Christmas cards were introduced in the 1840s, but Easter greeting cards were not popular until the late 1890s. Many of the first Easter cards were postcards, often picturing chickens, eggs, rabbits, children, birds, flowers, religious subjects, sun-filled landscapes or even buildings.
The most interesting Easter postcards for collectors are those used in the United States from about 1910 to 1920. Most of these cards were printed in the United States or Germany. They were lithographed, colorful and often embossed, and some had thin gold cutouts. This postcard was published in 1909 by Raphael Tuck & Sons, London, “Art Publishers to their Majesties the King and Queen.” It is marked on the divided back with a small artist’s palette and easel, the initials “RTS,” and “Printed in Germany.” Tuck postcards are especially valued by collectors. Postcards like this sell for about $3 to $5 online.
Holidays are becoming an area of great interest to collectors. Christmas and Halloween are already popular and prices are rising. Easter collectibles can still be found for bargain prices at flea markets and garage sales. Look for candy containers, decorated ceramic or papier-mâché eggs and figurines. Also look for commercial packages with Easter decorations, like cottage cheese containers, and for advertising signs, photographs of egg hunts, religious themes and any other thing that pictures the Easter story or traditions.
Happy Easter from the Terry, Kim and the Staff at Kovels!
I have been collecting vintage holiday post cards for 18 years. The “Golden Years” were from about 1906 to 1914. Germany printed most of the high quality cards for the American market. When WWI broke out in 1914, that was the end of cards that collectors are interested in. Just about all of the holidays (except Mother’s Day and Labor Day) are well represented. Halloween cards are the most expensive because a lot of people collect Halloween items, and the cards were only made for Americans. I display about 20 cards in a frame each holiday over the year. Generally, cards showing people and children are far more popular than ones showing scenics or items.
I have been collecting vintage holiday post cards for 18 years. The “Golden Years” were from about 1906 to 1914. Germany printed most of the high quality cards for the American market. When WWI broke out in 1914, that was the end of cards that collectors are interested in. Just about all of the holidays (except Mother’s Day and Labor Day) are well represented. Halloween cards are the most expensive because a lot of people collect Halloween items, and the cards were only made for Americans. I display about 20 cards in a frame each holiday over the year. Generally, cards showing people and children are far more popular than ones showing scenics or items.
I have a small black book which is a collection of these Easter Cards, Valentine Cards and Love notes. Very Special and beautifully made. Very fragile.
These are from around the 1920’s. The love between my step grandfather and his first wife. They never had children and she died very young. I hope she know I treasure it!
I have a small black book which is a collection of these Easter Cards, Valentine Cards and Love notes. Very Special and beautifully made. Very fragile.
These are from around the 1920’s. The love between my step grandfather and his first wife. They never had children and she died very young. I hope she know I treasure it!