Postcard Collecting

I started collecting antique postcards and Victorian trade cards about a year ago, and it is a hobby that I love. I have always loved antique things, and my postcards never cease to bring a smile to my face. While there are many subjects to collect in postcards, I decided to base my collection on a few of the things I adore the most...namely angels, cherubs and children. This page is slow to load, but well worth the wait.

A Few Cards From My Collection

This card is a divided back that was never mailed.

This card is a divided back, and was mailed in 1908. It is printed by Raphael Tuck & Sons.

This card was mailed in 1919, and is a divided back published by The Gibson Art Company.

This card is a divided back, never mailed, unused, and printed in Germany.

This is a divided back, mailed in 1909 and printed in Germany.

This is a divided back published in 1910 by John Winsch.

This is a private mailing card.

This is a divided back titled "The Sackville Children" by Hoppner.

This is a divided back printed in Germany in 1910.

This is a divided back, unused, and printed in Germany.

This card is titled "Penitence" and is has an undivided back.

This card has a divided back and is postmarked 1909.

This card has a divided back and is unused.

A Bit of Postcard History...

Pioneer Era (1893-1898)
Most of these cards were placed on government printed postcards and privately mailed souvenir cards. Writing was not permitted on the address sides of the cards.

Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)
In May of 1898, private printers were allowed to print and sell cards that bore the inscription "Private Mailing Card".

Undivided Back Era (1901-1907)
In 1901, permission was given to use the words "Post Card" to be printed on the backs of privately printed cards. All cards during this era had undivided backs and only the address was to be written on the back.

Divided Back Era (1907-1915)
In 1907, the divided back came into being, and both the address and the message was permitted to be written on the back of the cards.

White Border Area (1915-1930)
Publishers in the US started printing postcards as the imports from Germany ceased. These cards can be distinguised by the white border around the pictured area.

Graphics courtesy of



Return Home

This page hosted by