18.00USD

Wonderful, magical image from an Italian operetta or silent film, probably from the late teens or 20s. We've sold one of these before here in the shop, and we're very pleased to get it back again. The card doesn't actually name the characters represented in the image, so we're just taking a very wild guess! 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 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 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!

14.00USD

Early 1900s, possibly late 1800s RPPC of Famous Edwardian Actress Madge Lessing doffing her hat. Gorgeous smile and great costume.

Gorgeous and provocative Madge Lessing (1866-1937) was a London born actress who made it big on the American stage, and later on the screen in silent films produced in Germany. Her origins, according to one reviewer, were shrouded in mystery. In her film career, she appeared in silent movies produced by the prodigious Max Mack. An odd thing about Miss Lessing's appearances in these German films was that her film career in Germany began in 1913. Apparently she continued to make films there in 1914, '15, and '16. The point is, WWI was well underway by this time, and it's a little strange that a British born actress would be shooting films in Germany during that period. Our guess is that since she first hit the big time in New York at the turn of the century, she was probably known primarily as an American actress. She was also known, early on, as someone who liked to keep her past very private, so it seems reasonable that her British origin might have been unknown in Germany at this time. Also, since she left Germany in 1916, this fits our theory well, as it was in 1916 that the US became involved in WWI, and at that point she would have been viewed by the Germans as an enemy alien and been forced to leave that country.

Please examine our high res scans for condition.


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!

14.00USD

She looks likes she's about to belt out an old Al Jolson tune, "Hello my ragtime gal!" So much fun! We here at Red Poulaine are very mixed in our opinions on this one, and find ourselves in an "It's Pat!" predicament. This is a very nice RPPC of someone in a Pierrette costume for a fete. Is it a young man, or a young woman? For certain, it is very 1920s. Love it. 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!

7.00USD

Great image of French performer onstage. Fun costume. Photo by Professeur Stebbing of Paris. Card in nice condition, posted in 1904, some writing in a nice hand. 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!

5.00USD

I love the coloration in this one. St. Catherine is the patron saint of unmarried women. In France, in order to qualify as a Catherinette, you must reach the ripe old age of 25 without marrying. On St. Catharine's day, Catherinette's would send postcards like this one to one another, wear amusing hats, bonnets or turbans, often of the colors yellow, or green, or both, (symbolizing patience and faith, virtues which come to think of it, one can put to use when one IS married too, sigh. :)), and set off sparkly wheels of fireworks. Look up St Catherine for further explanation, :) Saint Catherine might also be the patron saint of Milliners, considering the number of hats they sell to Catherinettes, and....well...yes! POSTCARD dealers too! 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!

9.00USD

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!

6.00USD

Everyone knows the importance of good, mineral rich topsoil in the growing of healthy babies, but don't forget, regular watering is a must! Nice bebe fantaisie card circa 1910, France.
Very nice condition, with only 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!

6.00USD

This wealthy couple has gone directly to the farm in order to get the very finest quality baby right at the source, and at a better price! First of three comical bebe fantaisie cards we're listing today. Circa 1910. Nice condition with only minor wear to edges and corners gently rounded. 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!

6.00USD

Once the crop of Babies is harvested and allowed to appropriately ripen, they are displayed in the windows of fine retail establishments such as the one pictured in this card! 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!

17.00USD

Semi ironic humorous image of WWI era Belgian Army officers armed with flatware, (or, one might say, "armed to the teeth?" BA DA BING! OW!). RPPC of nice quality. 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!

11.00USD

From the studio of Jean Agelou, who is considered by many to be the premier photographer of classic French nude and risque postcard images, came this stunning portrait of a lovely woman from the city of Arles. Alfred Noyer, prolific publisher and patron of the arts, produced this card as a part of his long and very successful project which produced images of the most beautiful women of his beloved France, and not only models and movie stars, but the "anything but ordinary" ordinary gals one would meet on a village street. in traditional provincial garb. Beautiful. 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!

And please come visit our brand new 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!

17.00USD

This is a particularly interesting risque postcard using the ubiquitous hand mirror prop, and although the card itself has seen better days and shows its age, the quality of light and contrast in the image is quite beautiful. Jean Agelou was a renowned master of the "French Postcard," and some of his images have become quite rare. This particular card is an American bootleg on an old Kodak AZO RPPC photo sheet. The AZO stamp box in the upper right corner of the backside has four triangles pointing up, which dates this early card to sometime between 1904 and 1918. This is obviously a bootleg version of the original Agelou card, produced in the studio of some enterprising American, and Agelou's J.A. logo is partially visible in the bottom right of the image, beneath the table. Because this bootleg was produced in Agelou's era, it is of particular historical interest to collectors. There is considerable wear to edges, corners, and surface. 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!

9.00USD

Charming swimsuit pose by PC Paris, probably 1920s. Nice hand-tinted coloration. Very nice condition with minor corner, edge and surface wear. I love the natural pose and expression on this PC Paris model. BTW, we list this under "Risque," and tag it as such because it was risque by the standards for that time. Certainly not by today's. :) 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!

11.00USD

Early (Self?)Portrait by famous pioneer woman photographer Lilian Ream in Japanese costume. Beautifully hand tinted, and gorgeous detail on kimono! Typical edge and corner wear, but overall in very nice condition. There is a tiny polished rectangle in lower right hand quadrant. Not sure what caused this. Barely noticeable to naked eye.
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!

9.00USD

There is a woman's name written in pencil on the back of this card: Lillie Meyer. also: Cat Spring Tex. It appears she is wrapped in a sheet. This is an odd captivating image, and unusual for an RPPC out of the late teens, 20s.
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!

16.00USD

We love it when the age of a card is described in a golden sepia bloom as in this case. Wonderful image of Belle Epoque star Elsa de Mendes leaning casually against a chair tipped up onto two of its legs (a favorite pose of stage performers at the time), and wearing a hat that would please Papageno immensely! Lovely unposted condition. Minor 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 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 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!

16.00USD

Gorgeous hand-tinted image of a beautiful young woman in ringlets and wearing a crown of, morning glories? Magical. The card was posted in Belgium, in 1911. Minor foxing to surface. 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 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!

6.00USD

Charming photo image of a family enjoying a holiday at the seashore. Slightly smaller than typical RPPC by about 1/8th of an inch all the way round. Some black album paper is attached to the back, and there are very minor bends and creases etc. Please examine our high res scans for detail.

We want to list a number of cards this week-end out of a fairly large group we've recently acquired for the shop, so we're not posting our usual research and biographical information in order to speed up our listing process, though we hope to return to these listings later in the week to share more about each card.

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 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!

17.00USD

Truly a lovely, compelling, and magical image. Gorgeous shawl, Art Nouveau headdress and winding snake armlet. Hair up in that "neo-classical" style so popular in the Art Nouveau period. The trompe-l'œil (tromp lowee), backdrop is so serene and lovely, and we sometimes forget, in this era of photo-reproduction that these were beautifully hand painted canvases, often huge, that were sometimes used again and again by the same photographers, so that it becomes a kind of game to identify images by Oricelly, or Reutlinger, for example, that reused the same trompe-l'œill in different portraits of the people they photographed

The Aulete was one who, in ancient Greece, played upon the aulos, that "double flute" instrument she is holding. It is an instrument which was associated, by Plato, with the orgiastic rites of Dionysus, and so fit in well with the celebratory mood of abandon embraced by so many of those who patronized the great music halls of Paris in those years. The image also resonates with a theme that constantly recurs throughout popular art of the period, one which embraces the idea of a return to an imagined pure and simple beauty of an earlier time, when the old gods walked the earth, a time free from the pressures and growing complexity of what, by 1900, was becoming a heavily industrialized society.
Wonderful card in very nice condition, with minor 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 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 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!

16.00USD

Elsa de Mendes, Beautiful Paris Dancer in Costume, circa 1900
We love it when the age of a card is described in a golden sepia bloom as in this case. Wonderful image of Belle Epoque star Elsa de Mendes leaning casually against a chair tipped up onto two of its legs (a favorite pose of stage performers at the time), and wearing a hat that would please Papageno immensely! Lovely unposted condition. Minor 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 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 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!