At the beginning of the 20th Century some of New Zealand's "prominent people" began to receive circulars all the way from Paris in their mail. The circulars offered them somethng which seemed too good to be true.
Of course, it was too good to be true.
LOCAL AND GENERAL
Just now, says "Truth," people are receiving a circular and coupon entitling them to a fine life-size crayon-portrait — valued at £4 — from one Tanquerey, 22, Rue de Turin, Paris, for nothing. One has but to send a photograph of oneself and the rest is as stated. The circular is specially worded, and says: —"In order to introduce our work to Australia we have decided to make a limited number of our portraits for some prominent people, absolutely free of charge, believing that to be the best and cheapest method of advertising our work amongst the English speaking people." The average imbecile, who loves "something for nothing" will not be likely to smell a rat, rather the contrary, on being thus informed that his fame as a "prominent" person has reached Paris. Accompanying the circular and coupon, are some alleged commendatory extracts from London "Truth," which to anyone who knows Mr Labouchere's keen delight in unmasking villiany, will sound very funny indeed. Dr Anderson, head of the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, has frequently exposed this latest swindle. The modus operandi is said to consist in a demand for payment for a frame for the "fine crayon portrait," which is often paid. When not paid, blackmailing legal letters are the result, and some stupid people are frightened into handing over their money. We wish to warn the "prominent" persons who get these circulars to invest their £4 in something other than Tanquerey's pictures. -Wanganui Chronicle, 8/5/1902.
Mr Labouchore writes in Truth:— "By the last mail from New Zealand I received a batch of 'free portrait' circulars, addressed by the man Tanquerey to people in that colony, who, luckily for them, happened to be readers of Truth. As, however, there may be some other colonists who have not that advantage it seems desirable to point out for the benefit of New Zealanders generally that the testimonial described as 'Truths from Truth, by Mr Labouchere, Editor,' is an impudent fabrication, which is equally true of others, and, I believe, of all the Press notices on the same sheet. The circulation of a forgery of this kind ought to be a sufficient warning as to the character of the individual who offers the 'free portrait.' Will New Zealand newspapers kindly note these remarks." -Manawatu Standard, 30/6/1902.
A la Francaise: For Prominent People Only.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir, — Your Laboucherian extract in last week's "Local and General" is very much to the point, and is characteristic of that energetic anti-war newspaper proprietor's determination to turn Truth's searchlight upon every fair-faced swindle that comes within the horizon of his pen. Apart from the unfortunate mental twist which prompted him to start around enveloped in the many-coloured folds of the now non-existent Transvaal flag, Mr Labouchere appears in a praiseworthy light as the guardian of those of his readers whose bump of gullibility has not been reduced by sharp-edged experience, and his exposure of countless schemes for robbing his more trusting fellows gives appropriateness to his favourite motto: "Tell the truth, and shame the devil."
Thinking that the paragraph referred to may have escaped the eye of some prospective victim, I should like, with your permission, to add a further word of warning and explanation. One of the circulars mentioned by Mr Labouchere reached me, all the way from France, a few weeks ago. The document is typewritten, and is headed by the pale blue representation, of a large seven-storeyed building, with a pavement full of lady and gentlemen customers thronging in and out, and with an interior view of a number of beautiful mop-headed artists at their easels, palettes, and brushes, and all. In flower-encircled letters appears the legend,
"Societe Artistique de Portraits, A. Tanquerey, Directeur, 22 Rue de Turin, Paris."
The unreliable typewriter then goes on to inform me that "The above is the name of a first-class association of artists," etc., etc., and further on says that to introduce their beautiful, artistic, life-size crayons to Australia, they have decided to make a "limited number" for some "prominent people" absolutely free of charge, etc., etc. With repeated instructions to write my name and address "distinctly," Messoo Tanquerey adds some important trifles in the shape of a few rather vague remarks about postage, and the necessity for the ''proper amount" being sent. The latter point seems to me to be the fulcrum on which the lever of monsieur raises its victims. Among several puffing press notices, there is only one from the Southern Hemisphere. It is from Sydney Truth, edited by Mr John Norton, the latter being, if I am not mistaken, the gentleman who lately added to much previous notoriety by alluding to the boys of our Tenth Contingent as "human throwbacks" and "narrow-gutted goats." His insularity is significant.
Although it may seem an irrelevancy, I should like to point out that the devil is not always so black as he is painted. Directeur Tanquerey, in spite of his guile, is evidently a man of much discernment. You would notice how he alludes to me as a "prominent" person. Now, you know, of course, that is all right, but it only proves the truth of the proverb about a prophet gaining no honour, etc. I have not yet received my "life-like, full-sized artistic crayon portrait." I didn't send for one: but of course that has no bearing on th matter.
— I am, etc., Drumawhandie. Patearoa, July 9. -Otago Witness, 16/7/1902.
PARISIAN ENTERPRISE.
The enterprising Tanquerey, who poses as Director of the so-called "Societe Artistique de Portraits," a Parisian institution of questionable probity, continues to exploit, among others, those guileless New Zealanders who are foolish enough to believe that he is anxious to supply them with artistic crayon portraits of their handsome selves without remuneration. It takes some people a long time to learn that in this world there is little to be got for nothing. As we write we have before us a communication addressed by the genial Tanquerey to a Wanganui resident who has evidently been good enough to send his own or his best girl's photograph to the benevolent Directeur. This communication is of a very encouraging nature. In the first place, the confiding colonial is informed that he is the prospective owner of a splendid picture. "We have much pleasure," says the writer, "in informing you that we have just completed your life size portrait, which has been made after the photograph you were kind enough to send us some little while ago, and we feel sure you will be pleased with our efforts, the work in question being one of the finest crayon portraits it is possibe to produce, and at the same time a perfect likeness." This is excellent, but it is not all. "Thinking that you might desire a handsome frame for this portrait," the circular goes on to say, "we take the liberty of enclosing you a catalogue of the latest Parisian designs. Our prices, as you will see, are extremely reasonable, and we should esteem it a great favour if you could see your way to favour us with an order for a frame, as leaving aside the question of profit of a frame which is very small and which goes to the artist the fact of having the picture framed ensures its reaching you free from scratches or rubbing, in a word in first-class order. At the same time we wish it to be thoroughly understood that the purchasing of frame is in no wise a condition for obtaining the portrait, as we desire to leave you quite free to make your own selection wherever it may best suit you." This is better and better. But there is still more to come. Thus: "Should you finally decide not to have the portrait framed we would ask you to be good enough to forward us the sum of 10s to cover our expenses in the way of packing, boxing and freight charges from Paris to your home. . . .Enclosed please find a blank order form, bearing your registered number, which please return to us duly filled in with the amount you wish to expend, and on receipt of your reply your portrait shall be forwarded with the least possible delay." This is all fair and above board, surely. What is the matter with Tanquerey? Why question his bona fides? But let us finish this interesting circular. At the end there appears, in bold letters, the following notice: — "In order to enable the prompt shipment of your portrait, we beg you to forward, us, with your order the RECEIPT delivered to you by your Post Master when sending your remittance. This is absolutely needed at General Post Office here to control money order on its arrival." That is all the good Mr Tanquerey wants — your money and your receipt. When he has got that he may — or he may not — send you your beautiful crayon portrait. If he does not, what claim have you got against him? Oh, the circular. But the circular is not signed. It bears the superscription — "Yours faithfully, A. Tanquerey, Director," but it is all type-written. Nevertheless we have no doubt that many photographs and many remittances will continue to find their way to the Societe Artistique de Portraits. But apart altogether from the fact that his far-off clients, once they have sent him the "absolutely needful" receipt is powerless to successfully prosecute him. Tanquerey no doubt feels tolerably secure. The individual sum involved is too small, even plus the cost of a "handsome frame of Parisian design," to warrant anyone other than a lunatic or a public-spirited philantrophist of a kind not now in fashion instituting legal proceedings for its recovery. Besides the average man, once he realises that he has been bitten, prefers to let the sore place heal in private. It is one thing to get something for nothing. It is quite another thing to expect to get something for nothing, to find instead thatone has really given something for nothing, and to proclaim the foolishness of one's expectations from the housetop or the witness-box. Tanquerey, the gay Parisian, may be the heaven-born head of a body of heaven-born artists possessed of the notion that it is their mission in life to present the inhabitants of the world with crayon portraits. On the other hand, it is just possible that the same Tanquerey may be something entirely different. Whatever he is, we confess that we do not like the innocently-worded condition relative to the "absolutely needed" receipt. We wonder how many photographs and remittances have been sent from this colony, and how many crayon portraits have come back in return? -Wanganui Chronicle, 21/10/1902.
"FREE PORTRAITS."
TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS.
Sir, — Some eighteen months ago I sent a photo to Mons. A. Tanquerey. Shortly afterwards you exposed the fraud. When applied to by him, everything fitted with your account. I therefore sent him the clipping, with a suggestion that now was his chance to prove he was not a common swindler. The enclosed is the second communication I have had since. Thanking you for exposing it (I have since prevented three others being had), I send this to you to post you in the latest more.—Yours, etc., ONE WHO INVESTIGATED. Christchurch, January 9th.
[Our correspondent encloses a letter received from M. Tanquerey, who reminds him that the "Societe Artistique" are still without instructions concerning his life-sized crayon portrait. "If you could only be here in our studio," writes M Tanquerey, and see the magnificent specimen we have turned out for you, you would not hesitate a minute in remitting us the ten shillings we have already asked you to pay for the necessary boxing, packing, and carriage expenditure from Paris to your home." He proceeds to say that if the ten shillings is forwarded, he will not only deliver the portrait, but he will also make our correspondent a present of a hand camera (picture enclosed), and deliver it free of all charges. He encloses "a few unsolicited testimonials" and an order-form.] -Press, 13/1/1903.
QUESTIONABLE TACTICS
“Tout a Vous’’ writes to the editor: — In Monday morning’s issue of your valuable journal, under the heading “'Questionable Tactics — Caution to the Public,” I notice an article reflecting on the bona-fides of a certain institution in Paris, who offered to give a crayon picture in return for a photograph, or, rather, upon receipt of the photograph they would execute a crayon portrait “free of charge.” As you invite information, I am pleased to be able to assure you that I have been “through the mill.” By the English mail which arrived about a month ago I received not only the photograph of my daughter which I had forwarded, but also the crayon picture as per their offer. I remitted 6s to Paris, and had to pay, for Customs duty, 2s to the postal authorities here, in addition, on arrival of crayon. The whole of the particulars as given by you are on all fours with my experience in this matter, but it seems to me the whole thing hinges on this: The director says he will make a picture free of charge, and he does so, but he does not guarantee to deliver it to your home free of charge. I am perfectly satisfied. The picture which I have received from them is beautifully executed, and I think it exceedingly cheap at the price. Should you care to inspect the finished article, I shall be delighted to call upon you and show you both the photograph and the crayon, likewise the whole of the correspondence, which I have preserved, as for some time I suspected the genuineness of the offer. In justice to the director of the society or Association of Artists, as they are termed, I think you should let the public know that at least some persons come off all right, and that it is not altogether a fraud.
Mr W. Guise, 28. Cuba street, writes: — I am one of those who sent a photograph for enlargement gratis to A. Tanquerey, Societe Artistiques de Portraits, Paris. Then came a demand for 10s, to pay for cost of packing and forwarding the enlargement and supplying a camera. I sent the 10s, and while it was on its way to France another letter arrived from the Societe, offering to supply for 6s what it had previously asked 10s for. In time I got the enlargement — a very poor piece of work. No camera has yet arrived.
Mr N. D. Anderson, 100, Wellington terrace, writes: — Under the heading of “Questionable Tactics,” on Monday morning, you say you will be glad to hear the experiences of anyone who has sent photos to Paris in order to get a crayon enlargement. I sent a photograph to Paris for Mrs A. Anderson, in 1902, and got a letter a few months later asking for 10s for carriage. I sent a money order for 10s, but have received no crayon portrait or heard anything more about it. M. Tanquerey was the name of the person I communicated with. -NZ Times, 5/1/1904.
ANGLO-COLONIAL NOTES
[From our Special Correspondent.] LONDON, September 23.
THE “FREE PORTRAIT” DODGE.
It seems that the notorious Tanquerey, of "free portrait" fame, can still find victims in New Zealand, despite the many warnings which the newspapers of the colony have given their readers. A gentleman - in New Zealand confesses, in a letter to the editor of 'Truth,' that he has paid Tanquerey 6s 6d for the “packing and postage” of his “free portrait.” Although all attempts to induce him to buy a frame failed, he recognises that he has been swindled, for the postage on the portrait was exactly 2d, and the packing possibly cost another 1/2d. "It seems from this,” says Mr Labouchere, that the New Zealand papers might usefully give their readers a hint about the free portrait trick.” The warning, as I have said, has been given again and again, but there is no harm in repeating that people in the colony who receive circulars from Mr A. Tanquerey, will be well advised if they destroy them forthwith. Tanquerey, meanwhile, professes a profound indifference to anything the newspapers may say against him and his schemes. Here is a letter he has just sent to the editor of ‘Truth’ from his country house, Chateau “Mon Repos,” Blainville-sur-Mer, where the free portrait artist is enjoying a holiday. It is in reply to Mr Labouchere’s suggestion that “some free portrait swindler” who had lately been busy in Cape Colony might possibly be Tanquerey. The latter has no wish to hide his identity, as his extraordinary letter shows: — “Yes, indeed, it is the same irrepressible Tanquerey that is now working in South Africa. It is good field, as you know. There has been a few killed over there, thanks to Joe Chamberlain. I have also my eyes on Russia and Japan; there will be lots of pictures to be made there in the sweet by-and-bye. Meanwhile I am enjoying quietly the soft breezes in my beautiful chateau by the sea, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I do not give a .... for anyone, and specially for newspaper men, that so kindly take interest in my welfare. I am now working at a new scheme for the fall season, which promises wonderful results. You shall soon read of it. — I remain, as usual, yours truly, full of life and kicking, A. Tanquerey. P.S.— Anyone reading this letter would think I am from Yankeedom, hut I am not. I am only one of the 'cutest Normans you ever saw.” -Evening Star, 3/11/1904.
RANDOM SHOTS by "Zamiel"
I am beginning to think that this colony must have had nearly enough of M. Tanquerey and his highly artistic crayon enlargements "free of charge." I have seen quite an imposing pile of literature on the subject within the last week; and a disgusted victim has just brought me in a specimen of Tanquerey's Work and copies of the corespondence connected therewith. The "Old-established and reliable firm of artists" went to work in the usual way, promising a crayon enlargement of portrait absolutely "free of all charges," and explaining that they took this course only to advertise their productions. In due time came the notice that the "crayon" was ready; but wouldn't the original like it framed? — (patterns and price list enclosed.) No, the Aucklander didn't want a frame, and said so; and M. Tanauerey then demanded the usual 10/, for packing and posting. "A crayon portrait," remarks M. Tanquerey reflectively, "cannot be compared with a chromo or a lithograph, and in order to secure its safe arrival it must be carefully wrapped and boxed." In this letter occurs a charmingly emotional phrase into which the "Artistic Portrait Society" periodically bursts when it has nothing else to say: "If you could only be here in our studio and see the beautiful life-size crayon portrait," etc, etc., of course you wouldn't hesitate for a moment. However, the Auckland gentleman gave no sign of either sending that desirable 16/ or to Paris to see his portrait, and M. Tanquerey tried again. "We are sure," he writes with pathetic impressiveness, "that you do not expect us to defray these expenses in addition to making you a beautiful crayon portrait free of charge. We know," he adds with a truly romantic display of confidence, "that you are perfectly fair" — therefore, 10/, please. But even this touching appeal did not extract the required coin; so M. Tanquerey altered his tactics.
"Send us six shillings,'' he implores; "for this small sum, which is only a trifle to you, we guarantee to deliver your elegant crayon portrait free of charge." I don't know whether to marvel most at the shameless mendicancy of this or the unblushing impudence with which the Artistic Portrait Society repeats that it is sending the portrait "free of charge." Again for a space there was silence, and last of all came the following magnificent offer: "We have decided to make you a greater sacrifice by offering you, not only the portrait free, but also a handsome frame" — of course, on payment of the required 6/. Well, I gather that the Aucklander, being rather tired of the correspondence, paid the 6/, and he got his portrait, not to mention the frame. I have seen them both, and I am prepared to certify that their collective value is about 1/. The ''portrait" is a very poor photograph, not the least like a "crayon," and not particularly like the original. The "handsome frame" is a roughly-joined wooden fixture that would be dear at sixpence; and the "portrait," unglazed, is kept in its place by large nails. As to the "packing," the cardboard box may be worth 3d, and the stamp cost about 6d. The "long-established and reliable" Paris firm thus asks, and frequently receives, 10/ for an object that no decently civilised person would spend more than 1/ on if ever they thought of buying it at all. It seems to me to add insult to injury that the unfortunate victims have to pay 2/ duty for the privilege of importing an atrocious libel on their features in a quite impossible frame. I don't know whether to wonder most at the unspeakable effrontery of M. Tanquerey or his success in deluding so many people. But I think I have done my duty by my readers now, so far as he is concerned. -Auckland Star, 2/9/1905.
The "approach from afar" via circular ran its short course - at least in New Zealand - after a few years. But the success of the "free enlargement" scam must have made others think of further possibilities. Chapter 2 of this story reveals the more personal approach employed by Monsieur Tanquerey's successors.
The "approach from afar" via circular ran its short course - at least in New Zealand - after a few years. But the success of the "free enlargement" scam must have made others think of further possibilities. Chapter 2 of this story reveals the more personal approach employed by Monsieur Tanquerey's successors.
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