The History of Postcards: From the First Postcard to a Treasure for Collectors

Postcards are not only a popular way to send someone a message from your vacation, but they are also a collector's item with a fascinating history. But how did this simple piece of paper become one of the most popular means of communication of the 19th and 20th centuries? Let's take a look at the evolution of postcards from their humble beginnings to the present day.

The beginning of the story: The first postcard

It all started in 1869, when the Austro-Hungarian Post Office introduced the first “correspondence card”. This simple idea, created by Professor Emanuel Herrmann, revolutionized written communication. People could send brief messages without having to put them in an envelope, which was cheap, fast and practical. The first cards had no pictures – they were just pre-printed cards with space for the address and text.

It's hard to imagine today, but it was this small innovative step that led to a phenomenon that, a few years later, swept the entire world.

The advent of illustrations and postcard art

In 1870, France added the first simple illustrations to postcards, changing the way people perceived them. From a practical tool, the postcard began to become a small work of art. Until the 1890s, postcards were illustrated by hand or printed using lithography. This technique allowed for the creation of beautiful colorful motifs.

An interesting milestone came at the turn of the century, when the first postcard boom occurred in Germany. The Germans were pioneers in the printing and distribution of postcards thanks to their high-quality printing industry. Postcards from this era, especially those with lithographic motifs, are now highly prized among collectors.

The Golden Age of Postcards

The period between 1900 and 1918 is known as the "golden age of postcards." During this period, postcards were the main means of communication because they were cheap, accessible, and beautifully crafted. People not only sent postcards as messages, but also collected and kept them as souvenirs.

One reason for their popularity was the growth of tourism. Postcards were an essential part of vacations – everyone wanted to send home a picture of the Eiffel Tower, Charles Bridge or the Alps. Postcards were also used as souvenirs of various events, from coronations to world exhibitions.

During this time, the first postcards with photographs were created, which was a revolution. Thanks to this, collecting postcards became even more popular. People could take something unique from every holiday, celebration or event.

A personal look at postcards

I personally got into collecting postcards by accident. I remember as a boy finding dozens of postcards from my grandmother's youth in an old box. There were postcards from a vacation in Croatia, Christmas cards, and even a few from the First Republic. I was fascinated by how each of those little pieces of paper told a story.

One postcard in particular stuck with me. It was an old postcard of Prague from 1910. I realized that people back then might have held it like I did, looking at Charles Bridge and thinking about their lives. That led me to start collecting postcards and looking for stories in them.

Modern Postcards: A Tradition That Survives

Although it might seem that the era of postcards has ended with the advent of the internet and social media, the opposite is true. Postcards are enjoying a newfound interest, especially among collectors. Old postcards are highly prized for their historical value, artistic craftsmanship, and ability to tell a story.

Moreover, they are still used as souvenirs and gifts. Even in the age of emails and text messages, a postcard has a personal charm that other forms of communication cannot replace.

Why collect postcards?

Postcards are not just a hobby to collect, but also an investment. Some historical pieces can be worth thousands of crowns, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition. If you have postcards at home, it is worth exploring them - you may find a treasure among them.

Collecting postcards also helps preserve history. Each postcard is not only a picture, but also a testament to the time in which it was created. And for me personally, postcards are a reminder that even small things can have great meaning.

Conclusion: Postcards as a journey through time

Postcards are more than just a piece of paper. They are little pieces of history that connect generations and preserve memories. Whether you collect them, send them, or just admire them, they can always surprise you with their magic.

If you are as fascinated by postcards as I am, take a look at our collection of vintage postcards on our online store. You might discover a piece that tells a story.

Postcards are not only a popular way to send someone a message from your vacation, but they are also a collector's item with a fascinating history. But how did this simple piece of paper become one of the most popular means of communication of the 19th and 20th centuries? Let's take a look at the evolution of postcards from their humble beginnings to the present day.

The beginning of the story: The first postcard

It all started in 1869, when the Austro-Hungarian Post Office introduced the first “correspondence card”. This simple idea, created by Professor Emanuel Herrmann, revolutionized written communication. People could send brief messages without having to put them in an envelope, which was cheap, fast and practical. The first cards had no pictures – they were just pre-printed cards with space for the address and text.

It's hard to imagine today, but it was this small innovative step that led to a phenomenon that, a few years later, swept the entire world.

The advent of illustrations and postcard art

In 1870, France added the first simple illustrations to postcards, changing the way people perceived them. From a practical tool, the postcard began to become a small work of art. Until the 1890s, postcards were illustrated by hand or printed using lithography. This technique allowed for the creation of beautiful colorful motifs.

An interesting milestone came at the turn of the century, when the first postcard boom occurred in Germany. The Germans were pioneers in the printing and distribution of postcards thanks to their high-quality printing industry. Postcards from this era, especially those with lithographic motifs, are now highly prized among collectors.

The Golden Age of Postcards

The period between 1900 and 1918 is known as the "golden age of postcards." During this period, postcards were the main means of communication because they were cheap, accessible, and beautifully crafted. People not only sent postcards as messages, but also collected and kept them as souvenirs.

One reason for their popularity was the growth of tourism. Postcards were an essential part of vacations – everyone wanted to send home a picture of the Eiffel Tower, Charles Bridge or the Alps. Postcards were also used as souvenirs of various events, from coronations to world exhibitions.

During this time, the first postcards with photographs were created, which was a revolution. Thanks to this, collecting postcards became even more popular. People could take something unique from every holiday, celebration or event.

A personal look at postcards

I personally got into collecting postcards by accident. I remember as a boy finding dozens of postcards from my grandmother's youth in an old box. There were postcards from a vacation in Croatia, Christmas cards, and even a few from the First Republic. I was fascinated by how each of those little pieces of paper told a story.

One postcard in particular stuck with me. It was an old postcard of Prague from 1910. I realized that people back then might have held it like I did, looking at Charles Bridge and thinking about their lives. That led me to start collecting postcards and looking for stories in them.

Modern Postcards: A Tradition That Survives

Although it might seem that the era of postcards has ended with the advent of the internet and social media, the opposite is true. Postcards are enjoying a newfound interest, especially among collectors. Old postcards are highly prized for their historical value, artistic craftsmanship, and ability to tell a story.

Moreover, they are still used as souvenirs and gifts. Even in the age of emails and text messages, a postcard has a personal charm that other forms of communication cannot replace.

Why collect postcards?

Postcards are not just a hobby to collect, but also an investment. Some historical pieces can be worth thousands of crowns, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition. If you have postcards at home, it is worth exploring them - you may find a treasure among them.

Collecting postcards also helps preserve history. Each postcard is not only a picture, but also a testament to the time in which it was created. And for me personally, postcards are a reminder that even small things can have great meaning.

Conclusion: Postcards as a journey through time

Postcards are more than just a piece of paper. They are little pieces of history that connect generations and preserve memories. Whether you collect them, send them, or just admire them, they can always surprise you with their magic.

If you are as fascinated by postcards as I am, take a look at our collection of vintage postcards on our online store. You might discover a piece that tells a story.