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Preliminary identification

Edition Stehli Botanical Postcard, No. 720 'Papaver alpinum'

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A high-quality lithographic postcard featuring a delicate arrangement of Alpine Poppies (Papaver alpinum). Published by the renowned Stehli Frères of Zurich, this piece exemplifies the precision and artistic flair of mid-century Swiss botanical printing.

Story

Founded in 1902, Stehli Frères turned postcards into miniature masterpieces. This 'No. 720' card was part of a botanical series that brought the rare beauty of high-altitude Alpine flora into homes across Europe during the 1930s.

Maker / Origin

Stehli Frères (Stehli Brothers) was a premier Zurich-based publishing house famous for its 'Edition Stehli' line. They collaborated with top illustrators and utilized advanced lithographic techniques to produce some of the most collectible postcards and art prints of the 20th century.

Condition & Value

The card shows light age-toning and minor corner softening consistent with its age. The reverse is clean and unposted, which preserves its value for collectors. Excellent condition for a paper item of this vintage.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD