Vintage Christmas Postcards by Stan
A gorgeous and popular collectable, vintage Christmas postcards come in all genres and appeal to any taste. They are also known as antique postcards. Everything from quirky adverts to roadside America with its familiar images of old-fashioned diners and Route 66 can be snapped up to be the highlight of any collection.
Vintage postcards are a great alternative to the generic drug store card, and will make a person think long and hard before dumping it in the trash come January. Characteristics of vintage Christmas postcards are youngsters frolicking in the snow, or just the smiling likeness of the man himself, Kris Kringle. Victorian postcards put a lot of emphasis on English culture.
Roses are a recurring theme, either on their own or as a backdrop to rosy-cheeked children and ladies in the high-necked, frilly style of dress.
Sourcing Vintage Christmas Postcards
Much sought after, though, are vintage French postcards.
Many are drawn to the stylistic, old world beauty of women elaborately dressed in the classic French style of the time, accented with soft color or almost always washed in a sepia-tone.
“Risque” postcards are especially prominent, with shapely women expertly posed in clingy dresses, garters, and feathered hats to provoke and titillate. These iconic images make collectors willing to scour far corners and dig deep into their pockets just to secure one.
Owning one practically owns a piece of history. On the internet you can find various sites that are very easy to navigate, and what looks like over a hundred different categories that will cater to any collector. All postcards are meant to be sent out and shared, but considering the damage a rare antique postcard can do to one’s wallet, many would consider it absurd to even let it see the light of day.
However, if you’re feeling extra generous and want to give something truly unique, a vintage postcard will be unlike anything they’ve seen before and will be more than just a nice thought.
Caring For Your Antique Postcards
Due to their delicate nature, and the fact that a single crease can severely impact its value, it might be a good idea to send the antique postcard in an envelope to protect it during mailing. Read this page about selling old postcards
Father Christmas in snow
Don’t hesitate to include a piece of cardboard – this keeps the postcard crisp and prevents any bending that may occur.
It helps too if you know your recipient can appreciate antique photography, so you don’t get criticized for giving them what they think is a shabby old postcard. Take care also to store the vintage Christmas postcard properly if you don’t plan to send it for a while. Keep it out of excessive heat, in a cool, dry place with a humidity of around 45%.
Think twice about simply sticking it in a cardboard box or album, as these will most likely not be made from acid-free paper. When postcards are stored adjacent to such paper, the acid can irreversibly discolor them and cause the cards to slowly crumble. Your best bet is storing it in a clear plastic sleeve, or even aluminum tin. You want your postcard to last through the ages, just like it did before you bought it.
About the Author
Stan Coyle has 25 years experience in Direct Mail marketing. He has taught seminars from New York to London and has settled in Tampa, Florida for a semi-retirement of fishing and relaxation. Not being able to leave work alone, he contributes to the success of postcard marketing customers all over the U.S. with his work at SonicPrint.com.
SonicPrint.com can help you with your Every Door Direct Mail marketing postcard programs. We have helped thousands of businesses with their postcard marketing and we are experts in the Every Door Direct Mail program. Stan Coyle works at both http://www.sonicprint.com and http://www.SimplifiedWay.com for Every Door Direct Mail projects
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