In stock · No. group 57
"
RARE EDWARDIAN CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR POSTCARD - BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN PINK BONNET - GOLD EMBOSSED
Descriptionyou're looking at an authentic Edwardian-era holiday postcard from the Golden Age of postcards (circa 1908-1915). This premium quality embossed greeting card features an elegant triptych design with exquisite gold embellishments and vibrant colors.
The central panel showcases a fashionable young woman wearing a distinctive large pink bonnet tied under her chin surrounded by rich red poinsettia flowers green leaves and decorative golden bells. The portrait exemplifies the height of Edwardian fashion sensibilities with its careful attention to feminine elegance.
Ornate gold embossed text flanks the portrait reading 'Christmas Greetings and all' on the left panel and 'Good Wishes for New Year' on the right panel. The entire composition is framed with delicate Art Nouveau-inspired gold scrollwork and flourishes against a white background.
Historical SignificanceThis postcard represents the pinnacle of holiday greeting card production during what collectors call the 'Golden Age of Postcards' (1900-1915). During this period postcard exchange reached unprecedented popularity with intricate designs like this representing the height of commercial artistry.
The Edwardian era (1901-1910) was characterized by elegant fashion and decorative excess before the austerity of World War I changed social customs forever. The woman's elaborate pink bonnet perfectly captures this brief moment in fashion history when such extravagant headwear was the height of style.
The combination of Christmas and New Year greetings in a single card was a popular format during this period allowing senders to cover the entire holiday season with one thoughtful greeting. The use of poinsettias which had only recently become associated with Christmas in American culture shows the emerging holiday iconography of the early 20th century.
ConditionThis 110+ year old postcard remains in
remarkably good vintage condition given its age. The colors are still vibrant particularly the rich red poinsettias and golden embellishments that catch the light beautifully.
There is light overall toning/yellowing of the background consistent with its age minor edge and corner wear and some slight foxing (small age spots). No major creases tears or damage are present and the embossed elements remain well-defined and intact.
The back of the card shows a lovely embossed floral background pattern that remains clear and distinct. It contains only the word 'Mother' handwritten in the message area and an address to 'Sherwood Hawkins East Sebunket L.I.' (likely East Setauket Long Island) though the card appears never to have been mailed.
Age/EraMultiple elements help date this postcard precisely to the 1908-1915 period:
• The divided back format (introduced in the US around 1907)
• 'DOMESTIC ONE CENT / FOREIGN TWO CENTS' postal rates (1907-1917)
• The distinctive embossed decorative background with floral patterns
• The ornate script style for 'Post Card' typical of early 20th century
• The Art Nouveau-influenced design elements popular during this era
• The style of the woman's fashionable large hat
RarityFinding Edwardian holiday postcards in this condition becomes
increasingly difficult with each passing year. Many similar cards have been lost to time damaged beyond recognition or permanently archived in museum collections.
This particular example represents a premium quality holiday card from the period with the combination of Christmas and New Year greetings fashionable female portrait gold embossing and vibrant poinsettias making it especially desirable among serious collectors.
The minimal writing and excellent preservation of the embossed elements significantly enhance its collectibility. The card's nearly pristine state suggests it was carefully preserved for over a century.
Collector's NoteHolding this postcard is like touching a moment frozen in time—a beautiful artifact from a more elegant era when holiday greetings were physical treasures to be kept and displayed. The substantial card stock and raised embossing provide a tactile experience that digital images simply cannot replicate.
Each vintage postcard like this represents a
vanishing piece of our cultural heritage. As older generations pass and collections are dispersed fewer of these delicate paper treasures survive in displayable condition.
This card would make an exceptional addition to collections focused on:
• Edwardian social history
• Vintage Christmas and holiday ephemera
• Women's fashion history
• Art Nouveau design
• Golden Age postcards
It could be displayed seasonally as part of a holiday collection or framed as year-round artwork exemplifying early 20th century commercial artistry.
A Piece of Christmas PastImagine the hands that chose this card over a century ago carefully inscribing it simply with 'Mother' before addressing it to Long Island. Though apparently never mailed it represents a personal connection to a holiday season during the twilight of the Edwardian era.
The fashionable woman surrounded by poinsettias offers a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of a bygone time—when attention to detail and artistic craftsmanship were prioritized in even everyday items like greeting cards. This artifact lets you own and preserve a genuine piece of Christmas history.
Shipping InformationThis historical treasure will be carefully packaged in an archival-quality sleeve and shipped in a rigid mailer to ensure it reaches you in exactly the same condition shown.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I combine shipping on all postcard purchases so feel free to browse my other listings for similar vintage treasures.
Act Quickly - Authentic Edwardian Holiday Ephemera!Postcards of this quality from the Golden Age (1900-1915) become scarcer with each passing year. Once this authentic piece of Edwardian Christmas history is gone finding another with this combination of beautiful imagery gold embossing and excellent preservation may prove impossible.
Don't miss this opportunity to own and preserve a genuine piece of holiday history from over a century ago!"
_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