19.00 USD

A lovely, lovely, card. Beautifully subtle coloration. A fairy queen, perhaps, or woodland sprite. Published by Heliophot of Berlin sometime after mid 1909. We know this because of the triangular logo on the reverse of this card. This was the logo of NBC, the Neue Bromsilber Convention, or the "New Silver Bromide Convention," which was basically a group; or cartel of sorts, formed in mid 1909 by a number of German postcard printers and publishers who produced photographic postcards.

Silver bromide was the primary light-sensitive metallic salt used for the development of the photographic images on their cards, hence the name chosen by the cartel members. The purpose of this organization (only one among many such groups), was to leverage control over costs of materials, etc., and probably also to limit competition in the industry from newcomers, while at the same time maintaining quality standards, and uniform prices on their products. For us, the logo helps establish the age of the card. Though NBC remained a working cartel into the 1930s, the style of this image places it in the 1910s, though without the presence of the NBC logo, we'd have probably placed it circa 1905.

A very nice card 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!

17.00 USD

Wonderfully marcelled hair on our model. She's dreamin' about some guy, that much is clear, Wonderful Art Deco background pattern for this image. It's just such fun!

Follow the below link to Youtube for a musical number that immediately came to mind when we first saw this card.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFSczLif0q4

Great 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

Not too long ago, we came across images from a recent exhibition of Parisian music hall dancers' costumes, and although the carefully applied colors chosen for Mlle. Gilberte's costume in this postcard might seem a little over the top, those exhibition images would suggest otherwise.

M. Toulouse-Lautrec probably chose the colors for his paintings and lithographs to suit his eye, and M. Cherét, in his gorgeous theatrical advertizing posters, was necessarily dealing with a limited color palette. So, since actual color photography, though existent, was commercially impractical, we don't have a lot of access to reliable "color" images of these fantastic costumes outside of modern photographs of carefully preserved examples.

We've included, as one of our listing images (though not for sale), a modern image we found online of a number of classic Folies Bergere costumes. Though there isn't a lot of detail in this shot, it will still give you an idea of the vibrant, sometimes garish, colors used in the creation of those eye-popping costumes.

No information on Mlle. Gilberte, we're sorry to say. Not even a first name. But hey, it's hard to hold onto fame as time passes. Just about everyone of our generation (so ancient :) recognizes the names John, Paul, George and Ringo ("Paul is the cute one," remember?), but, as great as they were, who remembers The Hollies, or much less their first names? Well, okay, we do, or at least one of them: Graham Nash :)

We found an earlier photograph of a Mlle. Gilberte of the Opéra de Paris who might be the same woman, so we're going out on a limb, and calling her an opera singer. Despite her superbly haremesque costume, she does look very "Carmen," no? And what about those magnificently curly-toed shoes?

Great costume, and wonderful hand-coloring, on this charming Belle Epoque postcard. Some tiny visible spots on the surface, but otherwise a lovely 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!

12.00 USD

***There are faint line markings on the surface from the printed lines on the back of the card. Priced accordingly.***
Welcome to our "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.

Some of you might be interested in getting a closer look at her Art Nouveau period headdress, or at least at one very much like it, and from that time, so we've included a scan of one from the Etsy shop, Bellasoiree, in with our listing images. Below is a link to that listing, should you want to visit it. It is a truly amazing shop!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/200459734/original-1910s-1920s-head-dress-head?ref=shop_home_active_19

Beautiful image. We're fortunate enough to come across Mlle. Mante every now and then, especially in this series of images by Leopold Reutlinger. Though it is by no means a rare image, it is a gorgeous example of this sort of costuming, and much sought after.

A very nice card, from a Reutlinger photo from probably around 1900, and posted in 1902. There are faint line markings on the surface from the printed lines on the back of the card. Priced accordingly..
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

Lovely German image of a young woman in black, seated on a bench and holding a mandolin, or similar instrument. Nicely hand-tinted.

*Interesting historical note:

Although Germany was the center of postcard production prior to WWI (1914-1918), with the coming of the great war, sales of postcards to many European countries, and later to the USA, dwindled to nothing. This pretty much spelled the end of the "golden age" of postcard production.

Our card was posted during the war (1917), and was probably printed during the war years as well. The writing on the back of the card is in Dutch though, and so probably sold by its German printing house, via a wholesaler, to a retail outlet in Holland. Holland was strictly neutral during the whole of WWI, and so one of the non allied European outlets still available to German postcard publishers.

A lovely card with minor wear to corners and edges. 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!

50.40 USD

As per convo. Thank you!

12.00 USD

Lovely image of Signorina Lina Cavalieri. Lina Cavalieri, in her time, was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Orphaned at 15, Signorina Cavalieri ran away from the convent orphanage where she was placed by the state, and by great effort, talent and tenacity, became one of the most wealthy and successful opera singers of la Belle Epoque.
Below, follow our link to youtube where you can hear la Belle Cavalieri sing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMfcj02jCk&list=PL2B15325067277A20

There are a few minor faults with this image, though not very noticeable at first glance. Up the neck and around the face, there are several tiny, light-colored, marks. Still, a lovely, uncommon 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!

14.00 USD

Lovely image of Signorina Lina Cavalieri. In her time, she was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. (Confidentially, we're inclined to agree, but would never say so out loud, as our postcards are always listening...:)

Orphaned at 15, Signorina Cavalieri ran away from the convent orphanage where she was placed by the state, and through great effort, talent and tenacity, became one of the most wealthy and successful opera singers of la Belle Epoque, performing internationally in all the great opera houses of Europe and the Americas.

Below, follow our link to youtube where you can hear la Belle Cavalieri sing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMfcj02jCk&list=PL2B15325067277A20

In a really superb portrait of this great beauty by Leopold Reutlinger, she is wearing an amazing hat, piled high with elegantly arranged swaths of velvet ribbon.

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!

26.00 USD

Gorgeous, hard to find image of Signorina Lina Cavalieri, photographed by Reutlinger, and published as an Oranotype, by the Neue Photographische Geselschaft in Berlin. In her time, she was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world. (Confidentially, we're inclined to agree, but would never say so out loud, as our postcards are always listening...:)

Orphaned at 15, Signorina Cavalieri ran away from the convent orphanage where she was placed by the state, and through great effort, talent and tenacity, became one of the most wealthy and successful opera singers of la Belle Epoque, performing internationally in all the great opera houses of Europe and the Americas.

Below, follow our link to youtube where you can hear la Belle Cavalieri sing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuMfcj02jCk&list=PL2B15325067277A20

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

as per convo

17.00 USD

Amazing image of Mlle. Héglon in gorgeous Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau, attire. And her hair! We love the seemingly careless way it was photographed by Leopold Reutlinger, spider-silked across her upper arm. Very sensual imagery.

Meyrianne Héglon (1867-1942), was Belgian born (of Danish extraction), and a mezzo soprano who spent most of her operatic career in France. She made her debut in 1890 at the Opéra de Paris performing the role of Maddalena in Rigoletto. She enjoyed a long and successful career and was married to composer Xavier Leroux, well known himself for the writing of many popular operas.

Nice posted condition on this 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!

14.00 USD

Wonderful ruffles and frills, petticoats and bloomers. Love the details. A very nice image. Slightly rounded corners, minor corner and edge wear, otherwise a very nice card indeed. Posted in 1908
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

Gorgeous, vibrantly hand-tinted Image of darkly beautiful stage performer identified, on some other images, by the name Lilliane, taken by Professor Edouard Stebbing of Paris. This card was published using the "emaillographie" method, about which we know absolutely nothing, I'm afraid, but which was used by a Monsieur G. Piprot, a photographer and, in this case, publisher, under the Etoile, or "star" label. The one thing we have observed in cards which M. Piprot identifies as having been produced using this method, is that they are often some of the most luminous, and in terms of coloration, the most strikingly vibrant, we run across. We will list this card in our risque category, because...wow! :)
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!

18.00 USD

Is she the mother of Briar Rose, asleep in her throne for a hundred years? Or Ophelia, dreaming that Hamlet stands there beside her? She is certainly beautiful in either case.
Exquisite Gabrielle Robinne (1886-1980), was made an officer in the French Legion of Honor for her contributions in the Arts.
She was a star of the stage, and also of silent films, and then the talkies as well, her career spanning some sixty years.

Gorgeously hand-colored 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!

29.00 USD

Most of the cards we sell on Red Poulaine are, in fact, French postcards, in that they were actually published in France, but the term "French Postcard" was also one often used to euphemistically describe the very popular nude, and risque, postcards of the time, whether they were published in France, or elsewhere, hence our quotation marks.

In fact, these cards were quite probably responsible, in large part, for the popular notion that France was particularly libertine in its attitudes, a notion brought back to the U.S.A.(along with thousands of these cards), by young American soldiers who fought in France during WWI.

The model is one of our favorites from the period. We've read that her name was Brianna, but we have that from one website only, and we've not been able to gather any more history. We have seen her clothed, on some of the more ordinary "glamor" cards of the 1920s. Some of her earliest nude images appear to date back to the 1910s.
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

This is one of Alfred Noyer's "Aurographie" images. These seem to have been published in the 1920s, and all of those we've seen were on the same delicate stock, and sepia-toned. A large number of the cards he published as Aurographies were semi-nude/erotic offerings, though the bulk of those we've run across were simply lovely, but relatively standard, Noyer "glamor shots" of fully clothed, beautiful French women, much like those in his "Les Plus Belles" collection.
This one is a lot of fun, particularly because of its subtlety. At first glance, our model is charmingly coiffed after a fashion popular in American silent films of the time, her hair all ringlets, and the huge schoolgirl bow, a style we predominantly associate with Mary Pickford, but which was shared out amongst a number of actresses, Lillian Gish, and Miss Pickford's sister-in-law, the very tragic Olive Thomas, just to name two. But, contrasting rather dramatically with this sweet diminutive first impression, is the way her bare-breasted upper torso is swathed in sheer veils, leaving a nipple clearly exposed. Probably this was one of a series, some of which may not have been quite so subtle.
A very nice card, but with a gentle crease in its upper left corner.
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!

22.00 USD

A hush falls over the audience. Even the calliope is silent now. The ringmaster, with an almost sinister air of mystery, doffs his black silk hat and bows deeply. The air is heavy with the smells of freshly roasted peanuts and apples, popcorn, sawdust, the manure of animals, the sweat of a closely packed crowd. All eyes are glued to the center ring in delighted anticipation of the unknown. What thrilling spectacle is about to unfold? We can expect tightrope-walkers, acrobats, dancers from strange and forbidden kingdoms, that daring young man, or woman, on the flying trapeze, jugglers and clowns. We are under the big top, the largest tent on the circus grounds, its central pole as big around as the trunk of a great tree, reaching from the eye-dazzling lights and sequined sparkles of the central ring, up, up into the heights of impenetrable darkness and gloom.
In this section, "Under the Big Top," we hope to entice you with the romantic images of circus performers, and of variety artists whose acts appeared on the bills not only of circuses, but of those variety shows that played on a stage, at a time when the movie industry was still in its earliest infancy, when, before the advent of television, or even radio, entertainment was always live.

The "Corbeille de la Mort," literally the "Basket of Death," was a sideshow act in which the two daredevils were inside the basket, and began riding around its interior walls, building up speed and climbing higher. We have actually seen this feat performed in an old movie (sorry, cannot remember much more than that or we'd try to find a Youtube clip for you). It was the kind of 50's teen romance film in which a "nice" girl (townie) falls in love with a "bad" boy (biker, carny, you get the idea) who has to prove himself to her father, clear his name, save the Queen of England from an alien menace, etc., etc. :)

In any case, as the daredevils begin climbing higher and higher, the basket walls, which, as you might imagine from the image are somewhat flexible, begin to wobble in and out in a most disconcerting way, eliciting shrieks of delight from the audience, and the passenger leans wayy in to fight against the centrifugal force pulling the bike toward the basket's edge :)

We're dating this image to the 1910s, since the style of motorcycle they're mounted on looks a lot like a pre-WWI motorcycle of the sort produced by Indian, but we are just guessing.

Great image in nice, unposted condition, that would make a fine addition to any collection of early circus, carnival, or motorcycle, images.

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

Wow. Amazing :) Mlle. (or perhaps Fraulein) Leydner reminds us of one of our favorite gals, an arch rival of Mata Hari's named Suzy Deguez, who performed "La Danse Des Cheveux" or "The Hair Dance." Collecting images of women with splendiferous locks is a popular hobby!
Unfortunately, we can find no history on this artiste, and there is no photographer attribution. Great image though! The sender used an ink that faded over time to a shade of pale green, and scrawled the date on Miss Leydner's arm! Some of our customers will not buy a card if the front side has been postmarked, stamped, or written upon, while others buy only those that have been, exclusively!

Just for fun, we are including (though not for sale), a scanned image of a Belle Epoque periodical, out of our own tiny collection, that featured Suzy Deguez on its cover. See what we mean? They even look a bit alike :)

Please examine our high res scans for detail. There is a dot of pale touch-up of some kind within her right eye. Cannot know if this was done intentionally to make up for some defect in the printing/negative, or was entirely accidental.

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!

55.00 USD

as per convo

39.00 USD

Priceless image! Not a postcard. This is a backed photograph (approx. 3 and 1/2 by 4 and 3/4 inches) of two lieutenants (perhaps brothers or cousins) in the Austro-Hungarian infantry, posing with wives, girlfriends, or, because of a marked resemblance, quite possibly sisters.

There is a fair amount of writing on the back of this photo, but all we can really make out is that the two young men are the Lieutenants (plural) Schmidt (hence the brothers, or cousins, idea), in an infantry regiment, and followed by the numerals "99."

If you look closely, you'll notice that the couple on the left are wearing two different uniform tops (perhaps "dress" and "fatigues"), while the couple on the right have those tops switched. Also, toward the bottom edge of the photo you can glimpse some pleated skirt, indicating that the women didn't change into the uniform pants :)

All four are using cigarettes as props in this image. By appearance alone, the photo is almost certainly from the pre-WWI era. The "99" on the back might well be the date of the photograph, but we have no way of knowing.

What image research we were able to do online suggested that the uniform hats in our image have higher crowns than those of headgear worn by Austro-Hungarian infantry during WWI, and are probably from late 19th century, but unless you are an expert (and we are so very far from that), the peculiarities of military uniforms from country to country, year to year, are mind-boggling. Even within one country's army infantry, the number of different units, and consequent variations in uniform, requires expert knowledge to untangle.

For example, just about everyone associates an ornamental spike on a helmet with early 20th century German military dress, and that is a reasonable association, particularly given the ubiquitous images of spiked helmets in the anti-German propaganda art so prevalent during WWI. But, very few here in the USA would associate that spiked helmet with the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. And yet, for a time, the USMC did in fact sport spiked helmets!

These things happen because designers of military uniforms would (and almost certainly still do) borrow details from the uniforms of successful foreign military units, sometimes for reasons having more to do with military "fashion," or "trend," than actual practicality in the field.

A wonderful photograph, historically fascinating, with great resolution, and a mood that is both humorous, and poignant. 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!