How to identify the age of old postcards
The age of a postcard can be fairly easily determined by identifying several different characteristics of postcards through the years.
There are considered to be seven different eras of postcards and each era has unique features to help in determine it's identity. Be sure to also read how to determine the age of real photo postcards.
Much of the information below is taken from The Postcard Price Guide, J.L. Masburn, Colonial House, Enka, NC, 4th edition.
The seven eras are:
Pioneer Era (1893-1898)
The Pioneer Era began when picture postcards were placed on sale by vendors and exhibitors at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago, May, 1893. These cards can be recognized by combinations of the following:
- All have undivided backs
- None show the "Authorized by Act of Congress" byline
- Postally used cards will have the Grant or Jefferson Stamp
- Most, not all, will be multiple view cards
- The words "Souvenir of" or "Greetings from" will appear on many
- Postage rate, if listed, will be 2 cents
- Most commonly titled "Souvenir Card" or "Mail Card"
- Appeared mostly in the larger Eastern cities
- Private Mailing Card Era (1898-1901)
The government gave private printers permission to print and sell postcards on May 19, 1898. All of the cards issued during this period had the inscription "Private Mailing Card" on the back.
Undivided Back Era (1901-1907)
Permission was given to use the wording "Post Card" on the back of privately printed cards. All cards during this era had undivided backs on which only the address was to appear. For this reason, many of the cards from this time are found with writing on the front.
Divided Back Era (1907-1915)
This era began in 1907. The divided back made it possible to include both the message and address on the back of the card. Thus, there was little need to leave room for messages on the front. Most of the cards from this area have a full image on the front.
White Border Era (1915-1930)
These cards are easily recognizable by the white borders around the view of the card.
Linen Era (1930-1945)
In 1930, postcard publishers began using a linen-like paper. For a long time, these cards were shunned by many. However, they have increased in popularity with Roadside America, Black, Comic and Advertising postcard collectors.
Photochrome Era (1939-Present)
Chromes, as they are commonly called, were first introduced in 1939. These cards have beautiful chromium colors and are becoming more and more collectible.
The age of a real photo postcard can be fairly easily determined by identifying the printing process used to develop the card. Please see the table below with the types of processing, notes and dates.
Be sure to also read how to determine the age of postcards.
Much of the information below is taken from The Postcard Price Guide, J.L. Masburn, Colonial House, Enka, NC, 4th edition.
| Process | Date | Notes |
| AGFA ANSCO | 1930s-1940s | |
| ANSCO | 1940-1960 | Two stars at top and bottom |
| ARGO | 1905-1920 | |
| ARTURA | 1910-1924 | |
| AZO SQUARE | 1927-1940s | Squares in corners |
| AZO DIA | 1907-1908 | Diamonds in corners |
| AZO TRI 1 | 1904-1918 | Four triangle pointed up |
| AZO TRI 2 | 1918-1930 | Triangles; two up, two down |
| CYKO | 1904-1920s | Hollow Letters |
| CYKO 2 | 1906-1908 | Solid Letters |
| DEFENDER 1 | 1910-1920 | Diamond above and below |
| DEFENDER 2 | 1920-1940 | Diamond inside |
| DOPS | 1925-1942 | |
| EKC | 1945-1950 | |
| EKKP | 1905-1950 | |
| EKO | 1942-1970 | |
| KODAK | 1950- | |
| KRUXO | 1907-1920s | |
| NOKO | 1907-1920s | |
| PMO | 1907-1915 | |
| Sailboat | 1905-1908 | |
| SOLIO | 1903-1920s | |
| VELOX 1 | 1901-1914 | Squares in corners |
| VELOX 2 | 1907-1914 | Diamonds in corners |
| VITAVA | 1925-1934 |