Postcard collecting, also known as deltiology, is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. It ranks just behind stamp and coin collecting in terms of global participation. This hobby allows you to own a small piece of history, art, and culture that fits right in the palm of your hand.
Whether you are interested in local history, vintage advertisements, or beautiful landscapes, postcard collecting offers something for everyone. This guide will help you understand the different types of postcards, how to determine their value, and the best ways to preserve your growing collection.
Understanding the History of Postcards
To be a successful collector, it is helpful to understand the different eras of postcard production. The age of a postcard often determines its rarity and historical significance. Most collectors categorize cards based on when they were manufactured.
The Pioneer Era (Pre-1898) features cards that were often used for advertising. During this time, only the government was allowed to print the word “Post Card” on the back. Private printers had to use terms like “Correspondence Card” or “Souvenir Card.”
The Golden Age of Postcards (1907–1915) is when the hobby truly exploded. During this time, the “divided back” was introduced, allowing people to write a message and an address on the same side. This era produced millions of high-quality lithographs that are highly sought after today.
Other notable periods include the White Border Era (1915–1930) and the Linen Era (1930–1945). Linen cards are known for their vibrant colors and textured paper, which was made with high rag content. Modern cards, known as Chrome cards, began appearing in 1939 and are the glossy, photo-based cards we see today.
Common Types of Postcard Collections
Many collectors choose a specific niche to keep their hobby focused and manageable. Having a theme makes it easier to hunt for specific items at antique shops or online auctions. Here are some of the most popular categories:
- Topographical: These cards focus on specific locations, such as towns, street scenes, or famous landmarks. Many collectors try to find every vintage view of their own hometown.
- Thematic or Topical: This involves collecting cards based on a specific subject. Common themes include cats, trains, holidays (especially Halloween and Christmas), and military history.
- Real Photo Postcards (RPPC): These are actual photographs developed on postcard paper. They are often one-of-a-kind or produced in very small quantities, making them highly valuable to historians.
- Artist Signed: Some collectors look for cards created by specific illustrators. Famous names in the postcard world include Ellen Clapsaddle and Frances Brundage.
How to Determine the Value of a Postcard
Not every old postcard is valuable, but certain factors can significantly increase a card’s worth. When evaluating a card for your collection, consider the following criteria:
Condition is Key
Just like coins or comic books, the physical state of a postcard is vital. Collectors use a standard grading scale to describe condition. A “Mint” card has no creases, stains, or writing, while a “Fair” card might have significant wear or damage.
Check for rounded corners, creases, and foxing (small brown spots caused by age). While a postmark can add historical interest, a clean, unposted card is often preferred by those who value the artwork over the history of the correspondence.
Rarity and Demand
A postcard of a common landmark like the Eiffel Tower may be beautiful, but millions were printed. Conversely, a real photo postcard of a small-town grocery store interior from 1910 is much rarer. The more unique the subject matter, the higher the potential value.
Postmarks and Stamps
Sometimes the value of a postcard lies on the back. Rare postal cancellations or unusual stamps can make a card desirable to stamp collectors (philatelists) as well as postcard collectors. Always check the reverse side for interesting historical data.
How to Start Your Collection
Starting a postcard collection is simple and inexpensive. You do not need a large budget to begin finding interesting pieces of history. Here are the best places to look for new additions:
- Family Archives: Look through old boxes in the attic or basement. Many families kept postcards sent by relatives during vacations or wartime.
- Antique Malls: Most antique shops have booths dedicated to paper ephemera. You can often find bins of postcards sorted by state or category.
- Estate Sales: These are excellent places to find entire collections that have been preserved for decades.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and specialized postcard auction sites allow you to search for very specific cards from around the world.
- Postcard Shows: Dedicated “Deltiology” shows happen throughout the year. These events bring together dozens of dealers in one room.
Proper Storage and Preservation
Once you begin acquiring cards, you must protect them from damage. Environmental factors like sunlight, humidity, and oils from your skin can ruin a vintage card over time.
Use acid-free sleeves. Never store postcards in standard photo albums with “sticky” pages, as the adhesive will eventually destroy the paper. Instead, use individual polypropylene sleeves that are PVC-free and acid-free.
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid basements or attics where temperature fluctuations and moisture are common. A climate-controlled room is best for preventing mold and paper degradation.
Organize by category. Use archival-safe boxes or specialized postcard albums. Organizing your collection by era, location, or theme makes it easier to enjoy and share with others. Many collectors use dividers to keep their cards neatly sorted.
The Benefits of Postcard Collecting
Beyond the financial value, postcard collecting is a way to connect with the past. These cards offer a glimpse into how people dressed, traveled, and communicated in previous generations. They serve as a visual record of how cities have changed and how art styles have evolved.
It is also a social hobby. Joining a local postcard club or an online forum allows you to trade cards with others and learn from experienced collectors. Sharing the stories behind your finds is often the most rewarding part of the experience.
Postcard collecting is a journey through time that fits in a shoebox. Whether you have five cards or five thousand, each one tells a unique story that is worth preserving. For more tips on starting new hobbies or organizing your home collections, explore our other helpful guides on SearchAndHelp.com.