Vintage Style Postcards

topschoolsintheusa February 28, 2025

Vintage postcards are more than just pieces of paper or images; they are a window into history, capturing moments, feelings, and stories that have transcended time. From the early 20th century to the 1960s, postcards became a widely popular form of communication, tourism memorabilia, and artistic expression. Whether you are an avid collector or someone intrigued by the charm of the past, vintage style postcards offer a unique way to connect with history and nostalgia.

What makes vintage postcards so captivating is their variety. They encompass everything from scenic landscapes and architectural marvels to cultural depictions, portraits, and humorous illustrations. These postcards reflect the social, political, and artistic movements of the time, offering a tangible connection to moments long gone.

The History of Vintage Style Postcards

The Rise of Postcards in the Late 19th Century

The postcard as we know it today originated in the late 19th century. In 1869, the first postcard was created in Austria, and its popularity spread quickly across Europe and the United States. Initially, postcards were simple, often blank on one side, with only the address and postage printed. The other side was reserved for a brief message. These early postcards were typically used for practical communication, such as sending short messages to family or friends, or for announcing news.

By the 1890s, postcards began to evolve from simple, utilitarian pieces of correspondence into artistic expressions. The introduction of color printing, photography, and lithography brought postcards to life, and they quickly became a popular collectible item. Travelers would send postcards from their destinations, featuring images of local landmarks, monuments, and scenic vistas. By the early 20th century, postcards had become an essential form of communication and a way to document places, events, and people.

The Golden Age of Postcards: 1900s to 1930s

The early 1900s marked the golden age of postcards, which coincided with a period of rapid technological advancement and social change. Postcards were mass-produced in large quantities, often with vibrant images, intricate designs, and witty or sentimental messages. The introduction of real photographic postcards in the 1900s, along with the rise of chromolithography, allowed for the creation of highly detailed and colorful postcards. These postcards captured everything from city skylines to rural scenes, from historical landmarks to new inventions.

The early 20th century also saw the popularity of “souvenir” postcards, which were sold to tourists as a way to remember their travels. Many postcards featured famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Colosseum, along with depictions of local culture, customs, and people. In this period, postcards became an integral part of the tourism industry, with some destinations even offering custom-designed postcards.

The Post-World War II Era and the Decline of the Postcard Industry

After World War II, the postcard industry faced some challenges. The rise of digital communication, along with changes in tourism and marketing, led to a decline in the popularity of postcards as a form of communication. However, postcards never disappeared completely. They remained a cherished collectible item, often appreciated for their artistic quality, historical value, and connection to bygone eras.

From the 1950s through the 1970s, postcards continued to reflect the changing landscape of society. The advent of color photography brought a new level of realism to postcards, while the continued evolution of design trends influenced the imagery and styles of postcards.

Despite the rise of digital media, postcards continue to captivate collectors, artists, and history enthusiasts. Today, vintage-style postcards are popular for their nostalgic charm and the connection they offer to the past.

Types of Vintage Style Postcards

Illustrated Postcards

Illustrated postcards were highly popular in the early 20th century and remain a defining feature of vintage postcard collections. These postcards were hand-drawn or painted and often featured scenic landscapes, historical events, humorous cartoons, or portraits of famous personalities. Some illustrated postcards were whimsical and fantastical, while others were more realistic, providing an artistic interpretation of real-life scenes.

Art Nouveau and Art Deco Illustrations: In the early 1900s, illustrated postcards often embraced the decorative elements of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Art Nouveau postcards featured flowing lines, floral motifs, and organic forms, while Art Deco postcards were characterized by geometric shapes, sharp angles, and bold colors. Both styles were influential in the design of postcards during this period.
Humorous and Comedic Postcards: Another popular type of illustrated vintage postcard was the humorous postcard. These postcards often featured clever cartoons, witty sayings, and humorous depictions of everyday life. These comedic postcards were especially popular in the 1920s and 1930s and were often used to share lighthearted messages with friends or family.
Postcard Art as Souvenir: Illustrated postcards also served as a form of souvenir for tourists visiting exotic or foreign destinations. Postcards would feature drawings of iconic landmarks or cultural symbols, allowing people to remember their trips through vibrant artwork.

Photographic Postcards

With the invention of photography in the 19th century, photographic postcards emerged as an important category of vintage style postcards. These postcards were produced by printing photographs directly onto the card, often depicting real-life scenes, people, or events. As photography became more accessible, photographic postcards became widely available, especially in the early 20th century.

Real Photo Postcards: Real photo postcards, or RPPCs, were a specific type of photographic postcard. These cards were created by printing photographs onto postcard stock, often featuring local scenes or people. RPPCs were particularly popular in the 1900s to the 1930s, as they offered a unique and personal way to capture memories. Many of these postcards were used by travelers to send personalized messages, and some were even self-photographed.
Tourist and Landmark Photographs: Photographic postcards of famous landmarks and tourist destinations were immensely popular during the golden age of postcards. These postcards typically depicted large-scale, high-quality images of iconic landmarks, such as national parks, bridges, statues, and other natural or architectural wonders.
Photochrom Postcards: Photochrom postcards were a type of chromolithographed postcard, where black-and-white photographs were colorized using a technique called photochrom. The resulting images were vibrant and vivid, giving viewers the impression of a color photograph, even though the original image was black and white. Photochrom postcards were particularly popular in the early 20th century and were often used to promote tourist destinations.

Linen and Chromo-Lithographic Postcards

Linen postcards, also known as “Linen Style” postcards, became popular during the 1930s and 1940s. These postcards were printed on a textured paper that resembled linen fabric, giving them a unique tactile feel. Linen postcards typically featured bright, bold colors and stylized illustrations or photographs. The subject matter often focused on tourism, local landmarks, and scenic vistas.

Chromo-Lithographic Postcards: Chromo-lithography was a popular printing technique used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This method allowed for vibrant, full-color reproductions of art, photographs, or illustrations. Chromo-lithographic postcards were widely produced during the golden age of postcards and are highly collectible today due to their vivid colors and historical significance.
Postcards as Advertising: In addition to being tourist souvenirs, postcards were also used as advertising tools. Companies would create postcards to promote their products or services, often featuring catchy slogans and eye-catching illustrations. These advertising postcards are valuable for their connection to vintage branding and marketing.

Collecting Vintage Style Postcards

Tips for Collecting Vintage Postcards

Condition Matters: The condition of a vintage postcard significantly affects its value. Postcards in pristine condition, with no creases, stains, or fading, are generally more valuable. However, postcards with historical significance or rare designs can still be highly prized, even if they show signs of wear.
Research and Specialization: Some collectors focus on specific types of postcards, such as those from a particular country, time period, or theme. By specializing, collectors can gain expertise and discover rare, hard-to-find postcards. It’s important to do thorough research, as the postcard market can vary significantly depending on the type and rarity of the card.
Preserving Your Collection: To maintain the condition of vintage postcards, store them in acid-free albums or protective sleeves. Avoid exposing postcards to direct sunlight, excessive moisture, or extreme temperatures, as these conditions can cause fading or damage.

Buying and Selling Vintage Postcards

If you are looking to expand your collection or sell vintage postcards, there are several places to buy and trade postcards. Online marketplaces, such as VintageQQ, Etsy, and specialized postcard auction sites, offer a wide selection of postcards. You can also attend antique shows, flea markets, or postcard conventions, where vendors often sell vintage postcards.

When buying postcards, it’s essential to verify the authenticity and condition of the cards. Work with reputable sellers who provide clear photographs and descriptions. Be cautious when purchasing from unknown sources, as there are counterfeit postcards in circulation.