Collectors Guide to Real Photo Postcards

What is a Real Photo Postcard?

Real photo postcards are actual photographs that have been printed in a darkroom on postcard paper. Cards that are based on real photos but are printed by lithography or other methods are not considered real photo postcards.

A very brief history:

In 1903 the Eastman Kodak Company developed photographic printing paper. Shortly there after they introduced the affordable No.3A Folding Pocket Kodak camera which allowed the general public to take photos and print them on paper with postcard backs. A small "door" in the back of the camera allowed the user to write a caption on their photo with an attached scribe. Early real photo postcards that are identifiable are one of a kind creations and are highly sought after by collectors. Other real photo cards were produced in quantity by publishers such as Bamforth and Valentine. While still quite desirable to collectors, they do not hold quite the same allure as amateur postcards.

How to identify real photo postcards:

1.) Look at the postcard through a magnifying glass. If the image is comprised of a series of dots (similar to what you would see in a magazine or news photo), the card is not a real photo.

2.) The paper used in real photo postcards is frequently identified in the stamp box by name and of symbols. A few of the more common are EKC, DOPS, Velox, AZO, Kodak, and ANSCO. Many of the mass produced postcards will simply have printed on the reverse "Real Photo Postcard".

3.) As noted above, real photo cards will often have a hand printed caption. 4.) Early real photo cards will sometimes have a shiny "patina" which is due to the oxidation of silver deposits.

Dating real photo postcards:

If the card is used, the postmark date is the obvious choice in determining the relative age. Keep in mind however that the photographer may have taken the actual photo many years before it was posted. For unused postcards the paper type noted in the stamp box can be used to correlate an approximate age.

Valuation:

Determining the value of any postcard can often be a very subjective. A card worth a great deal to one individual due to a particular subject may have little or no value to another collector. As a general rule, postcards will an identification of the subject are more valuable than unidentified cards. Likewise, cards of smaller towns, transportation subjects, or cards with an identifiable subject within the photo (i.e. a store sign or truck company)tend to be of greater value. Age and condition of the postcard are also determinants of value. Good references for postcard valuation are the J.L. Mashburn Postcard Price Guides.

The author is owner of http://www.postcard-city.com Postcard City Vintage Postcards and webmaster of http://www.auction-lynx.com Internet Auction Resource Directory.