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Nikolai Kobelkoff was born in 1851 without arms and legs. He went on to fame and fortune by touring and showing his adaptation skills.
Card #1
Nikolai on a table, surrounded by his family. Photo taken in a studio, with forest background.
Toning UR corner, Some paper chips on corners, back side.
Card #2
Nikolei on a table, family standing to his left. Taken in studio
Slight toning UR, Text at bottom cut off (production).
Both are French postcards and unused
Born on July 22, 1851 in Siberia, Russia, Nikolai Wassiljewittsch Kobelkoff was the fourteenth child of normal parents. He was born without limbs, as a living torso.
Despite the murmured superstitions surrounding the young Nikolai, he was eventually befriended by a kind schoolmaster and he was able to obtain a proper education. Having no hands to grip a pencil, Nikolai adapted and was soon able to write by holding a pencil under his chin. His right stump proved useful due the fact that it was rather bony. Eventually his technique proved to be quite accurate. He eventually even took up painting.
In 1871 Nikolai began his exhibition career in St. Petersburg. He his initial venue lasted two years. Like many limbless marvels, his exhibition consisted of mundane tasks accomplished via extraordinary dexterity. His most notable feat was threading needles before awed audiences. In later exhibitions, Nikolai would simply paint. This was likely a rare instance where watching paint dry was entertaining. He also sometimes ate a full meal in front of the audience, even pouring the wine himself.
https://www.thehumanmarvels.com/nikolai-kobelkoff-the-human-trunk/
