Work From Home In South Africa - Collectors Guide to Real Photo Postcards

What is a Real Photo Postcard?

Cards that are based on real photos but are printed by lithography
or other methods are not considered real photo postcards. Real photo postcards are actual photographs that have been printed in a darkroom
on postcard paper.

A very brief history:

They do not hold
quite the same allure as amateur postcards, while still quite desirable to collectors. Other real photo cards were produced in quantity by
publishers such as Bamforth and Valentine. Early real photo postcards that are identifiable are one of a kind creations
and are highly sought after by collectors. A small "door" in the back of the camera allowed the user to
write a caption on their photo with an attached scribe. Shortly there after they introduced the
affordable No.3A Folding Pocket Kodak camera which allowed the general public to take photos and print them
on paper with postcard backs. In 1903 the Eastman Kodak Company developed photographic printing paper.

How to identify real photo postcards:

The card is not a real photo, if the image is comprised of a series of dots (similar to what
you would see in a magazine or news photo). ) Look at the postcard through a magnifying glass. 1.

Many of the mass produced
postcards will simply have printed on the reverse "Real Photo Postcard". And ANSCO, kodak, aZO, velox, dOPS, a few of the more common are EKC. ) The paper used in real photo postcards is frequently identified in the stamp box by name and
of symbols. 2.

) Early real photo cards will sometimes have a shiny "patina" which is due to the oxidation of silver deposits. 4. Real photo cards will often have a hand printed caption, ) As noted above. 3.

Dating real photo postcards:

For unused postcards the
paper type noted in the stamp box can be used to correlate an approximate age. Keep in mind however that the photographer
may have taken the actual photo many years before it was posted. The postmark date is the obvious choice in determining the relative age, if the card is used.

Valuation:

Mashburn Postcard Price Guides. Good references for postcard valuation are the J.L. Age and condition of the postcard are also determinants of value. A store sign or truck company)tend to be of greater value. Or cards with
an identifiable subject within the photo (i.e, transportation subjects, cards of smaller towns, likewise. Postcards will an identification
of the subject are more valuable than unidentified cards, as a general rule. A card worth a great deal to one individual due to
a particular subject may have little or no value to another collector. Determining the value of any postcard can often be a very subjective.