Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 512

Real Photo Postcard, Two Dwarf Performers, Studio Portrait

Estimate: $25 - $50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
Two unidentified little people performers are captured in a studio portrait on a real photo postcard, produced on Vitava stock, which was manufactured and distributed primarily during the 1910s and 1920s. The pair pose before an elaborate painted backdrop depicting architectural panels and a draped scenic landscape, a setting consistent with professional theatrical portraiture of the era. No photographer's imprint appears on the reverse.

The man at left wears a formal dark suit with satin lapels, a white dress shirt, and a bow tie, with a pocket square tucked into his breast pocket and a walking cane held at his side beneath a black bowler hat. The woman at right is dressed in a sleeveless satin performance gown trimmed at the hem with white feather or fur, with a pearl necklace, bow-trimmed heeled shoes, and a ribbon ornament in her hair.

Both subjects present themselves in full performance dress, suggesting this postcard was produced for sale or distribution as promotional material, a common practice among variety, circus, and sideshow performers during the period.

The reverse carries the Vitava postcard imprint with no correspondence or address written. A handwritten notation reading "418/10 LOCABX" appears along the right edge.

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