Shopping for Vintage Postcards

If you've ever considered collecting vintage postcards, there are a few things you need to know before you shop. As a deltiologist, a collector of postcards, you will be dealing with a form of ephemera or paper collectibles. As a vintage postcard deltiologist, you will be interested in the vintage postcards dating from the late 1800's through the late 1920's and possibly into the 1930's.

Some of the most desirable vintage postcards carry certain publisher marks, usually on the back of the card, but sometimes on the front. The marks to look for are publishers like Raphael Tuck & Sons, International Art Publishing, and John Winsch. Look for signed vintage postcards by artist like Ellen Clappsaddle, Samuel Schmuker, Frances Brundage, and Louis Wain. You can't go wrong with these highly desirable vintage postcards.

Where to Shop

Most antique shops have a shoebox full of vintage postcards for about a dollar or two each. Sometimes the stack is picked over, but sometimes there is a treasure to be discovered for a price that's unbelievable. The common birthday cards are usually not as collectible or valuable as the other holidays. And unless the vintage postcard is the view of someone's hometown, a view postcard usually isn't as expensive or collectible as an artist-signed one or one from a holiday that had fewer postcards published.

Reproduction Postcards

Beware of reproductions. Vintage postcards have been widely reproduced and you sometimes find a reproduction along with vintage postcards. You can identify a reproduction because it probably won't be embossed like the original. In addition, the reproduction usually identifies itself as one. The reproduction will bear the new manufacturer's mark, and if you look closely the postcard won't have that aged look.

The best advice to avoid getting hold of a reproduction is to know your collecting area well. A reproduction will not be valuable, but you can sometimes use one as a placeholder until you get the authentic one you are seeking.

Online Postcard Auctions

The truly valuable cards are probably not found in a box at the antique shop. To find a vintage Santa or vintage Halloween postcard for a dollar is almost nonexistent. These particular vintage postcards will range from $5 to $50, and sometimes into the hundreds. But once in a while a bargain happens along.

Usually, the better cards are obtained through online auctions like Playle's, Delcampe's, or eBay. But even then, depending on the holiday or topic, a postcard may be difficult to find, and if found, the vintage postcard may not be collector quality. Also, the cost of a particular vintage postcard may run double during the pertaining holiday season.

So it's always smart to watch for your favorite vintage postcards over a period of time and to exercise some control when it comes to bidding. Know the value of a postcard before placing your maximum bid. Or you can go for broke, if you fall in love with one that belongs in your collection.