Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A beautiful set of four unused Edwardian-era postcards featuring embossed botanical illustrations of roses, chrysanthemums, and tiger lilies. Each card is paired with a poetic sentiment, including verses by Robert Herrick and Joseph Addison, set against a rich, textured gold-toned background.
Story
During the Golden Age of Postcards, millions of these miniature masterpieces were mailed globally. These cards feature a divided back, a design innovation introduced in 1907 that finally allowed people to write messages on the left side of the address.
Maker / Origin
While the specific publisher of 'Series No. 68' is uncredited, many of the finest embossed cards of this era were designed in the United States but printed in Germany. German lithographers of the period were world-renowned for their superior color-separation techniques and high-relief embossing machinery.
Condition & Value
The postcards are in excellent vintage condition with sharp corners, minimal edge wear, and no writing or postmarks on the backs. The colors remain vibrant and the embossing is crisp. Excellent unused condition like this commands a slight premium among collectors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.