|
GLOSSARY OF POSTCARD TERMS
Appliqué - A term used to describe a postcard which has some form of cloth, metal, or other embellishment attached to it.
Art Deco - Artistic style of the 1920s recognizable by the symmetrical designs and straight lines.
Art Nouveau - Artistic style of the turn of the century, characterized by flowing lines and flowery symbols, yet often depicting impressionist more than representational art.
Bas Relief - Postcards with a heavily raised surface giving a papier-mâché appearance.
Chromo-Litho - The finest of all color-printing methods, the color being applied in solids as opposed to modern screen printing. There are no 'dots' in chromo-lithographic printing. Cards produced by this method have a rich and deep color, where often the original shiny surface remains. Usually found in 'Gruss Aus' and other Early undivided back cards.
Divided back - Postcards with the the back divided into two sections, one for the message, the other for the address.
Early - A term loosely used to describe any undivided back card.
Embossed - Postcards with a raised surface. Often found among Greetings and Heraldic types.
Glitter - Postcards sprinkled with tinsel.
Gruss Aus - German for "Greetings From". A term used to describe these highly pictorial continental Greetings cards.
Novelty - A postcard which deviates in any way from the norm. Cards which do something or have articles attached to them, or are printed in an unusual size or on strange materials.
Official - Postcard printed by a Government or other established body to advertise their services.
Oilette - A trade name used by the publishers Raphael Tuck to describe postcards reproduced from original paintings.
Poster Advert - A reproduction of an advertising poster, or a postcard done specifically in that style.
Pull Out - Postcards containing a strip view insert. Strips of views etc. are folded under flaps on the face of the cards and 'pulled out' to view.
Real Photographic - Abbreviated to 'RP'. Used to describe a card which has been produced by a photographic rather than a printing process.
Standard Size - This size of 140mm x 89mm corresponds to 5 1/2" x 3 1/2".
Topographical - A term used to describe postcards showing street scenes and general views, where the view is more prominent than any other feature, e.g. if a Post Office or a Public House were to form the dominant feature of a card, then it could be classified under that heading.
Undivided Back - Postcards with a a plain back where the whole of this space would be used for the address. A term often used loosely to describe Early Cards, although undivided backs were in common use until 1907.
Vignette - Usually found on undivided back postcards, and consisting of a design which does not occupy the whole of the picture side. Vignettes may be anything from a small sketch in one corner of the card, to a design covering three-quarters of the card. The essential idea was that some space should be left for the message, as the reverse of the card could only be used for the address.
Write-Away - A term used to describe a postcard bearing the opening line of a sentence, which the sender would then continue. Usually found on early Comic postcards.
CONDITION OF POSTCARDS
As with old coins, stamps, books, etc. the condition of a postcard is an extremely important factor in determining the price for the collector, the dealer and for those wishing to sell them. The system listed below is selected by Barr's Postcard News and Postcard Collector, leading postcard hobby publications and it has been adapted by many dealers:
M - MINT. A perfect card just as it comes from the printing press. No marks, bends, or creases. No writing or postmarks. A clean and fresh card. Seldom seen.
NM - NEAR MINT. Like Mint but very light aging or very slight discoloration from being in an album for many years. Not as sharp or crisp.
EX - EXCELLENT. Like mint in appearance with no bends or creases, or rounded or blunt corners. May be postally used or unused and with writing and postmark only on the address side. A clean, fresh card on the picture side.
VG - VERY GOOD. Corners may be just a bit blunt or rounded. Almost undetectable crease or bend that does not detract from overall appearance of the picture side. May have writing or may be postally used on the address side. A very collectible card.
G - GOOD. Corners may be noticeably blunt or rounded with slightly noticeable bends or creases. May be postally used or have writing on the address side. Less than VG.
FR - FAIR. Card is intact. Excess soil, stains, creases, writing, or cancellation may affect picture. Could be a scarce card that is difficult to find in any condition.