Postcards by a particular artist. Postcards from a particular location or country. Postcards dating from a particular time. Postcards with a particular theme such as a specific animal like a cat or wildlife, structures such as tall buildings or bridges, natural wonders such as waterfalls or canyons, household items such as teapots, artwork from museum collections, transport such as trains, trams or planes, beach scenes, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Star Trek, etc. (the possibilities are endless). Postcards that are humorous, cheeky (risque) or have cartoons on them.
Some people only collect postcards when they travel. Given the great photos that professional photographers can take of a place you’re visiting, it can be a good way to ensure that you have at least one really good photo of the place you’ve visited! It’s also helpful to get postcards that depict different seasons or weather than what you’re experiencing on your visit.
1898-1919 is known as the “Golden Age of Postcards”, when picture postcards were most popular 1901-1906 – undivided backs on picture postcards 1907-1915 – divided backs on picture postcards (in the U. S. A. ; most other countries had divided backs a few years earlier, e. g. Canada from 1903) 1915-1930 – white border postcards were common 1930-1950 – linen collectible postcards[4] X Research source Post 1940 postcards were produced as modern chromes, namely color photographs instead of the photo-chromes generated from black and white photos in earlier postcards – early chromes date from the 1940s to the 1960s. Given that postcards are usually sent within a few years of production, the postmark can be an indicator. Then again, everyone has seen very dusty old postcards that haven’t sold for years in some stores, and there is nothing to stop anyone from posting a very old postcard 50 to 100 years later if they feel like it, so the postmark isn’t always a good indicator! If the postcard presents a city, street or other view that can be matched to photos of a certain time, that can help to date the postcard.
Mint: This means that the vintage postcard appears as it would have fresh off the printing press. There cannot be any writing, postage marks, creases, bends, etc. on the postcard for it to be in mint condition. They should be stored in acid-free, archival covers and kept safe from being bent. Near mint: This is almost like mint except for a very minor flaw such as a little yellowing at the edge. There cannot be much of a flaw though or it starts to fall down the list. Again, this should be stored in acid-free, archival covers to protect it for the long term. Excellent: This is a vintage postcard that is in excellent condition, so no tears or wear. It can be postmarked or written on, provided the postcard itself is still in perfect shape. As above, keep this in acid-free, archival covers. Very good: This postcard is often mailed, postmarked and written upon but it has very few signs of wear and is definitely one to be proud of in a collection. Good: By this stage, the postcard has lived a little and shows signs of its journey. There may be bent corners, a fold, creases, faded colors, etc. This one is unlikely to be worth much unless it’s particularly unusual, rare or was written by something famous. Fair to poor: The rest of the postcards in their grimy, beaten up, bent, crushed, creased and other states. The reason you keep them? Mostly because they’re sentimental, because they complete a set, because you like them anyway, and so forth. Just don’t expect to make a fortune from them any day soon! Even so, a rare card or a card with great content can be worth a considerable amount even if damaged and in some cases certain forms of wear may even add to the aesthetic appeal of a card (the moral is go with what you like without worrying that it isn’t expensive).
Stores that sell magazines, newspapers, stationery, candies, etc. will often carry modern, current postcards. These will usually be souvenir postcards aimed at tourists but you never know what you mind find, so be sure to look wherever you are. Check out truck stops, gas stations, department stores, souvenir stores, motel lobbies, anywhere that is heavily visited by tourists. Any place associated with tourists, travelers, traveling etc. will probably have current, modern postcards. Many museums, art galleries, zoos, national parks, theme parks, science centers, aquariums, space observatories, and other display, learning and entertainment areas often carry modern, current postcards. Look online for a very wide variety of postcards both new and old to antique. Auction sites, antique sites and postcard seller sites will provide you with a wide array of choices. Visit a postcard trade show. Here you’ll find nothing but postcards! Visit antique stores, flea markets, garage and yard sales, secondhand bookstores and other similar stores for older postcards. Auction houses may also sell postcards, and if you’re after someone’s existing collection, an auction house or an art or vintage collectibles auction are good places to start. Ask family members for old, unwanted postcards and go through boxes of stored papers in the attic to see if anyone has stored any over the years that have been sent to them or that they’ve collected on trips away. Ask anyone you know who travels or is going on vacation to send you home at least one postcard. This can be a lovely way to treasure their words as well as the postcard. For a beginner collector, bulk lot purchases of postcards can be a lot of fun. You never know what you might get in such a mix but it’ll be fun rummaging through it and it might spark more creative ideas for how to put together your postcard collection.
Cleanliness of the card: This is not about whether or not it has been written on. It’s about the splotches, marks, grime and grease that builds up on old paper items over time. Look for postcards that are clean and free of age or grime marks where possible. It won’t always be possible but it’s worth aiming high where you can. Edges: Try to find postcards that have even and unbent edges and haven’t been torn or dog eared. Content: It’s always preferable if you can actually read what has been written on the postcard if it has writing. That makes it a lot more enjoyable and gives a sense of history behind the postcard. Markings: Mostly this is about the postmark. The more legible, the better and if it has a date and location that can be read, a lot can be learned about the postcard. Avoid: Things to avoid include moldy postcards (they will never become un-moldy), really badly battered about unless there is a sentimental or content reason for getting the postcard, foxing (spots and age marks) and grease marks (these detract from the overall look), stains such as blood, grime or water, too many folds or creases, tears, etc. If it looks tattered, the only reason to get it is because it’s rare, what is written on it is worth keeping or you’ve fallen in love with it (but not if it’s moldy).
Scrapbooks are ideal for creating themed collections and can be the perfect vehicle for protecting, displaying and explaining your postcard collection. Indeed, people have kept postcards in albums since Victorian times, so this will be carrying on a fine old tradition. Another great way to keep a record of your postcard collection is to take digital images and post them into an online collection for all to see. It will help you to keep track of the postcards and many other people can enjoy your collection too!
Scrapbooks are ideal for creating themed collections and can be the perfect vehicle for protecting, displaying and explaining your postcard collection. Indeed, people have kept postcards in albums since Victorian times, so this will be carrying on a fine old tradition. Another great way to keep a record of your postcard collection is to take digital images and post them into an online collection for all to see. It will help you to keep track of the postcards and many other people can enjoy your collection too!
