Fascinating vintage postcards featuring letterboxes begging for messages from loved ones have opened a window to the past – when letters were everything.
Decades ago, before the internet, emails, mobiles phones and digital communications, letters were the only way to keep in touch, and postcards became hugely popular following their introduction into the UK in 1870.
A collection of 300 early to mid-20th century postcards, unearthed by antiques experts at Hansons London, feature several with a letterbox illustration alongside poetic pleas and sarcastic reminders aimed at family and friends.
One card reads, ‘Dinna Forget! The GPO (General Post Office) has placed these things in almost every street. They’re not for decoration. And they serve a noble end. When they are utilised as links ‘Tween friend and absent friend’.
Other lovelorn messages read, ‘Why, oh Why … do you pass this (letterbox) by and never write to me’; ‘Remember, I’m still waiting at the street corner for your little message’ and ‘If I were but a pillar box I’d hail you every day. Until you wrote that letter. That you ought to send this way’.
Others relate to men at war or away at sea. One has a picture of a letterbox next to the words ‘When you see this’ followed by ‘Remember me’ beside an image of a disgruntled soldier.
Another reads, ‘I never see a pillar box like this upon the sea. So, there is some excuse for you not hearing much from me. But as you pass them every day, I really think you should make use of them more oftener. If I were you I would’.
Chris Kirkham, associate director at Hansons London, said: “How many of us send letters or postcards these days? Not so long ago they were the only means of communication. They became particularly poignant in wartime when loved ones were torn apart.
“The cards are a lovely reminder of a time before email, WhatsApp, mobiles phones and digital communication made making contact with people anywhere in the world possible in seconds.
“The collection dates back to the early 20th century. The letter GR on the letterbox illustrations relate to the current monarch. A GR post box refers to George V who reigned from 1910-1936 while a GR VI post box relates to George VI and the era 1936-1952.
“Most people born prior to the 1980s and 90s, when emails started to become commonplace, will remember the importance of letters. Many members of the older generation still prefer to communicate by letter and always will. Nowadays receiving a handwritten note is something of a novelty.
“Nowadays there are so many ways to keep in touch people feel bombarded by messages 24/7. Though waiting for a longed-for letter from a loved one used to feel painful at times, perhaps that was preferable to the avalanche of messages, including unwanted spam, we receive today.”
The antique/vintage postcards, estimate £100-£200, will be offered in Hansons London’s April 30 Fine Art and Antiques Auction.
Other fascinating lots in the sale include a painting capturing a riverside scene at Greenwich, London, in the 1800s by James Francis Danby (1816 – 1875). Danby was an English landscape painter who excelled in depicting sunrise and sunset. The painting, discovered by Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons London, at a valuation day in Kew, has an estimate of £2,500-£3,500.
Other notable finds include two rare ruby rings, possibly Burmese, estimate £700-£900 each; a novelty solid silver knight chess piece trophy, £200-£300, and a rare vintage Corgi Batmobile with original instructions, £120-£180. View the catalogue at www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com
Hansons London invites entries for its monthly Fine Art and Antiques Auctions. To arrange a free valuation or home visit, or to enquire about house clearance/downsizing, email: [email protected].
