Glossary
To help folks understand the jargon, here’s a list of terms you might encounter while browsing Postcard Ranch. (or anywhere else that the language of old postcards is spoken)
Chrome – Often referred to as “modern chromes”, the shiny, colorful chrome postcards are in fact photochrome cards. Introduced in 1939, they are the sort of postcard still being produced today.
Clapsaddle, Ellen Hattie – Ellen H. Clapsaddle (1865-1934) is probably the best known artist from the “golden age” of postcards, and is particularly renowned for her holiday cards. Learn more here.
Continental Size – Larger than standard size, continental postcards measure 4″ x 6″.
Deckled Edge – A deckled edge is scalloped in an irregular fashion, as is found on Curt Teich’s “Colorit” line of postcards.
Divided Back – Divided back postcards were the result of a change in postal regulations effective March 1, 1907. For the first time in the U.S., this allowed messages to be written on the back of postcards, hence the vertical division bisecting the back. (left for message, right for address) These were made from 1907 until the advent of white border cards, around 1915.
Embossed – Embossed postcards feature raised designs that add dimensionality to the depicted scene. Embossing is most often found on special occasion postcards.
Foxing – A type of damage sometimes found on old books and other vintage ephemera, including postcards. Consisting of dark spots or patches, it is believed to be caused by fungus.
Gel – A lacquer coating that imparted a glossy finish to postcards.
Leather – Postcards made from leather were relatively popular from 1903 until 1909, at which time their use was banned because they couldn’t be sorted by Postal Service equipment.
Linen – Produced from roughly 1930 to 1945, linen postcards possess a woven texture that makes them easily identifiable.
Private Mailing Card – In 1898 private printers were allowed to produce postcards, and these “private mailing cards” were used until 1901. They are easily identifiable, as they all are marked, “Private Mailing Card, Authorized by Act of Congress on May 19, 1898″. Correspondence was only allowed on the front (picture side) of these cards.
RPPC – Real photo postcards. Produced since the beginning of the 20th century, real photo cards are actual photographs printed onto postcard backs. Not so mass-produced as their conventional counterparts, real photo postcards often captured mundane, personal, and wholly unidentifiable events, but some (the ones most coveted by collectors) include captions indicating the time, place, and identity of the individuals shown.
Standard Size – Standard size postcards are the most common and popular size, and measure approximately 3½” x 5½”.
Undivided Back – Effective December 24, 1901, the private mailing card authorization inscription was no longer required, and for the first time these mailers were referred to as a “Post Card”. Correspondence was still allowed only on the front, where a small space was often made available for messages. Undivided back cards were discontinued with the arrival of divided back postcards in 1907.
White Border – White border postcards are American-made cards produced following the end of the importation of German-made postcards, and are identified by, you guessed it, their white borders. Sometimes of very poor quality, they were made from approximately 1915 to 1930. Be aware that the subsequent linen cards often used white borders as well, but linens can be distinguished by their fabric-like texture.
