Major C. Nowak, a little person performer, is depicted in a full-length studio portrait on this real photo postcard, produced by M.S. Tumminello Photo at 617 N. Hanover Street in Baltimore, Maryland. The card back bears a date notation of 10/21/11, placing the image in October 1911. A bold ink inscription across the lower right of the image reads "Yours Truly, Major C. Nowak" in the subject's own hand, identifying this as a signed promotional portrait.
Nowak stands confidently in formal attire consisting of a light-colored frock coat with dark velvet collar and cuffs, matching trousers, a knotted cravat, and white gloves, while resting both hands atop a slender walking cane. A tall silk top hat crowns his head, and dark leather lace-up shoes are visible at his feet. His expression is relaxed and slightly smiling, directed directly at the camera.
Signed promotional portraits of named little person performers from the early twentieth century represent a distinct category of circus and sideshow ephemera, with subjects often touring under theatrical titles such as "Major" or "General" as part of their stage persona.
The reverse carries a printed postcard back with an embossed publisher's mark, the date notation 10/21/11 in ink along the left margin, and a penciled notation reading "LOBEAR" along the lower left edge.
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