This charming and visually rich antique Christmas gel postcard, dates to 1907, and postally used during the Golden Age of postcards. The front features a beautifully illustrated holiday scene titled “A Merry Christmas.” Santa Claus, depicted in a classic early 1900s style with a red robe and flowing white beard, floats in on a cloud to present gifts to a young child reaching up in delight. A decorated Christmas tree filled with toys and ornaments dominates the left side of the composition, while architectural elements and glowing light effects add warmth and motion to the scene. The image is softly luminous, with rich color saturation characteristic of early high-quality printing. Gel postcards (also known as a gelatine postcard) are printed on a gelatin-coated paper stock that produces a smooth surface and deep, vibrant colors. Gel postcards were especially popular between approximately 1902 and 1912 and were often used for holiday imagery because of their refined appearance and visual depth. The reverse shows a divided back and is postmarked, with a 1¢ Benjamin Franklin stamp affixed. The card was mailed to York, Pennsylvania, and includes a handwritten Christmas greeting reading, in part: “Well Helen I guess you are ready for Christmas. From your friend, Rosa E. Ailes”. This postcard is in good antique condition. There is light edge and corner wear and surface wear consistent with postal use. There are no tears or major creases noted. Overall an attractive and well-preserved example for a card over a century old (see scans). Although unsigned, it is known that P. Sander is the artist that created the art on this postcard. He was a prolific postcard artist during the “Golden Age” (around 1905-1915) known for signing his vintage, often embossed, real photo or artistic cards featuring holiday and travel scenes.
This vintage postcard is available for purchase at The History Peddler for $18 or Best Offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/336349804452
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 