so modern outfit. As you remember sitting in the dark cinema with your sweetheart, the sights and sounds of the busy railway station disappear....

Now, for a real treat, follow the link below to this Youtube video of a full length Pina Menichelli film, lots of fun, and with subs in English and a nice musical soundtrack, so that you can better remember that wonderful experience! We recommend a bowl of fresh popcorn and a SanPellegrino Limonata sweetened with two tablespoons of sugar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwUXLo0277E

Traveling through time and space is what we we are all about here at Red Poulaine. Please think of us as your own personal Tardis :)

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!

18.00 USD

Did your knees just go weak? Don't be alarmed. Signorina Menichelli has that effect on many people! One of the most beautifully expressive faces of the Italian cinema, Pina Menichelli, radiates dramatic presence. We are particularly fond of her images, and in general love what these Italian photographers, working with these amazing models, were able to achieve!

We also love being able to offer you cards of this beauty, as if you had just stepped off a train in Milan, in 1917, and while waiting for your aunt, who was to meet you at the station but is late in arriving, you stop at a kiosk which sells newspapers, magazines and postcards. This particular image catches your eye, because only last month you admired Pina in one of her films, wearing this oh so modern outfit. As you remember sitting in the dark cinema with your sweetheart, the sights and sounds of the busy railway station disappear.

Now, for a real treat, follow the link below to this Youtube video of a full length Pina Menichelli film, lots of fun, and with subs in English and a nice musical soundtrack, so that you can better remember that wonderful experience! We recommend a bowl of fresh popcorn and a SanPellegrino Limonata sweetened with two tablespoons of sugar!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwUXLo0277E

Traveling through time and space is what we we are all about here at Red Poulaine. Please think of us as your own personal Tardis. :)

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!

11.00 USD

Such a charming image! Four young girls costumed as if for a musical production of the Mignon type. Tragic young Gypsies, one and all, well we hope things turn out well for them :)

Please note the small arrow drawn above the head of the leftmost young lady. It harms an otherwise gorgeous print, but still, a charming, charming 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!

39.00 USD

Vaudeville/Circus Acrobatic Trio 4 by Georg Gerlach of Berlin, circa 1906. A spectacular card! One of four in a series of great vaudeville acrobat postcards we recently acquired for the shop.

Though published circa 1906 (the year Germany began allowing divided back cards), these images seem untypical of what we usually find out of Georg Gerlach's studio at that time. Our guess is that these were printed from negative plates originally used to produce late 19th century CDVs and cabinet cards. If you have an opinion on this, we'd really love to hear from you.
Unfortunately, though we have found an image of the "Trio Versa" from another series of cards, we haven't yet found any history on this troupe.

We were absolutely thrilled to find four cards from this series! Acrobats in action are really difficult to find (and not just because they move around so much! :)

Minor wear but overall in very nice condition.Though not so recognizable in our scans, small dots of glitter decorate the players costumes at strategic points. These are far more effective in person! 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

Karl Vanselow, writer, publisher and photographer, was the founder of Verlag der Schoenheit (Beauty Publishers) and a promoter of Naturism, Nudism, and Physical Culture from the early 1900s until, we believe, into the early 1930s, in Germany.

Though unattributed, this may be one of his photos. It is a lovely, evocative, image.

Sometimes viewed as a direct reaction to the social taboos surrounding nudity in modern western society and therefore as political in nature, the Naturist and "Physical Culture" movements that grew in popularity from the 1890s promoted an open awareness and acceptance of the human form, physical well-being through diet and exercise, and the practice of social nudity. Of course naturism is still practiced today all over the world, but in the 1920s (our card's era), the subject was far more controversial.

Herr Vanselow was also an advocate and promoter of Esperanto, and published a number of poems in that "new" constructed language.

Would you like to hear Esperanto spoken? You could follow the link below to the full length version of "The Incubus," a 1966 black and white horror film directed by Leslie Stevens, the creator of "The Outer Limits," and starring a barely pre-Star Trek William Shatner. According to many modern speakers of Esperanto, the pronunciation of the language in this film is...not so great. Still, lots of fun, and a very weird little movie!!
What does any of this have to do with our postcard? Almost nothing whatsoever :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHUfHj2lTaM

A very nice card. Note the extra bit of card stock protruding from one of the corners, a fault (easily remedied) that must have occurred during the cutting process.
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!

17.00 USD

Yep, before Errol Flynn, even before Kevin Kostner!!! and in glorious sepia-tone :)

Douglas Fairbanks, 1883-1939, was a star of stars, actor, director, producer, founding member of United Artists, founding member and first president of the Motion Picture Academy, he and his wife Mary Pickford (America's Sweetheart), were the first to leave prints in the concrete out in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. His bio is so full of firsts, of credits, that we're not even going to attempt a written arrangement of them. Visit Wikipedia for more, link below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Fairbanks

But because beyond a list of credits, the proof really is in the pudding, a second link we'll offer you is to one of Fairbank's most popular films, "The Thief of Baghdad," directed by the great Raoul Walsh in 1924. Free on Youtube, this film is a delight. Marvelous print and with a soundtrack adapted, at least in part, from Rimsky-Korsakoff's Scheherazade, how could you go wrong?
Pop some corn and make a movie night of it :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1C6PutTIow

Great card, very nice condition! Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

17.00 USD

We love the print quality on the film star postcards that were produced by Cinemagazine of Paris. Top Quality! Le Pirat Noir! Yo Ho!!!

Douglas Fairbanks, 1883-1939, was a star of stars, actor, director, producer, founding member of United Artists, founding member and first president of the Motion Picture Academy, he and his wife Mary Pickford (America's Sweetheart), were the first to leave prints in the concrete out in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. His bio is so full of firsts, of credits, that we're not even going to attempt a written arrangement of them. Visit Wikipedia for more, link below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Fairbanks

And because beyond a detailed list of personal details and professional credits (though fascinating), the proof really is in the pudding, a second link we'll offer you is to one of Fairbank's most popular films, "The Thief of Baghdad," directed by the great Raoul Walsh in 1924. Free to watch on Youtube, this film is a delight. Marvelous print and with a soundtrack adapted, at least in part, from Rimsky-Korsakoff's Scheherazade, how could you go wrong?
Pop some corn and make a movie night of it :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1C6PutTIow

Great card, very nice condition! Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

33.00 USD

Beautiful nature study by Julien Mandel, circa 1920. Lovely 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!

14.00 USD

Joseph Max Lichtenstern moved from Austria to Egypt in 1893. He began the publishing company, The Cairo Postcard Trust, in 1899.
A very nice 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!

14.00 USD

Love this image. Marguerite Brésil is one of our favorites. Born in 1880, she made her first appearance on the stage of the Theatre Gymnase in Paris, in 1899, and within a few years was a tremendous star.

This portrait was made by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, the card printed by NPG (Neue Photographische Gesellschaft) of Berlin.

Monsieur Reutlinger had a long standing arrangement with NPG, one of the highest quality printing and publishing houses of postcards at that time (early 1900s), where many of his Parisian photos were printed for commercial distribution.

A very nice unposted 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

36.00 USD

So cute! Music halls and Vaudeville made common use of the "girl in the swing" as a stage setting for musical numbers, though the artistes were usually clothed! Very nice nude image, evocative of the period. There are remnants on the obverse of album paper from this card having been pasted down.
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 shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

22.00 USD

"Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome..."

We recently came across a number of great vintage German musical theater postcards and thought we'd put them in what will probably be a temporary section under the heading "Cabaret," or, auf Deutch, Kabarett! Most of the cards in this section will concern theatrical entertainment in the 1920s Weimar era of post world war one Germany, though we may place a number of Austrian cards of the period and a few film star cards from that time and place into this section as well.

The Weimar era, particularly in Berlin, fascinates us at least in part because of its dramatic contrasts, the tinsel glitter that could not entirely disguise an ever deepening gloom, the festive mood that seemed to so many who witnessed it as if driven by misery rather than a celebration of life as had seemed the Parisian nightlife of the previous decade. In hindsight, some compared the cabaret life of Weimar Berlin to dancing at the edge of a sheer cliff, and perhaps a little of that frenzied energy clings to these images of actors and dancers.

Just for fun, if it's been a while since you've seen it, you might enjoy a little mood music...the very memorable opening of the classic 1972 film version of "Cabaret." Youtube link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBlB8RAJEEc

Dressing room image of stage and film actress Maria Orsca (1893-1930), a popular denizen of the Weimar Berlin arts scene. She played the part of Lulu, the lead character in the play "Erdgeist" by Frank Wedekind, a prominent and controversial figure in German theater of the Jugendstil Epoche. An author, actor and cabaret performer, he led German theater from the norm of pre-20th century Realism into the unexplored territory of Expressionism.

Maria Orsca, a Russian actress of Ukrainian Jewish decent, was born Rachel Blindermann, near Odessa, in 1893. She appeared in some silent films, but mostly on the stage, working with some of the most important names of the time, including Max Reinhardt.

Like Lulu, Maria Orsca was also a tragic figure, losing a lover to suicide in 1926, then her sister Gabryela, also to suicide in '28, and finally she herself, taking her own life in 1930. It has been suggested that morphine addiction, one of the popular vices of the Weimar era, lay at the bottom of much of this misery.

Thanks to Wikipedia for much of the information in this post!

A truly wonderful card so evocative of the time and place, published by Ross Verlag of Berlin.
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!