May Vernacular Photo History Auction
Wed, May 6, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 468
RPPC ‘The Thing’ Mermaid Curiosity Seattle
Estimate: $50 - $100
Starting Bid
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 | $2,500 |
Real photo postcard depicting a preserved curiosity identified as a mermaid figure displayed with a small sign reading “THE THING.” The object has a humanlike head and torso attached to a fish‑like tail and appears to be a fabricated curiosity specimen typical of sideshow and curiosity shop displays.
The printed caption identifies the display as a “Mermaid as seen at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Seattle Washington.” Ye Olde Curiosity Shop was a well‑known Seattle tourist attraction famous for unusual artifacts and sideshow curiosities. Postcards of the shop’s exhibits were commonly sold as souvenirs.
The front bears the printed text: Caption reading “Mermaid as seen at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Seattle Washington.”. The reverse reads: “PHOTO POST CARD” with Kodak stamp box. Handwritten inscriptions read: Pencil catalog notation along the margin.
The printed caption identifies the display as a “Mermaid as seen at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Seattle Washington.” Ye Olde Curiosity Shop was a well‑known Seattle tourist attraction famous for unusual artifacts and sideshow curiosities. Postcards of the shop’s exhibits were commonly sold as souvenirs.
The front bears the printed text: Caption reading “Mermaid as seen at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop – Seattle Washington.”. The reverse reads: “PHOTO POST CARD” with Kodak stamp box. Handwritten inscriptions read: Pencil catalog notation along the margin.
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