It was the year of 1914 when Mr. Jacob Goozh decided to leave his family in Europe and come to the United States.

He arrived in New York City where he had family waiting for him, but after only a few weeks he decided that he did not like it there and moved to Boston...

He stayed with relatives in Boston and worked there for a while until he saw an opportunity for a souvenir photography studio in Washington D.C. 

So Mr. Goozh went to Washington (as it were) and set about learning the business of photography...

He ventured forth into the City of Washington on a daily basis with his camera to take portraits of people who desired to have their pictures taken.

Goozh specialized in developing these shots within a few minutes of being taken in a process then known as "tin-type" photography.

"He remained at this for about a year or more and after learning more of photography, he decided to open a photography studio which he did at 917 Penn. Ave., N.W., under the name of Empire Photo Studio.

During this time World War I was coming to an end and many soldiers were returning home and passing through Washington. This was an opportune time for them to have their pictures taken with their uniforms and as a result, thousands of thousands of soldiers visited Empire Photo Studio and hand their pictures taken either to send home or as a souvenir.

Mr. Goozh changed the original Empire Photo Studio name to The Capitol Souvenir Company,  in 1931.

CAPSCO MAKERS MARK

SOME CERAMIC CAPSCO PIECES

Throughout the company history Goozh contracted with many small pottery companies to produce his Washington D.C. Souvenirs and handled the production end of his post card company in house.

A CAPSCO SOUVENIR POSTCARD

Today many fine examples of antique and vintage CAPSCO souvenirs can be found right here on ebay at reasonable prices.

Ask questions about chips, cracks, decorative transfer wear, and staining on the ceramic pieces before you buy or sell them ...

Check post cards for edge wear, creasing or staining before you buy or sell them...