17.00 USD

Lutece (pronounced LOO-tess) was the public persona of the lovely young woman in this photograph. We have not yet dug up any biographical information on her, which is a bit surprising given the number of images of her we've run across. Nearly all of the photos we've seen were taken by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, the well known theatrical portraitist, and nearly all of them have her attired in that "classical" garb so popular during la Belle Epoque, and as much a fixture in Art Nouveau painting and sculpture as the "costume orientale."

Like another popular postcard model of the period, Mlle. Doll, Lutece is most often pictured in a natural setting, by stream, or virgin spring, and particularly in sweet meadows. But while Doll was often photographed in the woodlands, with squirrels, bunnies, deer, peacocks, etc., giving her photographs a distinctly fairy tale feel, Lutece's images were of a more "antiquated" variety, like scenes out of classical Greek, or Roman, myth. She was pictured playing the lyre, or pipes, worshipfully holding aloft a bunch of grapes, or nibbling at them, and as for wildlife, white doves seemed to love congregating near her.

And her name was well suited to her, because Lutece is the French word for the Latin Lutetia, or Lutetia Parisiorum, the 3rd Century b.c.e. home of the Parisii, an ancient Gallic people who it is thought first settled the area that became the Roman town, Lutetia, and where now stands the city of lights, Paris. Perhaps she represented to theater goers their forgotten origins, in a simpler, more magical, "golden" time, that La Belle Epoque, the "beautiful era," seemed always to be reaching toward.

Also like Doll, we really know nothing yet about her performance art, whether she was an actress, a singer, a dancer, or simply a lovely young woman whose images sparked Monsieur Reutlinger's, and the public's imaginations.


A very nice, unposted card, circa 1900.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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

Bacchus ventures, "Oh Beauteous One, answer me true. What are my chances?"

To which Lutece replies, "Perhaps as much as...this...thou silly goat." :)

Lutece (pronounced LOO-tess) was the public persona of the lovely young woman in this photograph. We have not yet dug up any biographical information on her, which is a bit surprising given the number of images of her we've run across. Nearly all of the photos we've seen were taken by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris, the well known theatrical portraitist, and nearly all of them have her attired in that "classical" garb so popular during la Belle Epoque, and as much a fixture in Art Nouveau painting and sculpture as the "costume orientale."

Like another popular postcard model of the period, Mlle. Doll, Lutece is most often pictured in a natural setting, by stream, or virgin spring, and particularly in sweet meadows. But while Doll was often photographed in the woodlands, with squirrels, bunnies, deer, peacocks, etc., giving her photographs a distinctly fairy tale feel, Lutece's images were of a more "antiquated" variety, like scenes out of classical Greek, or Roman, myth. She was pictured playing the lyre, or pipes, worshipfully holding aloft a bunch of grapes, or nibbling at them, and as for wildlife, white doves seemed to love congregating near her.

And her name was well suited to her, because Lutece is the French word for the Latin Lutetia, or Lutetia Parisiorum, the 3rd Century b.c.e. home of the Parisii, an ancient Gallic people who it is thought first settled the area that became the Roman town, Lutetia, and where now stands the city of lights, Paris. Perhaps she represented to theater goers their forgotten origins, in a simpler, more magical, "golden" time, that La Belle Epoque, the "beautiful era," seemed always to be reaching toward.

Also like Doll, we really know nothing yet about her performance art, whether she was an actress, a singer, a dancer, or simply a lovely young woman whose images sparked Monsieur Reutlinger's, and the public's imaginations.


A very nice, unposted card, circa 1900.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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!

6.00 USD

A wonderful little card! Although we don't place a very high monetary value on this one, its publisher, Albert Bergeret, is of such importance to postcard history, that we thought we ought to devote a little time to him!

Albert Bergeret (1859-1932) was a hugely prolific French publisher of postcards, and is pretty much acknowledged as the father of the postcard in France.

Trained as a printer in Paris, Monsieur Bergeret relocated to Nancy, in Lorraine, in 1886. There, he worked for the Royer printing house until 1898 when he established his own business.

Of course, at this time, postcards were really catching on; Monsieur Bergeret produced and sold 25 million of them in the year 1900, alone.

In 1901, L'Ecole de Nancy was formed. This was a group of artists and tradesmen devoted to bridging the gap between art and industry, and according to an article in Wikipedia, "spearheading" the Art Nouveau movement in France. Apparently Albert Bergeret was closely allied with them, and was responsible for a great many postcards incorporating designs clearly inspired by Art Nouveau.
His home also, called the Villa Bergeret, was designed by a member of l'Ecole de Nancy, Lucien Weissenburger, and incorporated the works of many other local artists in its construction. Images of it are easily accessible on Google should you be interested.

Bergeret cards are highly collectible and have a very devoted fan base. The quality of photo-reproduction in these cards is, in our opinion, not all that great, but the images themselves are often funny, clever, and sometimes really beautiful.

Many Bergeret cards incorporated little rhyming poems into their imagery, although this particular card has only the word, "Souvenir" in an attractive Art Nouveau font, and framed by some lovely graphic work in that curvilinear style so recognizable as coming out of the Art Nouveau movement.

The word souvenir, for most of us, has come to mean a memento of a place or occasion, Plastic salt and pepper shakers purchased in that motel gift shop in Grand Rapids where we stayed while on vacation :) but in this case, the word is simply a way of saying "Remember me," or "I'm remembering you." How sweet!

As the third image for this listing, we are including one we pulled off the web of another Bergeret card. This is not for sale (we don't even own it), but we thought you might enjoy it as a postcard related image. Also, this card has one of those short rhyming poems we mentioned earlier, and shows that while probably not taking himself too seriously, M. Bergeret was not above tooting his own horn. Below is the rhyme in French, and just for fun, our own relatively close translation of it into English.

Sur votre machine ronde,

La carte postale abonde;

Les editeurs inventifs

S' efforcent d'etre instructifs

Quel est les meilleur en France?

Ce mystere est eclairci,

Je le dis sans reticence,

C'est Bergeret, de Nancy.
Armand Gaboriaul

From our printing press round,

Do postcards abound;

By editorial invention,

They bestow information.

Which, in France, is the best?

This is clear; no contest!

Without hesitancy,

Bergeret, of Nancy.


Sincere apologies to any literary folks in the audience :)

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!

195.00 USD

Hurrah! For almost two years we have striven to complete a collection of four queens, searching through many, many, collections on a regular basis, with condition being the primary obstacle, and then a short time ago, we managed to gather the most difficult of the quartet, a Cleo de Merode Queen of Hearts, into the fold.

Finally, the four glamorous artistes who in many ways best represent the theatrical romance of the Belle Epoque era are together in our shop. This little set has been our "Maltese Falcon" for some time now, and it gives us great pleasure to share it with you :)

First, Cleo De Merode, clearly the most beloved today of all the Belle Epoque artistes, pictured as the Queen of Hearts. How could it be otherwise?

Our personal favorite, The Queen of Clubs, Mlle. Saharet, can-can dancer extraordinaire, who, if the stories we read are true, began her stage career while little more than a child, along the rough and tumble Barbary Coast of San Francisco, California.

The Queen of Diamonds, Signorina Lina Cavalieri, was for very good reason hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world, but diamonds were her undoing, or so the story goes, as she was tragically killed in an allied bombing raid during WWII, while attempting to rescue her prized jewels from her palatial residence.

Finally, La Belle Otero. The Queen of Spades indeed. The suit of spades corresponds to that of swords in the tarot deck, often considered the most ill omen-ed of the four suits. La Senorita Otero invented a romantic past to mask a humble and tragic childhood. Her path to great success was certainly not an easy one. Probably the most notorious of the four ladies, she is the only one numbered among les Grandes Trois, or les Grandes Horizontales, the titles applied to the three great courtesans of the period. And speaking of swords, legend has it that more than a few men lost their lives in duels, or suicide, for want of her love.

Please examine these cards carefully. Note their condition. With the exception of some very minor age spotting on the reverse sides, these are as close to being in pristine condition as any we have found. Our fantasy is that some enthusiastic collector will mount them in a sumptuously gilded frame, behind some bevel cut matte board and heavy glass, so that as a collection, they are given their due. We were tempted to do this ourselves, and then to offer them up in that state, but thought it was probably better to let whoever makes them their own decide how best to preserve and display them.

As you can see, we are placing a premium value on these four ladies, but we are, frankly, in no hurry to part with them, because when they're gone, we'll have to begin that long, long search, all over again :)

If you're are interested in purchasing this collection, please convo us requesting scans of the three backsides we didn't have room to show in this listing. They are all in pretty much identical condition, except for the Cleo card, which is practically spotless.
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!

3.00 USD

Posted from Belgium in 1904, a very cute image of Belle Epoque dancer, Mlle. Caux. Postcard shows a bit of 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!

16.00 USD

Really a lovely image, produced by B. Bing of Austria. Unfortunately, we have no background info. Probably a publicity still of two actresses as they appeared in a popular stage production. Very nice 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!

16.00 USD

Really wonderful! Not the typical Pierrot image! A beautifully and brightly-colored hand-tinted card published by Bleuet, probably in the 1920s, showing Pierrot wooing Colombinette under the moon, while holding a mandolin in one hand. We love the wonderful scarves that grace each of the lovers' heads.Very nice coloration. 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!

12.00 USD

One of a series of images of this actress, we're not able to identify her, but we certainly enjoy her personality! :) Leo Stainer was an Austrian publisher who is today known for his printing of highly collectible images by the American artist Harrison Fisher, among others. A lovely card in nice unposted condition with minor wear.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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!

16.00 USD

Stanislav Julian Ignacy, the Count Ostorog, took the name Walery as a pseudonym for his photographic work, just as his father, the elder Count Ostorog had before him. In those days it was not seemly, don't you know, for a member of the aristocracy to besmirch the family name by openly dabbling in a trade like photography :)
The elder count had already made a name for himself as a photographer of celebrities in England (among his credits was Queen Victoria), before his son took over the business upon the elder count's death in 1890. It was in 1900 that the younger Walery moved from London to establish himself, in opulent digs, in Paris, where he seems to have specialized in portraits of Belle Epoque showgirls. Though his output doesn't appear to come even close to the prolific Leopold Reutlinger (a competitor of his, whose images we frequently display in our shop), Walery was responsible for a great many wonderful images of such well known performers as Mata Hari and later, the great Josephine Baker.
This image of Mlle. Gallet, about whom we have found no biographical information whatsoever, was published by Monsieur G. Piprot of Paris, sometime between the years 1900 and 1904.
A wonderfully evocative card (don't you just love the curled toe on her heeled slipper?), in very nice 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!

14.00 USD

Manon Loty, beautiful star of the Paris music halls in a wonderfully classic "pin-up" pose. Very nice card, circa 1900.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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!

12.00 USD

Beautiful! Classic Belle Epoque look. So cute. We aren't familiar with the photographer Dainef, but the card was published by G. Piprot of Paris, one of our favorites. Published circa 1905 and posted 1908. A lovely card.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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

We don't list many "bathing beauty" images in the shop, but they can be so much fun. This is one lovely coquette from the second series of summer fun pin-ups we've brought into the shop this month. Some in purple, and some in a tomato red. What a flirt! You probably won't see any more of this particular card genre coming into the shop for quite some time. Exceptionally fine condition. Really almost pristine! Published by CEKO, a French publisher, apparently, but one about which we've learned very little. Still researching. From the 1920s, or possibly the early 30s.

Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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

Okay, so we're half a world away, and distanced by more than a century, but if that's not the look Buffy gives her mom when she's told to be home right after school, and that her grades are such that there'll be no more nights sexy-dancing at the Bronze with Willow until they show improvement, well...
Beautiful hand coloring. Lovely card posted from Luxembourg in 1909.
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 beginning today, when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free!

And please come visit our brand new blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

where we will soon 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

J. Mandel, the somewhat mysterious French photographer and publisher, who is probably best known for his nude images in luscious sepias and shades of brown, produced a series of images in the 1930s that were, for the most part, more "family" oriented. Here is one of them. In the same way that Ketty cards often made use of an overall silver tone to bring out the reds of the rouge and lipstick in their images, see how in this image the woman's lips take center stage with a big Smmack! :) And then the soft focus is a great touch we find throughout this series of images, along with groupings of geometric designs in the backgrounds used to give the image balance. Great couples romance card with a wonderful Art Deco feel to it, produced by a very important name in French "glamor card" history.
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!

24.00 USD

The Kunzli brothers, Karl and Max, of Zurich Switzerland, were in the art publishing business as early as the 1870s. Small wonder then, that when the postcard craze occurred at the turn of the century, they jumped in with both feet. Also, their experience in art publishing (they were particularly well known for their top notch chromolithographs), gives us a better understanding of the very "pictorialist" quality of many of their photographic images. This one is a fine example. Gorgeous. What a beautifully complex expression on the model's face, and how like a wonderfully wrought painting!
This card was published by their French satellite, Kunzli Freres (Kunzli Brothers, or just KF of Paris). 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!

11.00 USD

Jeane Hatto (also Jeanne, but she signed as Jeane), was born in Lyon France in 1879. By age 20, she was a well recognized singer, a soprano, and soon was an internationally famous performer with close friends highly placed in the arts. She made some very early recordings for Odeon, on wax cylinder, which are said to exist, but are not, as far as we can tell, currently available. In 1902, she began a relationship with Louis Renault, industrialist and automobile manufacturer. They were lovers for years, and although they parted ways after some years, remained close friends until his death following WWII.

The story of her relationship with Renault is fascinating, and leads into the story of Renault himself, a very complex figure surrounded by controversy: honored citizen, inventor, war profiteer, right wing extremist, suspected collaborationist, victim of possible torture and unsanctioned state execution, the possibly illegal confiscation of his company by the French government, this tale is one of high finance, the arts, conspiracy, and would make a fantastic screenplay, but has no place here, unfortunately :) Still, we couldn't resist sharing a taste!

Wonderful costume image by Leopold Reutlinger of Paris. A very nice unposted card. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

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

And please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

11.00 USD

Born in Italy, in 1865, to an Italian mother and an Austrian army officer, Theresina Gessner moved with her family to Austria in the 1870s, polished up her German (she had been raised with Italian as her first language), studied drama at the Vienna Conservatory from the age of 16, and joined the German Theater in the 1880s, where she met and married Austrian actor Otto Sommerstorf in 1888. Here is a lovely image (Look at her hair! Wow!), probably published in the 1890s. Very nice condition.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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

There's little we like more than fairy tales, and we are especially fond of those that are less well known, as is true of the tale referenced by this card, "La Fée aux Cheveux d'Or."

NOTE: This card is the subject of a contest. Read the details on our blog at:

http://redpoulaine.blogspot.com/2014/06/mirror-writing-mystery-and-handwriting.html

The image on the face of this intriguing card depicts a woman with extremely long hair, wearing only a faux nude body stocking, pearls, flowers, and a drape of cloth that hangs from one shoulder to her opposite hip. Above her, are the lyrics to a song:

La Fée aux Cheveux d'Or

Il était une fois mignonne,
Une Fée aux cheveux si blonds
Qu'ils semblaient d'or pris aux rayons
De quelque céleste couronne.
Il était une fois mignonne...
(Musique de P. Delmet).

We translate this as:

The Fairy with Hair of Gold, or The Golden-Haired Fairy

She was lovely once,
A fairy with hair so blond
It seemed golden rays taken
From some celestial crown.
She was lovely once ...
(Music by P. Delmet).

Although the song may (or may not) have been written by the French composer and singer Paul Julien Delmet, the title of the song and the character of the golden-haired beauty are taken from a story by Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville, Baroness d'Aulnoy, better known as Madame d'Aulnoy, today. Madame d'Aulnoy was a French writer known for her "salons" in which the cream of French society took turns telling each other stories; she coined the term "contes de fées," which translates as fairy tales, to describe the stories they told.

A translation of Madame d'Aulnoy's "La Fée aux Cheveux d'Or" was published by Andrew Lang in The Blue Fairy Book, with the title "The Story of Pretty Goldilocks." Interestingly, Charming, in this story, is not a prince, but a mere courtier in a king's court. Here's a quick overview, if you're not familiar with the story:

A princess, called Pretty Goldilocks due to her beauty and golden hair, has no wish to get married. A king falls in love with her, but she rejects his proposal.

Now, usually, we'd expect the king to go on a quest to win his lady love, but that's not what happens. He sends Charming, instead. On his way to meet the princess, Charming meets the traditional three animals and helps each, receiving a promise of future help from each. When Charming meets her, the princess refuses the gifts he's brought from the king, one of them a little dog named Frisk, and sets three tasks that must be completed before she will be willing to marry. Charming thinks these are impossible tasks and is ready to give up, but Frisk encourages him to try, anyway. Of course, Charming's animal helpers are each perfectly suited to accomplish one of the tasks, so problem solved.

Princess Goldilocks agrees to marry the king, but what she really wants is to marry Charming. He, however, remains loyal to his ruler, and she goes ahead with the marriage. After the wedding, the king gets jealous, and throws Charming in the tower. But, the king is still fearful that he's not sufficiently handsome to please his wife, so he washes his face with water that's supposed to be from the Fountain of Beauty, Only, oops, a clumsy maid had broken the bottle it was in and replaced it with an identical one. The potion in this bottle, however, causes the king to fall into a profound sleep, from which he will never wake. (This was Madame d'Aulnoy's way of saying that the king died from drinking poison, without actually, you know, saying it.) Frisk, acting as messenger, runs to tell Charming, who's been languishing in his tower, that the king is dead, and Charming sends Frisk to remind the princess that he's still alive. She releases Charming and makes him king, as well as her husband, and the pair finally live "happily ever after."

This card was published by Bergeret, who practically pioneered the French post card. Though posted in 1904, it is an early divided back card, indicating it was published right around the date of the legal change that introduced today's modern post cards. Unlike most of Bergeret's cards, then, this is not considered a "precurseur."

There is also an example of mirror writing along one side of the card, only three words, but clearly the sender has made an effort to disguise the private message meant only for the receiver. You can learn more about the people and story mentioned in this post by visiting the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Delmet (Then click the link to view the translation of the French page for him, as it has an extensive bio.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madame_d%27Aulnoy/

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/503/503-h/503-h.htm#link2H_4_0019

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This card was published on delicate card stock with lovely hand-tinting. There are tiny creases in both upper 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, 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!

7.00 USD

What fun! Can't you just imagine this flapper doing the Charleston with her beau and delighted to be the center of attention?

The reverse has a message in French, written in violet ink. We leave the discovery of it's meaning to you.

Lovely image by Noyer, beautifully hand-tinted. Creasing at top and bottom, primarily on the right side. Unposted.

Please examine our high res scans for detail!!!

This image is in our "Idols of the 1920s" section where 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 diva's 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!

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.

Please come visit our blog at:

redpoulaine.blogspot.com

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

12.00 USD

Delightful, hand-tinted image of stage performer Eline Oreo. We could tell you that her name bears no relation to the cookie whatsoever, but the fact is, quite a number of confections of one sort and another were named in honor of theatrical performers, and since the Oreo was first introduced in 1912, well...it's possible! Ooh...the chocolatey goodness....the cream filling...er...but back to our card.
We are wondering if Mlle. Oreo and Elise DeVere were engaged in a contest over who could wear the longest feather on their floppy hat? It was all the poor girl could do to keep her feather in the frame:)

Sequins and diamonds and pearls, oh my! Seldom have we run across this many sparklies in one image. Over all, a wonderful card, posted in 1907. The edges are not "ruler" straight on this one. They were cut unevenly for some reason. Possibly trimmed to fit the card into a small frame?
Please examine our high res scans for detail.

Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will 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!