HOW TO IDENTIFY REAL PHOTO POSTCARDS

There is some confusion on what "Real Photo" postcards are and how to identify them. Real Photo postcards are photographs that are reproduced by actually developing them onto photographic paper the size and weight of postcards, with a postcard back. There are many postcards that reproduce photos by various printing methods that are NOT "real photos"...the same methods used when reproducing photos in magazines and newspapers.

The best way to tell the difference is to look at the postcard with a magnifying glass. If the photo is printed, you will see that it is made up of a lot of little dots, the same as a photo printed in a newspaper. A "real photo" postcard is solid, no dots.

Most real photo postcards have identifying marks on the back, usually in the stampbox corner, that identifies the manufacturer of the photographic paper. You can approximate the age of the Real Photo by knowing when the paper manufacturer was in business.

REAL PHOTO POSTCARD DATING GUIDE

Private Mailing Cards (1898-1901)

Beginning May 19 1898, printers were allowed, by act of congress, to print postcards marked "Private Mailing Card" on the back. The back was used strictly for the address. There was often a blank area left on the front, or picture side, for a message.

Undivided back (1901-1907)

Starting December 4 1901, publishers were allowed to use the word "POSTCARD" on the back, but still no writing was allowed on the non picture side, except for the address.

Divided Back (1907-1914)

Starting on March 1, 1907 postcards could be printed with a vertical line on the back, with the area to the right of the line for the address, and the area to the left for a message.

White Border (1915-1930)

During this period, cards were printed with a border around the picture, to save ink.  Quality during this era was often not up to the earlier standards.

Linen Era (1930- 1944)

Colorful cards, printed on stock with a textured, linen-like surface. Many collectors love these cards for their unique look and often "Art Deco" style.

Photochrome  - pre zip code (1945 to 1962)

These cards were made from color photographs, often Kodachrome or Ektachrome. If the publishers address printed on the back does not have a zip code, or has the earlier 2 digit postal code, it probably dates to this period.

Photochrome (1963 to present)

The zip code was introduced in 1963, so if your card has a zip code on it, you know it dates to 1963 or later.