I am a deltiologist. Are you?

One of my favorite postcards. I found these cute pups in a postcard rack on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

Today, I learned a new word—deltiology—the collection of postcards. I love postcards.  Whenever I travel, I write stacks of them to family and friends and also buy some to add to  my own collection.  At home, I always look forward to the pleasant surprise of finding postcards in my mailbox, carefully saving each and every one.  Additionally, I collect virtual postcards on my Pinterest page.  I suppose I can call myself a deltiologist.

Sending and collecting postcards first became popular around the turn of the twentieth century. During the golden age of postcards (1907-1915), millions of picture postcards traveled through the mail, especially at holiday time.  Some of the most collectible vintage postcards were produced and printed by a British company, Raphael Tuck & Sons.  A native of Prussia, Mr. Tuck was an art-lover who opened a graphic art printing business with his wife in London.  They sold postcards, Christmas cards, prints and lithographs, eventually being awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment from Queen Victoria and expanding their business worldwide with offices in Paris and New York. (TuckDB)  Today, historic Tuck postcards even comprise a portion of the photograph collection of England’s National Portrait Gallery (my favorite museum in London).

Photo Source: TuckDB.

Although Raphael Tuck died in 1900 before the dawning of the golden age of postcards, his sons faithfully carried on his legacy.  Deltiologists worldwide still recognize and revere the name Raphael Tuck.  In his honor, I will extend my Happy Thanksgiving wishes to one and all with this charming Tuck holiday postcard.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Best wishes for a day filled with warmth, happiness and satisfaction!