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Antique real photo postcard (RPPC) showing two men in a studio portrait, circa 1910s–1920s. The man on the right grins at the camera. He wears a dark bowler (derby) hat, a high white collar, a tie and a vest under a long dark overcoat, which he holds open and draws around his companion. The man on the left wears a light fedora with a pinched crown and band, a patterned tie and a heavy tweed overcoat. He has his hands clasped and looks up and off to the side. The pose is playful and a little comic, and it has a warm, friendly feel. It's an appealing vernacular piece for collectors of early photography, men's fashion and hat history, or found photos of friendship between men.
The sepia image sits on a painted studio backdrop, with the vignette fading out along the bottom edge and a cream border all around. The back is divided, with an ornate outline "POST CARD" heading and the printed words "CORRESPONDENCE HERE" and "FOR ADDRESS ONLY." It is unused, with no writing, postmark or stamp. No photographer's or studio imprint was observed, and the subjects are unidentified.
Measures approximately 3 1/2" x 5 1/2", standard postcard size.
Condition:Good antique condition for its age. The card is toned overall and shows light foxing and spotting on the back, plus a couple of small stray pencil marks near the lower right edge. The corners and edges are lightly soft with minor wear. On the image, there is a small light scuff or spot of emulsion loss on the right man's coat near center. There is also a dark bluish mark on the lower left, over the left man's coat. The image is otherwise clear, with good contrast and detail. No tears or creases observed. Please review the detailed photos, which are part of the condition description.
Specifics:
- Type: Real Photo Postcard (RPPC)- Subject: Studio portrait, two men- Era: Circa 1910s–1920s (divided back)- Photographic process: Gelatin silver, sepia tone- Size: Approx. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2"- Postage condition: Unposted- Photographer / Studio: Unmarked- Theme: Fashion, men's hats, friendship, vernacular photography- Features: Fedora, bowler / derby hat, overcoats- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States (presumed)- Original/Reproduction: Original
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