Precursor postcards
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Precursor postcards – the beginnings of a great passion for collecting
When we talk about “precursors”, we are referring to postcards that were created before postcards were established as a mass-produced means of communication. As these postcards date from a time when there were no uniform formats or design standards and they were not yet produced systematically, industrially and in series, they are particularly sought-after today.
What counts as a precursor?
There is no standard definition for the term “precursor”. However, a rule of thumb has become established in collector and dealer circles: Precursor postcards are all postcards used up to and including 1895. This date marks the phase in which the picture postcard finally established itself as an affordable, widespread mass medium.
Stricter definitions set the start date even earlier: Between around 1860 and June 30, 1872 – because as of July 1, 1872, the Reichspost also allowed private suppliers to produce postcards, provided they corresponded to the official form, per Official Gazette No. 41. In this narrower interpretation, the era of the “genuine precursor” ends before the industrial launch of the picture postcard.
The history of the precursor postcards
The first precursor postcards were created around 1870. These were mostly private creations. Individuals or companies had postcards printed with their own motifs. These early examples differed considerably from the later, standardized postcards. The formats used varied greatly.
The early postcards ranged from simple illustrations to elaborate lithographs, some hand-colored, often in small editions. They were an expression of individuality and experimentation and were primarily used for business purposes, for example as advertising material or business cards.
The best-known representatives of the precursor postcards include:
- Franz Scheiner (Würzburg)
- August Schwartz (Oldenburg)
The introduction of simple postcards was a decisive step in the development of the picture postcard. The Austrian postal administration introduced the so-called correspondence card in 1869. These postcards were much cheaper to send than letters. They offered a simple and inexpensive way of sending short messages. Other countries soon followed suit. The postcard quickly became popular.
Although the first postcards were mainly intended for text messages, it did not take long for pictorial representations to catch on. This development led to the creation of the actual, illustrated precursor postcards. Postcards with printed pictures were created. These images often showed
- tourist attractions,
- city views or
- landscapes.
They enabled senders to give their recipients a visual impression of their whereabouts. The motifs became more diverse. The precursor postcards paved the way for mass production and worldwide distribution of postcards in the 20th century.
Factors determining the value of a precursor postcard
Origin
Predecessor postcards date back to the early days of postal history and were produced by various German and international publishers – mostly in small, regional print shops.
Age
Most of the known precursor postcards date from around 1870 to 1885 – a time when the postcard was only gradually becoming established as a means of communication.
Condition
Minor defects and signs of age are tolerable in the case of precursor postcards, as there were initially no postcard collectors who would have attached particular importance to professional storage in albums. Well-preserved items are therefore quite rare.
Rarity
In many cases, precursor postcards were produced in very small editions and are therefore generally rare. Their rarity makes them coveted collector’s items today, often with a considerable collector’s value.
Characteristics
Here is one prominent example of the importance of these postcards: in 2024, the auction house Daniel Stade auctioned off the oldest known illustrated official postcard in the world to date.
The Austrian correspondence card from April 4, 1870 – sent in Olmütz – fetched a price of 13,000 euros. Such finds are absolute exceptions and true jewels of postal history.
Images
How to sell your postcards with Stade Auktionen
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Frequently asked questions
Find out everything you need to know about selling your postcards.
The value of old postcards can only be accurately determined by an in-depth valuation by our experts. It depends on various aspects, including age, origin, rarity, condition and the artist’s fame. Postcards that originate from historically significant personalities are particularly highly valued.
You are welcome to send us scans of your postcards for an initial assessment. Please note, however, that this alone is not sufficient for a final purchase decision. In order to offer you a precise purchase price, we need to carry out a personal appraisal of your collection. We avoid quoting lump sums without prior inspection, as we do not consider this to be serious. However, you are welcome to let us know your price expectations.
Your postcards should be older than 1945. Whether the postcards are written on or were sent by post is generally irrelevant. It is much more important that the postcards are in a collectible condition. We do not buy badly damaged postcards.
You are very welcome to visit us in our store in Grenzach-Wyhlen, where we can offer you personal advice and examine your collections.
If you are unable to visit us personally, please send us your postcards by post. Please send them by insured parcel post and enclose a cover letter with your asking price, address and telephone number.
Stade Auktionen GmbH & Co. KG
Markgrafenstr. 5
D-79639 Grenzach-Wyhlen
We can also collect legacies or extensive collections from your home.
The following conditions apply for consignments:
- The consignor may only consign postcards, stamps and other documents over which he has sole control.
- Consignments can be made at any time and will be included in the next auction.
- The starting prices are generally determined by the auction house. They are based on the current market situation.
- The auctioneer is entitled to accept underbids up to a maximum of 20% of the starting price.
- If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which the consignor is responsible, an expense allowance of EUR 100 per hour shall be payable for the inspection and valuation of the items to be auctioned, but at least EUR 100 per order.
- The sales commission for the auctioneer is 22% of the hammer price. If the hammer price is up to 500 euros, the sales commission is 30% and the insurance costs are 1% of the hammer price. The statutory value added tax is levied on this. Postage costs for any returns shall be borne by the consignor. We charge a fee of 2.50 euros per lot for processing large lots and 1 euro for individual postcards.
- The auctioneer cannot accept any liability for auctioned goods. He therefore takes out special auction insurance for the account of the customer, which insures the auctioned goods against all risks within the scope of this contract. The sum insured is 1% of the hammer price.
- If the consignor withdraws the goods for reasons for which he is responsible after the auctioneer has already advertised the goods in the catalog or on the Internet, the goods shall be deemed prepared for the auction and the auctioneer shall settle the order with a further expense allowance. This includes the lost commission of 20% of the starting price of the lot. In addition, the processing fee of EUR 25 per lot, up to a maximum of EUR 300, must be reimbursed. Fees for inspections that are necessary, at the auctioneer’s discretion, will be invoiced separately after consultation.
- Billing takes place up to two months after the auction.
- Advances are possible for good consignments.
- The place of jurisdiction for all parties involved is Lörrach.
Please understand that we cannot accept consignments of less than 100 postcards.
When selling an inherited collection of postcards, it is important to preserve their condition in order to achieve high sales proceeds.
Make sure that the postcards remain in their original condition:
- Avoid creases, scribbles and changes to faded writing.
- Do not remove any stamps, as this can reduce the value of the postcard.
- To protect against moisture and dust, the postcards should be cleaned with a dry brush and stored in protective sleeves.
Such measures help to maximize the value and attractiveness of the collection for other collectors.
Sell your postcards with Stade Auktionen
Do you want to sell a collection but don’t know how much your postcards are worth or how to sell them? Send us a message and we will take care of your request as soon as possible.