Description
The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century). They were replaced
by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name. Subjects were places of interest or general motifs
and often included messages. Printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established
the link from visiting cards to postcards. There were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s. The
collection consists of postcards and novelty cards from various places around the world.
Background
The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century); they were replaced
by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name; subjects were places of interest or general motifs
and often included messages; printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established
the link from visiting cards to postcards; there were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s; popularity
dropped off after World War I; tourist view cards became the standard after World War II.
Extent
188 oversize boxes
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UC Regents. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the
creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright
owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library
Special Collections for paging information.