Vintage Christmas Postcards Lot of 6 Used Postmarked | Antique Edwardian Holiday Postcard Collection | Roses Holly Birds Verse 1908–1925

Vintage Christmas postcard lot of 6 — all used and postmarked, spanning approximately 1908 to 1925.

These cards carry real history on both sides: beautifully illustrated fronts and handwritten backs with period postmarks, personal messages, and addressed recipients across Indiana, Maine, and beyond. 

The six cards include a dramatic dark-ground 'A Sincere Wish' rose and sailing scene, a cheerful children-building-a-snowman 'A Cheerful Xmas,' a holly-and-bluebirds 'A Merry Christmas,' a mistletoe-and-village-scene verse card, a gold-ground robin-on-holly 'Greetings,' and a colorful Gothic-verse 'Oh Christmas Is a Jolly Time.'

A collector's lot with genuine provenance and character.

Details

• Item: Lot of 6 antique Christmas postcards — all used and postmarked

• Holiday / Theme: Christmas

• Cards Included:

• (1) 'A Sincere Wish' — dark sepia/mocha ground with pink and red roses, sepia sailing scene inset, verse 'When you hear the belfry's chime / Think of me this Christmas time / Distance cannot hearts divide / Joy be yours this Christmas-tide'; back pub. by Lonsdale & Bartholomew Ltd., Accrington — Printed in England; written 'Happy Xmas & Prosperous New Year from Hilda & boys'; dated Xmas 1929

• (2) 'A Cheerful Xmas' — children in winter coats building snowman, poinsettias, hornblower figure; 'Fortune and Good Health Keep with you this Xmas'; Series 156; back postmarked Dec 22 1918 Canton Point Maine; addressed to Mr. Olen Russell, Canton Point, Maine, N Jay RFD; written message visible

• (3) 'A Merry Christmas' — holly branches, golden bell with blue ribbon, bluebirds; back postmarked Logansport Indiana Dec 24; addressed Miss Laura ___; written by Marie Baker, 2019 Bdwy, Logansport Ind; mentions being sick with appendicitis

• (4) Mistletoe, sunrise village scene, gold bells, Gothic verse 'The mistletoe hung in the castle hall / The holly branch shone on the old oak wall'; back Made in Germany, Serie 571; postmarked Dec 25 1909; addressed Mrs. Annie ___?, Syracuse Indiana; written by Gertrude M.

• (5) Gold-ground robin-on-holly, green pearl bow, 'Xmas Greetings' monogram, winter village scene with carolers; tall format; back Logansport Indiana Dec 15 1908; addressed Miss Clarice Marlatt, Ft. Wayne Indiana; written 'Dear friend — Don't you write / I have been waiting patiently for some time / Suppose you are in school / Write soon / Fen W.'

• (6) Gothic-verse card 'Oh Christmas is a jolly time / When forests hang with snow / And other forests bend with toys / And lordly Yule-logs glow'; illuminated arch with dove and stars; Series 704-3; back postmarked Mishawaka Indiana Dec 6 1909; addressed Miss Hazel McCreary, Osceola Indiana RR; written by 'your Aunt Billa'

• Era: 1908–1929 (postmarks confirm dates)

• Publishers: Lonsdale & Bartholomew Ltd. (England); Made in Germany Serie 571; Series 156; Series 704-3 noted

• Postmarks: Canton Point Maine Dec 1918; Logansport Indiana Dec 1908 and Dec 24; Mishawaka Indiana Dec 1909; Dec 25 1909 noted; Xmas 1929 written

• Size: Standard approximately 3.5 x 5.5 inches; robin/holly card in tall format

• Sold as a lot of 6

Condition Grade: Good — all cards used and postmarked; condition mixed within lot

Positives

• 'A Sincere Wish' roses card: Rich color, dramatic design, legible back message

• Snowman children card ('A Cheerful Xmas'): Strong embossed detail, vivid poinsettia color

• Holly bluebirds card: Clean front, good color and detail

• Mistletoe sunrise card: Vibrant gold and teal tones, clear German publisher mark

• Gold-ground robin card: Striking rich gold background, good detail on bird and holly

• Gothic verse/dove card: Bold color, legible postmark and personal message from 'Aunt Billa'

Issues / Wear

• 'A Sincere Wish' card: Small spot of foxing/staining visible at top edge — noted in photos

• Snowman card: Light age toning and surface wear consistent with 105+ year age

• All cards have been postally used — handwritten messages, stamps, and postmarks present on backs

• General age toning across lot consistent with 95–115+ year age

See all photos for detail — sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key

• Near Fine: Minimal to no wear; appears unposted and unhandled

• Very Good: Light wear only; displays well; minor flaws noted

• Good: Honest wear consistent with age and use; all features present; clearly noted flaws

• Fair: Heavy wear, damage, or significant flaws; listed at reduced value

Collector's Notes

What makes this lot special is its documentary depth. These aren't just pretty cards — they're snapshots of real lives.

Someone in Logansport, Indiana was sick with appendicitis at Christmas 1909 and still sent a card. Aunt Billa in Mishawaka wrote to remind her niece Hazel McCreary that Christmas was 'close to hand.'

A friend in Ft. Wayne was waiting patiently for a letter from a girl who was probably in school. The 'Made in Germany, Serie 571' mistletoe card is a pre-WWI European import, a detail serious postcard collectors recognize.

Together these six cards are a Christmas collection and a time capsule.

Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)

1. Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
   
2. Packed with our protective packaging standard
   
3. Ships in 1 business day
4. Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)

Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. 

Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions