Circa 1888 Double-Sided Imperial Cabinet Card - Opera Stars - Possible Salesman's Sample

Sold For:

$270

Year:

1888

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

2835

Category:

Non-Sports Cards/Sheets/Card Artwork

Scarce double-sided imperial cabinet card featuring 126 different images (63 on each side) of nineteenth-century opera singers. Each individual image features the opera singer's name and an inventory number along the base. The name of the photography studio, "Mora 707 Broadway, N. Y.," is printed along the base on one side of the mount. While we cannot state with certainty, this cabinet was most likely a salesman's sample, or perhaps part of an in-store catalog in which customers could browse through the inventory and choose the photo they would like to purchase. Regardless, its the only example we have ever seen. The individuals pictured on the card, nearly all of whom are represented in more than one pose, are Lillian Russell, May Irwin, Flora Irwin, the Irwin Sisters, Mari Gerstinger, Zazel, Lillian Walters, Fannie Dart, Selina Dolaro, Fannie Wentworth, Etelka Gerster, Miss A. Sidney, William Carleton, and Marie Roze. The photographs on each side are in Excellent to Mint condition overall. The mount (9 x 14 inches) displays small chips along the top and bottom border, as well as light soiling. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).