An exceptional circa 1915 original mounted photograph documenting Capaldi Cafe, a historic Manhattan saloon at 325 West 69th Street, New York City, featuring eight men posed outside an elaborately decorated storefront advertising George Ehret's Extra Beer.
This remarkable early New York commercial photograph preserves an outstanding combination of pre-Prohibition saloon culture, ornate brewery advertising, architectural detail, and neighborhood business history.
Historically Identified Manhattan Saloon
Research into contemporary New York City directories has revealed a compelling identification for this establishment.
The 1915 Trow's New York City Directory lists:
"Capaldi Antonio sal 325 W69th"
This contemporary entry identifies Antonio Capaldi in the saloon business at 325 West 69th Street, Manhattan, matching the café name and prominent street number visible in the photograph. The storefront sign appears to read "Capalde Cafe," while the historical directory records the surname as Capaldi.
A 1917 directory further associates Antonio Capaldi with the same address.
George Ehret Brewery Advertising
One of the photograph's most remarkable features is its extensive original brewery advertising.
The elaborate ornamental metalwork above the entrance prominently displays:
"GEO. EHRET'S EXTRA BEER" across the storefront.
"LIQUORS" incorporated into the decorative signage.
The distinctive six-pointed George Ehret brewer's-star emblem with intertwined GE initials.
Matching brewery trademark emblems on the storefront windows.
Additional George Ehret Lager Beer advertising visible in the window displays.
A circular projecting brewery advertising sign beside the entrance.
George Ehret founded Manhattan's famous Hell Gate Brewery in 1866, becoming one of New York's leading brewers. His distinctive six-pointed GE trademark was federally registered in 1896.
The photograph provides an extraordinary period view of this brewery branding displayed in a functioning New York neighborhood saloon.
Identified Bronx Photographer — E. Marksville
The reverse of the original photographic mount bears a period-style photographer's stamp identifying:
E. MARKSVILLE PHOTO
820 E. 155 ST., BRONX
Historical directory research independently confirms photographer Edward (Edw.) Marksville at 820 East 155th Street in the Bronx in 1915 and 1917.
This provides a compelling documented connection between the photograph and an identifiable early New York commercial photographer.
Photographic Details
Date: Circa 1915.
Location: 325 West 69th Street, Manhattan, New York City (strongly supported by directory research).
Subject: Capaldi Cafe, eight men, historic saloon storefront, and brewery advertising.
Photographer: Attributed to E. Marksville, Bronx, New York, from the reverse stamp.
Photograph: Approximately 4 × 6 inches.
Original-style cardboard mount: Approximately 9 × 11 inches.
Presentation: Sepia-toned photographic print mounted on dark photographic board.
Condition
The photographic image remains largely intact, preserving the detailed storefront signage, architectural ornamentation, and group portrait. The original mount exhibits age-related wear, including substantial chipping and losses along the lower edges and corners, with additional surface wear consistent with its age.
The photograph remains attached to its historic mount, preserving the photographer's stamp on the reverse.
An especially appealing piece of early New York City photographic history, offering a fascinating intersection of pre-Prohibition beer advertising, Manhattan neighborhood commerce, historic storefront architecture, and identified commercial photography.
A wonderful addition to a collection of antique photographs, New York City history, George Ehret Brewery memorabilia, saloon history, or early American breweriana.
Please view all the photos, including the detailed storefront close-ups, original mounting board, and photographer's stamp.