“Studentika” postcards
Do you want to sell postcards depicting traditional student life?
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“Studentika” – postcards depicting student traditions and fraternities
The German word “Studentika” refers to postcards that deal with student life and student fraternities. Typical depictions show student fraternities, so-called “Burschenschaften”, which are often associated with certain clichés.
Frequent motifs on Studentika postcards
Historical postcards often showed scenes from everyday student life:
- Duels with sabres (known as “Mensuren”)
- Binge drinking in public houses
- Group pictures with student clothing and symbols (traditional “Couleur” objects)
Historical background of the student fraternities
Origin
In the late Middle Ages and early modern times, fraternities were necessary in order to live and study together far from home.
Founding of modern-day fraternities
Modern-day student fraternities emerged from around the middle of the 19th century.
Fraternity life
Members lived together, supported each other in everyday life and often remained connected for life as “Alte Herren” (= elder gentlemen).
Traditions and characteristics
- Alte Herren: Experienced members who supported and advised younger students, creating networks.
- Recognizability: Items of clothing such as ribbons, caps and pendants bearing a coat of arms (“Zipfelbunde”) made membership in a fraternity visible in public.
- Thematic focus: Some fraternities focused specifically on sporting or musical activities.
A special group were the so-called “corps”, whose members were liberal on the one hand, but also conservative on the other. It was therefore difficult to identify the political orientation of individual members, and their political views or religious affiliation played no particular role, as the corps did not make any political statements in public. The Mensur – fencing with a sabre – was very common within the corps. The fight was about overcoming fear and strengthening one’s own personality.
Factors determining the value of a “Studentika” postcard
Postcards from smaller fraternities or particularly beautifully illustrated postcards, sometimes with embossing, fetch higher prices than simple postcards from large fraternities.
Origin
Postcards come from various German and international publishers.
Age
about 1900 to 1950
Condition
Only in the case of particularly rare postcards should compromises in condition be accepted.
Rarity
As in the topographical area, items from the former German eastern territories are particularly sought after.
Characteristics
Not only historical postcards can be collected, but also objects from customs and student life. So-called “couleur” items, such as the ribbon, cap and Zipfelbund, which clearly showed the affiliation to a certain fraternity via their colors, are especially popular.
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.