Home › The Catalogue › Postcards
Secure checkout · ships from the United States with tracking
"RARE 1983 ALPINE FLOWERS MULTI-VIEW POSTCARD WITH EXACT DATE & SPACE PROGRAM STAMPS!
You're looking at an authentic botanical treasure capturing four iconic Alpine wildflowers including the legendary EDELWEISS! As these genuine used European postcards with complete postal history continue to vanish from circulation these windows to Alpine botanical heritage become increasingly precious!
This exact-dated November 3 1983 postcard traveled from Germany to America by airmail with three different German stamps including two featuring the European space program. Don't miss this chance to own a disappearing piece of European botanical history!
Description
This high-quality chrome postcard features a stunning four-panel presentation of the most sought-after Alpine wildflowers masterfully photographed in their natural mountain habitat.
The upper left panel displays vivid pink/red Alpine Rhododendron (Rhododendron ferrugineum) blooming brilliantly against a background of blue sky and distant mountains.
The upper right showcases the intensely blue Gentian flowers (Gentiana acaulis) - perhaps the most iconic blue flower of the Alpine region - complemented by delicate yellow buttercups.
The lower left panel presents the legendary Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) the most famous Alpine flower and a symbol of purity and adventure alongside purple Alpine Asters (Aster alpinus).
The lower right features the magnificent Silver Thistle/Carlina (Carlina acaulis) with its dramatic star-like white petals radiating around a central disc - one of the most architectural flowers found in the Alps.
This comprehensive botanical documentation captures the Alpine region's most celebrated wildflowers in a single beautifully composed multi-view format with exceptional photographic clarity.
Historical Significance
Alpine wildflowers have held profound cultural and historical significance across European mountain communities for centuries.
The Edelweiss in particular became a powerful symbol in both Swiss and German folklore representing courage and love when climbers would risk their lives to gather these flowers from dangerous mountain ledges for their beloveds.
These Alpine species have been celebrated in regional folk songs depicted in traditional art forms and used in local herbal remedies for generations - representing the deep connection between mountain peoples and their unique natural environment.
This postcard was sent during an interesting period when German-American relations were particularly close just a few years before the fall of the Berlin Wall would transform Europe forever.
The inclusion of space program-themed stamps reflects the significant European investment in space exploration during the early 1980s - adding a fascinating technological contrast to the timeless natural beauty depicted on the front.
Authentic Postal Journey
This postcard wasn't just purchased as a souvenir - it was actually mailed from Germany to the United States on November 3 1983 with authentic German postage and a clear postmark.
The card carries three different German stamps (30 pfennig space satellite 40 pfennig space shuttle and 10 pfennig locomotive) creating an interesting collection of transportation themes from earth to space.
The blue 'MIT LUFTPOST PAR AVION' airmail label confirms its journey across the Atlantic by air documenting international postal practices of the early 1980s.
The handwritten message provides a delightful personal connection: 'Hi It is beautiful here in Germany again I am enjoying my visit with my Mother best regards to all see you soon Love Maria Bümüller' - complete with a charming hand-drawn illustration of mountains and sun with note about 'sunshine and plenty of rain.'
The card was addressed to the 'Tax Collectors Office' in Wayne New Jersey (with ZIP code 07470) - an unusual destination that adds another layer of historical curiosity to this piece.
Condition
This postcard remains in impressive condition despite its international journey and nearly four decades of age.
The front image maintains vibrant colors with exceptional clarity showing the delicate details of each Alpine flower with minimal fading or wear.
The verso shows normal postal usage including the handwritten message in blue ink addressing three German stamps and clear postmark - all well-preserved and legible.
Some light age-appropriate yellowing is visible around the edges consistent with its authentic 1983 vintage but there are no significant creases tears or damage.
The overall preservation is remarkable considering this ephemeral item has survived both international shipping and the passing of approximately 40 years - a testament to its quality and care.
Age/Era
This postcard dates precisely to November 3 1983 as confirmed by both the handwritten date and postmark - offering the exact certainty that serious collectors value.
The early 1980s represent an interesting period in both postal and botanical history just before digital communication began to transform how people shared travel experiences.
The publishing code 'No. 4/82' visible on the back confirms it was printed in 1982 just before it was purchased and sent the following year.
The photographic style color profile and multi-view format are quintessentially representative of premium European tourist postcards from this specific period.
As a genuine artifact from this specific date with exact documentation this card offers both aesthetic and historical value that modern reproductions cannot match.
Rarity
While Alpine flower postcards were produced for tourists examples with complete postal usage clear 1983 postmarks multiple stamps including space-themed designs and personal messages with hand-drawn illustrations are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
The combination of all four iconic Alpine flowers (Edelweiss Gentian Rhododendron and Silver Thistle) in a single card makes this a more comprehensive botanical documentation than cards featuring just one species.
Each year more of these vintage botanical postcards disappear into permanent collections or are lost to damage and disposal making each surviving example more valuable to serious collectors.
This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this specific documentation of Alpine flora with its complete 1983 German postal history - a vanishing piece of European ephemera that cannot be replaced once gone.
The combination of botanical interest space-themed stamps and detailed personal message creates a multi-faceted collectible beyond just a typical scenic postcard.
Collector's Note
This postcard offers exceptional value to collectors focusing on botanical subjects Alpine flora German postal history or European space program memorabilia.
The inclusion of the legendary Edelweiss flower makes this particularly desirable as this iconic Alpine species continues to hold powerful cultural significance and collector appeal.
The multi-view format provides four different botanical specimens for the price of one maximizing both aesthetic appeal and documentary value.
This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this specific documentation of Alpine wildflowers from November 1983 - once it's gone it's gone forever!
As interest in botanical heritage and natural history continues to grow amid increasing environmental concerns these authentic visual records of Alpine flora will only increase in significance and value.
Shipping Information
Your vintage postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure safe arrival.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of Alpine botanical history! This vanishing example of 1980s documentation of European wildflowers represents a moment in time that grows more distant with each passing year."
_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