In stock · No. group 47
"
RARE FOUND TREASURE: 1920s Christmas Card with Family History
Discover an authentic piece of Christmas past with this beautifully preserved 1920s holiday card. This remarkable survivor from nearly a century ago features a stunning Arts & Crafts/Art Deco influenced illustration that captures the nostalgic charm of early 20th century Christmas celebrations.
Description This enchanting vintage card depicts a winter scene with a yellow/tan horse-drawn stagecoach pulled through snow by two horses (one brown one white/gray). The background showcases a Tudor-style half-timbered house with distinctive red walls and a snow-covered roof that transports you instantly to a bygone Christmas era.
Snow-covered evergreen trees frame the scene while a striking bright red sun/moon glows against an olive/brown sky creating a magical winter atmosphere. The right side features an elegant tan rectangular panel with 'Heartily wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a bright New Year' in beautiful Gothic/Old English font.
Holly with red berries decorates the panel corners adding traditional Christmas charm. The entire scene is bordered by a tan/light brown decorative frame that completes this artistic holiday greeting.
Historical Significance What makes this card truly exceptional is the
completely intact handwritten message on the reverse. Written in fountain pen by 'Lulu Gombert' to her brother Earl this personal note offers a rare and intimate glimpse into family Christmas preparations from a century ago.
The message requests that Earl 'please bring some Xmas tree trimmings along when you come home for Xmas' – a charming reminder of how families celebrated together in the early 20th century. Such personal correspondence is increasingly rare to find preserved with the original card.
Complete Original Message 'Dear Brother: This is to let you know that we are all well hope you are all the same. Earl will you please bring some Xmas tree trimmings along when you come home for Xmas. Did Herbert call you up already and ask you to come along down he said he was Emma came on Mon. Now don't forget our trimmings. With love to all I remain your Sis Lulu Gombert'
Condition This card remains in good vintage condition with expected age-related wear after nearly a century. The colors particularly the vibrant red accents retain impressive richness considering the card's age.
There is a moderate tan/yellowed patina consistent with 1920s paper products some minor fading of colors (particularly in the brown/tan background) and light edge wear with corner rounding. Small areas of surface abrasion are visible in the sky area and a diagonal crease/fold line runs across part of the front image.
The handwritten text on the reverse remains completely legible in black fountain pen ink with no significant damage. Some light foxing spots appear on the back but there are no tears or major flaws that detract from this card's historical and aesthetic value.
Age/Era This card dates from approximately 1920s possibly as early as the late 1910s or as late as the early 1930s. The Arts and Crafts/early Art Deco influence Old English typography distinctive illustration style and handwriting characteristics all point to this period.
The limited color palette dominated by olive green tan red white and black is quintessential of higher-quality Christmas cards from this era. No postage or postmark is present as the card was likely hand-delivered or enclosed in an envelope.
Rarity While Christmas cards were produced in significant numbers during this period
well-preserved examples with intact personal family correspondence are increasingly difficult to find. The combination of artistic illustration historical messaging and good condition makes this a moderately uncommon collector's item.
Cards with specific mention of Christmas decorations and family holiday preparations provide unique historical insight into early 20th century Christmas traditions and family life that cannot be replicated or manufactured today.
Collector's Note Vintage holiday cards are
disappearing treasures that connect us directly to Christmas celebrations of the past. This card allows you to hold an authentic piece of 1920s Christmas heritage in your hands – complete with the words and sentiments of real people who celebrated a century ago.
The combination of artistic holiday illustration with personal family correspondence makes this a particularly meaningful addition to any Christmas ephemera or transportation-themed collection. Cards like this are becoming increasingly hard to find as time passes and more are lost to damage or disposal.
The Joy of Historical Ephemera Owning authentic historical Christmas cards provides a tangible connection to holiday celebrations of the past that no reproduction or digital image can replicate. There is something deeply moving about holding an actual card that was sent between family members during a Christmas season nearly 100 years ago.
When you add this card to your collection you become the next caretaker in its journey through time – preserving both its artistic beauty and the personal family story it contains for future generations to appreciate.
Multiple Postcard Shipping Savings! Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! We are happy to combine shipping on all postcard purchases. Your shipping cost remains the same whether you purchase one card or twenty!
Don't Miss This Opportunity Authentic 1920s Christmas cards with intact handwritten family messages are becoming increasingly scarce as time passes. Once these historical pieces are gone they cannot be replaced. Secure this genuine piece of Christmas history today before it finds its way into another collector's hands!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles