In stock · No. group 47
"
RARE VINTAGE CHRISTMAS POSTCARD - 1977 HANNES PETERSEN WEIHNACHTSNACHT
you're looking at a beautiful vintage Christmas postcard from 1977 featuring a haunting winter night scene by renowned German artist Hannes Petersen. This enchanting artwork captures the magical essence of a snowy European village on Christmas night with its warm glowing windows contrasting against the serene blue-toned snowfall.
Petersen's atmospheric artistry transports you to a simpler time when handwritten Christmas greetings connected loved ones across distances. The delicate brushwork and luminous quality create an intimate nostalgic moment frozen in time.
Description This charming postcard depicts a peaceful European village courtyard during a nighttime snowfall. The artist masterfully captures the warm glow of yellow windows in brownish-red buildings set against blue snow-covered roofs.
In the foreground stands a small child in white attire possibly representing the Christkind (Christ Child) figure from German Christmas tradition. The scene evokes the quiet magic of Christmas Eve when children might glimpse the gift-bringer moving through the snow.
Historical Significance Hannes Petersen was a respected German illustrator known for evocative winter scenes that captured the essence of traditional European Christmas celebrations. This particular work titled 'Weihnachtsnacht' (Christmas Night) represents the rich cultural heritage of German holiday traditions.
The postcard was printed in Germany by Wiechmann-Verlag (Starnberg near Munich) and imported to America by Marcel Schurman Co. of San Francisco a premium importer of European greeting cards during the 1970s-2000s. It represents the continued American fascination with traditional European Christmas imagery during the late 20th century.
Condition This postcard is in very good to excellent vintage condition considering its 45+ years of age. The colors remain vibrant and true with minimal fading or discoloration.
There is light even age-related toning consistent with a card from 1977. The postcard shows no significant creases tears or corner damage - just minimal edge wear as expected for a mailed card.
The handwritten message in blue ink remains clear and legible. The 13¢ Liberty Bell stamp is fully intact with minimal wear and the December 21 1977 postmark from Lehigh Valley PA is clearly visible.
Age/Era This postcard can be precisely dated to December 1977 based on multiple confirming elements: • Postmark dated December 21 1977 • 13¢ Liberty Bell stamp (in circulation 1975-1978) • Handwritten date notation '12/77' near postmark • Authentic period details consistent with late 1970s production
Rarity While not extremely rare Hannes Petersen's Christmas illustrations are increasingly difficult to find in this excellent condition with complete postal history. His evocative winter scenes are sought after by both holiday postcard collectors and enthusiasts of European illustration art.
As authentic vintage ephemera continues to disappear into permanent collections finding complete examples with clear postmarks intact stamps and documented provenance becomes increasingly challenging year by year.
Collector's Note There is something profoundly moving about holding an authentic piece of Christmas history in your hands. This postcard represents not just beautiful artwork but a genuine human connection - a moment when someone named Richard reached out to friends during the holiday season of 1977.
Imagine the journey this card took - from a German printing press to an American importer purchased by a thoughtful sender carried through the holiday mail rush and eventually preserved for over four decades until finding its way to you today. Each vintage postcard carries these invisible threads of human connection across time.
In an age of digital communication these tangible artifacts of personal connection become ever more precious. They remind us of the care people once took to select the perfect image write a thoughtful message and send it through the postal system to brighten someone's holiday.
The Joy of Collecting Historic Ephemera Vintage postcards offer a uniquely accessible way to own authentic historical artifacts. Unlike expensive antiques or artwork these affordable treasures allow anyone to hold a genuine piece of the past.
Each card in your collection tells a story - of art of social history of changing traditions and of human connections. This Hannes Petersen Christmas Night scene captures a magical moment from the winter of 1977 preserved in pristine condition for your collection.
SAVE ON SHIPPING! Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! My store offers many unique vintage postcards - combine purchases to save on shipping while building your collection with carefully selected quality items.
Don't Miss This Opportunity!
Authentic vintage postcards in this condition are vanishing from the market with each passing year. Once this particular Hannes Petersen Christmas Night scene is gone I cannot guarantee when or if another will become available.
Add this enchanting piece of Christmas history to your collection today before it disappears into another permanent collection. With its documented provenance excellent condition and captivating artwork this postcard represents both a sound investment and a genuine connection to Christmas past."
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles