One collecting area that is underrated is postcard collecting. Collecting postcards, especially vintage postcards or those from another country can be educational, fun, and financially rewarding as well. The most valuable of these are those that were made before 1930 which are called “pre-linen”. Cards from that time to the mid 1940's are also in demand. Another time period that features some relatively valuable collectable postcards is the period from the 1950's and 1960's, many of which were very brightly coloured and were the first to make use of what was known of as the “chrome technology” in printing.
A postcard sent by James Joyce
Another great category of postcards are those that were sent for holidays which were made back in the early 1900's. These old cards that depicted things like Santa Claus for Christmas and romantic depictions for the celebration of Valentine’s Day. These old postcards often have very detailed and colourful artwork which is why they are in demand as collectables.
Collecting postcards from all over the world enables one to see how different cultures depict certain things and also the differences in artistic interpretation. One does not have to go to a country in order to get the postcards, you can always pick them up on online auction sites as well or as at art auctions, estate sales or even car boot sales.
GWR “Plymouth Express”
There are no limits to the categories and themes you can have to build up your collection. Interest like Transport, Events, Countryside, Towns - how they have changed, Famous People, Professions, etc. They record the history of the past and some of the messages tell us of how people enjoyed themselves in those times and how they felt.
Types
artist signed
large letter
linen
real photograph
silk
Travel Themes
automobile
aviation
boat & ship
lodging
railway
Holiday Themes
christmas
easter
valentine
Animal Themes
cat
dog
horse
Locations
London
Paris
Other
advertising
comic
military & war
Professions
Grinder
Clog maker
Lamplighter
Post cards are relatively cheap to buy, most starting around a pound or so. You can pick up collections at auction and never know what you might find there!
Some sell for hundreds but they are rare, but in your search you may find one. Beware of reproductions, obviously, a used and stamped postcard is the best guarantee of authenticity.
Unless one is very well versed and trained in the art of collecting postcards they may have no idea of how valuable the items may be and in the case of buying them at art auctions they are usually not even announced as part of the available items for sale. This is great for you if you are knowledgeable since you will be able to reap the benefits of knowing what the postcards are actually worth and potentially pick up a great collection relatively cheaply. If you want to get into a fun and very educational hobby then collecting postcards may be for you and if you have children they may find it fun as well.
Timeline
1870
In 1870 the first British Postcard was issued by the General Post Office. It was designed to take the address on one side and a picture on the other where you were able to put a small message along side it. This came with a printed halfpenny stamp.
In 1870 the first British Postcard was issued by the General Post Office. It was designed to take the address on one side and a picture on the other where you were able to put a small message along side it. This came with a printed halfpenny stamp.
1893
A little later in 1893 the U.S Government had cards printed in a similar format called Pioneer Cards, but they had a one cent stamp already printed on. At that time privately printed souvenir cards, had to have a two cent stamp stuck on them.
A little later in 1893 the U.S Government had cards printed in a similar format called Pioneer Cards, but they had a one cent stamp already printed on. At that time privately printed souvenir cards, had to have a two cent stamp stuck on them.
1894
It was in 1894, that independent companies in Britain issued postcards for use with adhesive stamps.
1898
1898, saw private printers in the USA being granted permission, by an act of congress, to print and sell cards with the inscription Private Mailing Card, called today "PMC's". This time, a one cent
1898, saw private printers in the USA being granted permission, by an act of congress, to print and sell cards with the inscription Private Mailing Card, called today "PMC's". This time, a one cent
1901
The word 'POST CARD' was granted by the US government to private printers in December, 1901. During this period people began to take black and white photographs and have them printed on paper with post card backs. Writing was still not permitted on the address side.
The word 'POST CARD' was granted by the US government to private printers in December, 1901. During this period people began to take black and white photographs and have them printed on paper with post card backs. Writing was still not permitted on the address side.
1902
In 1902 an act of parliament allowed the message and address to be written on the same side leaving the other to contain the picture, the way we know it today.
1907
Writing was still not permitted on the address side in USA until March 1st 1907 when cards were printed with a divided back, that is a black line was printed down the middle. The address to be written on the right hand side and message on the left. At this point most cards were printed in Germany up until World War 1, when they were printed in Britain and supplied to the US.