EASTER GREETINGS : CHILDREN IN CHICK COSTUMES PUSHING EGG CART : C. 1908

This embossed charming and slightly surreal early Easter greeting postcard dates to the pre–World War I era (circa 1907–1912), a golden age for richly illustrated holiday cards. The scene shows two children dressed as fluffy yellow chicks, with one clinging to a large red Easter egg mounted on a small wheeled cart, while the second child strenuously pulls the cart forward. The imagery blends childhood whimsy with springtime symbolism—rebirth, fertility, and renewal—hallmarks of Edwardian Easter iconography. The artist leans into playful fantasy: the children’s chick costumes blur the line between human and hatchling, a visual trope that was extremely popular in Easter cards of this period. The textured, patterned background and soft pastel palette are typical of high-quality chromolithographic printing. The front of the card bears the greeting “Easter Greetings” in decorative script. There is no captioned joke or verse—this is a pure visual fantasy card, designed to charm rather than instruct. Cards like this were often sent to children or between close family members, especially grandparents to grandchildren. Although no publisher imprint is visible on the front, the illustration style, printing quality, and subject matter are strongly consistent with German-produced holiday cards, which dominated the American Easter postcard market before WWI. German printers excelled at embossed chromolithography and frequently exported cards for U.S. distribution. In regard to condition, the card’s colors remain strong and well saturated. There is light corner and edge wear consistent with age. The embossing remains crisp and well-defined and there are no creases or tears. No major creases or tears. Overall, this postcard is in good vintage condition for a holiday card of this age. It appears to have been produced in the 1910’s.  

This vintage postcard is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $14.00

Interested collectors may view the listing here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236541491118

Published in: on January 3, 2026 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHRISTMAS POSTCARD : ADORABLE CHILDREN, LARGE DOLL, AND A TOY BOAT UNDER A VERY DECORATED XMAS TREE : RPPC 1908

The caption under the photograph on this holiday greeting real photo postcard wishes the recipient a “Happy Christmas”. Two adorable children are standing under a copiously decorated Xmas tree. The kids are accompanied by a large doll and a toy sail boat. This French postcard has a French stamp affixed to the front of the card. The card has a 1908 postmark. The postcard was published by PC as part of a series (No.4013) and is in very good condition (see scans). SOLD

Published in: on December 25, 2023 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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PATRIOTIC 4TH OF JULY POSTCARD : FIRECRACKERS, SPARKLERS, CANNON (1912)

This patriotic vintage postcard celebrates America’s 4th of July holiday. The postcard is chock full of action. A young girl runs with a lit firecracker in one hand and an American flag in the other hand. A firing cannon and exploding firecrackers add to the action. Unlit firecrackers creatively spell out the words “4th of July”. A 1912 postmark from Chicago, can be seen on the reverse of the card. The postcard offers wishes for a happy 4th of July, from one sister to another. The card is addressed to Pana, Illinois. Pana became incorporated in 1857. “Pana” is derived for the name of an American Indian tribe (Pawnee). In the late 19th and early 20th century the town became centered around the coal mining industry. In 1899, the Pana Riot occurred. The incident happened after a violent confrontation between black and white miners. Seven people were killed in the violence. When the situation calmed, about two thirds of the black miners moved to another mine, located in Kansas. Despite some extra effort, I have been unable to identify the publisher of this card. SOLD

Published in: on July 4, 2022 at 12:00 pm  Comments (1)  
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