A Quick Overview Of Postcard Collecting

Post card collectors, or more formally deltiologists, generally collect post cards for the view, subject depicted, topic, artist, publisher, photographer or any of hundreds of reasons relating to the front view of the post card. They are very much intrigued by the uniqueness and the view of a much simpler time in history.

The postal historian avidly seeks post cards for the stamp use, postmarks and postal markings, destinations and all the things related to the mailing or sending of the post card. Most of this information is generally found on the back of the card and the historian is less concerned with the view or front of the card. This doesn't interest him at all.

The philatelist collects the card for the stamp used on a post card and the way the stamp is cancelled. This is closely related in some ways to the reasons that a postal historian would collect post cards and maybe even for the same reason.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between the postal historian and the philatelist. Postal history and philately have crossed over blurred lines since stamp collecting began. Generally a philatelist is concerned with how a stamp is used, the condition of the stamp and the way it is cancelled. A cancel is the method that the postal bureau marks the stamp to prevent reuse.

A postal historian collects for the way a stamp is used and postmarked. A postmark is the way to determine the date of posting and the place that the post card was sent from, although postmarks are often also used as cancellations.

So a deltiologist, or post card collector, collects because of the front of the card and information relating to the image on the card. In many cases a postcard collector prefers a pristine mint card, whereas the postal historian, or cover collector, is likely to collect used postcards. The philatelist, or stamp collector, collects the post card for the stamp on a used card.

A postal historian will sometimes use collateral material for exhibiting in their albums, displays or at competitive exhibitions. In addition, a real photo town view, especially of a "ghost" town, will be used as collateral along with a postmark from that town. This forms a pleasing combination for many postal historians.

What is even better is when the town view and the postmark are from exactly the same place.

The deltiologist will also use a postmark as a crossover especially when they are collecting cards from World Fairs and Expositions. The postmark from these special post offices can add great value to a post card and prove that it was actually purchased at the fair or exposition. These are also sought after items for postal historians.

However, it doesn't make much difference if you collect post cards as a deltiologist, a postal historian or philatelist. As there are so many varieties and topics, you can collect whatever you like and do this in the way that suits you. You can find postcards everywhere, and especially in attics, garage sales, antique shops and stamp shops, petrol stations and hotels.

Collecting postcards is a great hobby and one that can be passed on from generation to generation to share your past travels, interests and history with your family.

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