19.00 USD

Welcome to "Idols of the 1920s," where we hope to provide a special, cozy place for those of you who long to linger among the stars of the early silver screen, the hoofers and songbirds of dear old vaudeville's fading hours, a few divas of the grand opera, and of the operetta too, flappers, flappers, more flappers, and of course, and perhaps especially, those femmes fatales who with one smoldering glance can melt a heart, or break it in two. Have fun!

Hilarious :) Silent movie maven Pola Negri wearing an expression we've never seen her do on a postcard before!

A wonderful card by Ross Verlag in very nice, unposted condition. The somewhat blue tinting on the back is not particular to this card, but something that occurred in a number of Ross printing runs. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for first class shipping in a secure photo mailer, and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, the price is the same as for a single card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, due to the costs of international shipping will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

9.00 USD

Welcome to our new "Songs of Salome" collection. We are very excited to be offering you this fine selection of carefully chosen cards which share the following traits in common:
They are nearly all over one hundred years old, in very nice condition for their age, offer beautiful images of dancers, actresses and singers in costumes typical of the Art Nouveau style, mostly photographed by famous and well respected photographers of the period, and with a definite emphasis on the "oriental" fashion of jewelry and adornment so popular during that time which has come to be known as La Belle Epoque.

Lovely Belle Epoque painting imagining Salome.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

17.00 USD

Lovely hand-colored treat of two Belle Epoque stage performers sharing one delicate veil between them. Charming! Professor Stebbing took this photograph right around the year 1900. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

18.00 USD

"Borellismo was a word used in Italy in the teens to describe the Lyda Borelli craze. Girls went on diets and strove to imitate her twisted postures. She was like a decadent version of the Pre-Raphaelite beauty--thin, with wavy blond hair and strange but picturesque poses. She portrayed characters who were doomed and otherworldly, often bordering on the supernatural. Her Rapsodia Satanica (1915), a compelling film about an old woman who makes a pact with the Devil for eternal youth, is an splendid introduction to this fascinating star."

Above quote from a short article at Stanford.edu.

Lyda Borelli was so wonderful. If you venture into the wildwood of Youtube and search for her, you will be well rewarded. Lots of beautiful clips to enjoy. Brief observation though, we managed to watch a wonderful, partially-tinted copy of Rapsodia Satanica, and Lyda Borelli, at least in this film, was not thin! She was deliciously beautiful, her portrayal wondrously evocative, but if anything, she was downright zaftig! Very nice card with Signorina Borelli posing in an understated costume with a few feathers in her hair.
By the way, if you ever happen to visit Saragozza, in Bologna (in northern Italy), she is still revered there, and you can visit Casa Lyda Borelli, and soak up the Borellismo! :)
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!

7.00 USD

Gorgeous late teens, early 20s Postcard from A. Noyer's "Plus Belles" series. Nice unposted condition. Very minor surface, corner and edge wear. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Isn't her hair amazing? Stunning portrait by the great Reutlinger of Paris. His model is Mlle. Dalgy. Though there is some resemblance, she should not be confused with Helena D'Algy, who starred opposite Rudolph Valentino in the silents. That Dalgy wasn't born until 1906, while this one, about whom we know exactly nothing, had this photo taken right around 1900. Lovely, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

19.00 USD

Stupendous "Mignonesque" costume image, lovely contrast. Not a whisper about Lise Walton that we can find. We did dig up another image of her, in a lovely big hat :) but more than that...no.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

8.00 USD

The play Faust, by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, worked great influence on the minds not only of Germans, but of people all over the western world, dealing as it did with great changes in outlook toward science, religion, sexuality and morality, and postcard images of its characters, most particularly the tragic heroine, Gretchen, were relatively ubiquitous at the turn of the century. This is a particularly nice one.
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!

8.00 USD

Gorgeous portrait of Belle Epoque actress Martha De Villers by Oricelly of Paris. Posted in 1905. Minimal writing, in a nice hand, on both sides. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Wonderful image of Magda Alden, a dancer about whose life we've found nothing yet, but still looking. This appears to be a lithograph rather than a photograph. The card was published circa 1900 by Virgilio Alterocca of Terni, a well known printer, Socialist party activist, and businessman of vision. Posted to Corsica in the early 1900s. Postmark is a bit muddled and we can't make out the date, but the card is undivided on the reverse which dates its production to before 1904. Some minor wear to edges and corners. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

14.00 USD

Lovely coloration on this charming image, Nice posted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

6.00 USD

Another lovely sepia toned portrait of a Paris music hall personality by Oricelly. The soft, soft light in his work is so wonderful. Research on the history of Martha de Villers is fruitless so far, but we'll keep searching.

This card is in wonderful condition. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

17.00 USD

Mine!!!
Great Art Deco background on this hot pink image of an extremely cute flapper! Metallic silvery ink contrasting with the pink tones doesn't scan quite as glittery as it shows up in person. Great condition, with a greeting on the back in that ubiquitous violet ink of the period.

P-C Paris was one of the most prolific, and loved, of French postcard publishers in the 1920s. We are still hunting down company history, but we can tell you that contrary to popular belief, the P-C in their logo doesn't stand for "post card," or "carte postale." The full company name was "Papeterie de Levallois-Clichy," Clichy being a suburb of Paris. "P-C" also published the "REX" line of postcards. Like many postcard publishers, it probably began as a stationary and printing house that incorporated postcard printing in with its traditional business model when the postcard boom occurred at the turn of the century. P-C Paris was responsible for many of the brightly colored, garish even, tinted postcards that are so dear to our hearts. Lots of romance imagery, lots of tease, and a line of very professionally produced nudes. Catalogs of their work would be a real joy to pour over.
A wonderful card, expressing the irrepressible attitude of the 1920s. 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

Maria Vinent was a popular soprano singer who was born into an aristocratic Cuban family. She toured Europe and was photographed in costume in a number of images that appeared on postcards of the period.
Available information lists her as having been born in 1898 and passing away in 1988. At first we thought, 'This must be another Maria Vinent,' since that birth date would put her at about five years old when this postcard was mailed, but after closely comparing details of facial feature in a number of different photo portraits we are pretty certain this is the same Cuban singer. It is likely then, that at some point she went on record as being ten years, or so, younger than she actually was, and that she was, perhaps, 16 when this photo was taken.
This is perfectly plausible, both the "fudging" on her age (a very common practice at the time), and that she would have been performing professionally at 16, or even for that matter, 14, also a common practice. This would put her at close to 100 years old when she passed away in Miami, as a respected member of the Cuban exile community. Again, why not? It is a ripe old age, but not really all that unusual.
This card appears to have been autographed. Always a treat! On looking closely at our crop of the signature however, we need to point out the following to our customers. Fountain pens so often produce an inconsistent tone (lines that gradate from semi-transparent to opaque) that when we find a signature whose tone is as solidly black as this one, and with no evident ink pooling in places where we often find it, we are less certain of this autograph than some.
That being said, a really lovely image.
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!

16.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.

Wonderful hat, decorated with what appear to be beaded tassels! Fine, posted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.

Fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

9.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.

Wonderful image showing minor wear to the top edge. Otherwise in fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.
Fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.
Fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Alfred Noyer's Aurographies were a collection of delicate, sepia toned, postcards produced in the 1920s, and (we believe) into the 1930s. The subjects were stylish young ladies, sometimes in risque images, sometimes nude, always beautifully photographed. The cards themselves were produced with care, often gilt edged. We came across a number of these recently in fine condition, and are very pleased to share them with you.
Fine, unposted condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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