Behind Every Postcard – a Story: A Guide to the World of Deltiology

Deltiology: A Window to the Past

Collecting postcards, or deltiology, is much more than just a hobby. It's a way to connect with history, art, and geography through small cardboard cards that once traveled the world, carrying news, greetings, and views of distant cities.

Every vintage postcard is a unique document of its era. It can show what city streets looked like a hundred years ago, what fashion was like, and what people dreamed of and wrote to each other about. For a collector, it's not just an image, but an entire world frozen in time, waiting to be explored.

Main Types of Collectible Postcards

The world of deltiology is incredibly diverse, but among the vast variety, several areas are particularly interesting for collectors. Each of them holds special historical and cultural value.

The main types of popular postcards include:

Topographical (view) postcards. Cards depicting cities and places that have significantly changed or disappeared over time are especially valuable. Such postcards become true historical records, capturing lost architecture and daily life.

Art Nouveau greeting cards. These postcards, created at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, are works of art. They are distinguished by their exquisite design, intricate ornaments typical of the Art Nouveau style, and high-quality printing.

Field post. Cards sent by soldiers from the front lines bear the imprint of great historical events. Concise messages, censor stamps, and field post station addresses turn them into priceless relics full of personal stories.

How to Read the Back of a Postcard

Element	Description
Postmark	Indicates the exact date and place of mailing. It allows the postcard to be linked to a specific historical moment.
Postage Stamp	Can be a collectible item in itself. Its design, denomination, and cancellation method provide additional information about the era.
Publisher Information	The logo or name of the printing house where the postcard was printed. A key factor in determining rarity and value.
Message Text	A personal message that transforms the postcard from a simple image into the living history of a specific person.

For an experienced deltiologist, the back of the postcard is just as important as the front. It contains a wealth of information that helps determine the card's age, origin, and history. The ability to 'read' these signs is the key to understanding a specimen's value.

Every element on the back has its own significance and can tell a collector a great deal.

Analyzing these details together allows for a complete reconstruction of each postcard's journey and history.

Rare Publishers and Their Significance

A postcard's value largely depends on who printed it. Some publishers produced their products in limited editions, employed famous artists, or used advanced printing technologies. Cards from such publishers are highly valued in the antique market today.

Experienced collectors often specialize in the products of specific printing houses. The search for rare specimens from a well-known publisher turns into a real hunt. A logo or trademark on the back can multiply the value of what might seem like an ordinary topographical or greeting card.

Studying the history of publishers is an important part of deltiology. Knowing which ones are considered rare, which series had small print runs, and which are known for their quality helps in accurately appraising specimens and building a truly valuable collection.

Assessing Condition: What to Look For

Condition, or preservation, is one of the main criteria when appraising any collectible postcard. Even the rarest specimen can lose significant value due to damage. Therefore, it is important to be able to objectively assess the condition of the card.

When examining a postcard, you should pay attention to several key points. They will help determine its degree of wear and its appeal to collectors.

Corners. Ideally, they should be sharp and square. Bent, bumped, or rounded corners reduce the value.
Edges. Smooth, clean edges without scuffs or separation are a sign of good condition.
Creases and bends. Any folds in the card, especially those running through the image, are a serious defect.
Stains and soiling. Water marks, 'foxing' (age spots), glue, or ink blots negatively affect the appraisal.
Image condition. The brightness and clarity of the colors on the front are also important. Faded or scratched images are less valuable.

The closer the postcard's condition is to its original state, the higher its value to a collector.