Postcards related to sports
| Material: | Paper |
| Period: | 1895 – 1950 |
| Price range: | € 3 to € 100 |
Do you want to sell postcards related to sports?
Get an unbiased valuation of your collectibles and sell them at the best price. Stade Auktionen will guide you to the auction professionally and respectfully.
Sports on historical postcards
Historical postcards are not just decorative mementos, but witnesses to a bygone era. They not only show picturesque landscapes and architectural masterpieces, but also the everyday life of past generations. One particularly exciting aspect is the portrayal of sports.
The diversity of motifs on sports postcards
From sailing boats to sandy beaches – the many motifs are diverse and surprisingly lively:
- elegant sailing and rowing boats on glittering lakes
- proud cyclists on dusty country roads
- happy bathers on sunny beaches
These illustrations show which sports were popular at the time – and how they were perceived. Postcards document sport as a part of public life and provide an insight into its social significance.
Status symbol and leisure activity: what sport reveals about society
Many of the sports depicted – such as tennis or golf – were (and are) considered an expression of lifestyle and social status. They were not only practiced, but presented to impress. Sport was a symbol of dynamism, health and modern life.
The visual language of the postcards is often idealized.
- Athletes pose confidently
- The surroundings are inviting, almost idyllic
- Exercise and relaxation are in harmony with nature
Such representation contributed significantly to the popularization of sport. It awakened longings, inspired people to get exercise and made sport appear to be an integral part of a fulfilled life.
Why sports postcards are valuable contemporary witnesses
Historical postcards with sports motifs are important cultural and historical sources. They tell of:
- the beginnings of modern sport
- its role in society
- the changes in leisure time, lifestyle and community
They are small messages from a time when sport meant not only performance, but also enjoyment of life and community.
Factors determining the value of a sports postcard
Origin
The postcards were produced by numerous publishers – both from Germany and abroad. The spectrum ranges from large publishing houses to smaller regional publishers.
Age
Most sports postcards date from around 1895 to 1950.
Condition
With frequent motifs, no compromises should be made regarding the condition of a postcard. On the other hand, minor signs of use are perfectly acceptable for rare event or festival postcards if they do not diminish their historical value.
Rarity
Common motifs such as sailing or rowing boats on idyllic lakes are represented in many collections and are correspondingly moderate in value. On the other hand, rare postcards that have appeared in connection with specific sporting events or festivals are particularly sought after – they are considered true rarities and are valued accordingly higher.
Characteristics
Postcards with sports motifs can be combined well with other collector’s items made of paper. Tickets, posters and autographs are particularly suitable for such a collection.
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.