posted on June 2, 2003 01:38:08 PM new
The 1907-1908 post cards are no doubt chromolith postcards, probably printed in Germany. Some US publishers were making postcards then too - Detroit Publishing being probably the best example of good quality American made cards) The backs may or may not be divided (before 1907 only the address was allowed on the back and the message had to be written on the face). Writing on the face detracts from value unless it was on UDB (undivided back) PC.
The group of cards attached together are usually called "booklet" or "folder". If they are from small towns etc they may have some value - forget Niagra Falls , Smoky mountains, Williamsburg, Washington DC - you can't even GIVE them away! But like anything else, even those places have collectors and you may be lucky and catch them on the right day.
The "linen" cards were used mostly 1935 - 1960. They have a distinctive linen weave.
If you do list as a lot, let me know. I love the chromolith cards!
posted on June 2, 2003 02:41:08 PM new
Neglus: You're our Expert in Residence here on postcards, and thank you so much.
I have a question: Are postcards that haven't been used, that is, with no writing on them, more or less valuable than the others? Or is there no difference?
posted on June 2, 2003 02:49:31 PM new
Roadsmith - I don't think I have noticed a difference between used and unused on eBay for my view post cards. They sure are easier to date if they are used! Condition is the key factor. I myself like the used ones - i am a little bit of a busybody and enjoy reading the backs!
Collectors of greeting cards I think prefer pristine unused cards.
posted on June 2, 2003 03:53:29 PM new
LOL because that's what someone TOLD me they are! I think it refers to the printing process used - chromium lithographs - during that period. That was the "golden age" of postcards and the European printing was very high quality. For some reasons American printing technology lagged behind the Europeans (Detroit publishing, Reider and Weidner and Mitchell in California being notable exceptions)and most cards were printed in Germany and imported. World War I changed all of that...after 1915 American view postcards were printed domestically and varied in quality.
The postcard of San Francisco at night is a linen postcard (you can even see the linen weave in the scan)- the 1907-1908 postcards would be smooth.
[ edited by neglus on Jun 2, 2003 04:06 PM ]
posted on June 3, 2003 05:44:12 AM new
ok eauction - i tried using the digital...NOW YOU CAN SEE WHY I AM HOPELESS AS A PHOTOGRAPHER!
[ edited by neglus on Jun 3, 2003 05:44 AM ]
Actually... the detail on your digital picture is really quite good. That means that you've got a camera with a good Macro setting. The problem with your shot is in the framing of the item. You're not either not holding the camera straight, or the camera moved when you took the picture. Does your camera have you look through the viewfinder for Macro shots, or does it use the LCD panel for Macro Shots. (My camera uses the viewfinder for normal shots... but because the framing changes in Macro mode, it suggests that I frame my subject using the LCD panel instead).
One thing that would help considerably is to use a tripod. Also, always grip the camera firmly with both hands, and gently squeeze (not snap) the shutter button. Snapping a shot often shakes the camera and either blurs the picture or changes your framing. (Whoever came up with the term snap-shot should be shot because it is the worst possible way you can take a picture!) Also, don't use your camera to crop too close to the post-card edges. Use an image-editing software program (like Photoshop) to do that for you.
I honestly think that with a little practice you could become a good picture-taker! (at least for post-cards!) Practice is the key word though... don't expect to be a professional overnight. However, I honestly think the time you put into learning digital picture-taking will reward you ten-fold in the amount of time it will save you over the scanner. Let me know if I can help you!
posted on June 4, 2003 01:45:20 PM new
eauctionmgt: Here's the dope on the cheat sheet my husband uses when scanning and classifying old photos for our local museum:
The museum uses software called Past Perfect, Museum Archive Software. It's very complex. He went into their lists of keywords, which runs to many pages!!! and made his own list from that, which is "only" 1 page two sides, 5 columns of words on each side. Alphabetized. This little museum, not even opened yet, estimates that, with the photos they already have, it will take 10 years' time for volunteers 3 days a week. Probably more complicated than any of us postcard people would want to use.
When he clicks on one of the keywords, a prompt comes up for further subcategories. "Kitchen, tree, furniture, car, outdoor eating, etc." are examples of the keywords.
I think, thanks to neglus here, that we're smarter just to look each postcard over carefully and note everything that could be of interest to a searcher.
Thanks for the post! I'm actually familiar with PastPerfect! In my real-life-job, I'm an academic trainer (teach computer programs) for faculty/staff/students at a private liberal college. Our Mueseum and Art gallery both have expressed interest in the software... and the mueseum has just started using it (it's supposed to be the top in the field). I've fiddled with it a bit, but hadn't thought of using it with an eBay mindset! hmmmm.... But, I think you're right... it may just be easiest to look at the item closely and take good notes. Experience certainly helps! But thanks again for the post!
posted on June 4, 2003 03:56:18 PM new
My husband, too, has been in academics--chem prof, then dean of science, then university provost. You fellows are a breed apart, I must say. What a coincidence that you're familiar with Past Perfect, when some of us had never heard of it before! Have a great week.
