Glimpses: Vintage, Fine, and Vernacular Photography
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 11:00AM EDT
Lot 355
Group of 11 San Francisco Novelty Arcade Studio Risqué Photo Cards.
Estimate: $200 - $300
Sold for
$125
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $30 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Group of 11 San Francisco Novelty Arcade Studio Risqué Photo Cards. Including examples from “Gay 90’s Studio,” “Barbary Coast Studio,” and the International Settlement. Each depicts a humorous or risqué staged scene utilizing painted backdrops with inserted photographic portrait heads, a popular tourist amusement format associated with the Barbary Coast and Chinatown districts. Imagery features cross-dressing figures, bathing and domestic scenes, and caricatured compositions reflecting period popular culture and vice-era entertainment. Several retain printed studio imprints and locations, including Grant Avenue. A cohesive and visually engaging group of West Coast vernacular photographic ephemera. Uniformly sized at approximately 3 1/2 x 5 1/2".
Condition
Light to moderate toning, handling wear, and occasional edge wear. Overall, very good.
Available payment options
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