24.00 USD
Do you remember the old Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny cartoons? Do you remember the ubiquitous use of the paper-covered hoop that characters like Porky Pig would pop through to say, "That's all folks!" ? Well, unless you're a good bit older than us, you probably just thought it was a feature of the cartoon, and didn't give it much thought. But back in the early days of the cartoon, when Warner was vying with Disney for predominance in the field, and sound/voice synchronization was a new thing, the biggest slot in the entertainment industry was still vaudeville. So it was only reasonable that Warner Bros. incorporated elements of vaudeville into their cartoons. "On wit da show, dis is it!" :)
As you may have noticed with a number of our cards, the paper-covered hoop was a "schtick" oft' used by some of our favorite performers, way before Bugs and Daffy. Possibly originating out of routines inspired by the games children played with the hoop and stick from way back when, stage performers used the hoop as a prop in all kinds of ways. The paper covered hoop one could pop through, was just one of them, but it would seem it was always a hit.
We have no history on Smeralda and Amélie, but we certainly wish we could take a trip back and take in their show! Notice that there is no publisher logo on this card, and that their names are not even scratched onto the negative. This was a publicity RPPC (Real Photo Post Card) of the sort that was often printed up at the expense of the artistes themselves. Printed in limited runs, the least expensive way of producing such a card was to contract with a local printer for a certain number, foregoing the added, and considerable, expense of having your names printed with the photograph onto the card, and simply rubber-stamping your act's name onto the back (in this case, in the wonderful violet-colored ink so popular at the time).
Such cards would certainly have been posted to theater managers, agents, etc., but we know that in many cases, performers sold postcards of their act (almost like passing the hat) to the audience, and even if the theater took a cut, it was still extra income, and an accepted part of the theatrical experience!
A magnificent historical artifact, tremendous fun, and by its "limited production run" nature, a rare postcard, since we have no way of knowing how many of these even remain in existence.
Please examine our high res scans for detail.
The item you are considering for purchase is, unless otherwise noted, a vintage postcard of approximately 5 and 1/2, by 3 and 1/2 inches. Postage is for fully insured, first class, shipping in a secure photo mailer (to avoid any damage to your purchase in the mails), and we happily combine shipping on all paper goods. If you purchase two cards, we will refund the postage on the second card, and when you purchase three or more cards from us at the same time, your shipping will be entirely free, except for international orders which, because of increases in international shipping rates will still be charged one card's shipping fees on orders of three or more. We do not charge for insurance or shipping materials, and as of the date of this listing are still charging below our overall cost on shipping.
And please come visit our blog at:
redpoulaine.blogspot.com
where we post biographical and historical tidbits, images of cards and photographs for sale, some already sold but remembered fondly, related images of historical interest and sometimes even images of items that have not yet arrived in the shop, but that are expected to arrive soon, as well as coupon codes, links to other related sites, and more!