Vintage postcards stack

A stack of vintage postcards reveals fragments of 20th-century memories and travels.

About this subject

Vintage postcards are testimonies of a pre-digital era when sending an image by mail was the most common way to share landscapes and longing. Popularized from the late 19th century, these cards were mass-produced by publishers like Casa Almeida and Photo Studio. Each postcard carried not only a photo of a city or landmark but also personal handwriting on the back, stamps and postmarks dating the exact moment of the trip.

The collection of old postcards, known as deltiology, gained strength in Brazil and worldwide. Collectors seek rare specimens, such as those from the Belle Époque or those depicting cities that have radically changed. A 1910 postcard of Rio de Janeiro, for example, shows Morro do Castelo before its demolition. These objects function as time capsules, preserving architecture, fashion and even the spelling of the era.

In the Brazilian context, postcards were fundamental in promoting the country abroad. Images of beaches, carnival and coffee helped build the international imaginary about Brazil. Today, antique fairs and specialized shops in São Paulo and Rio still sell batches of vintage postcards. The "long exposure" technique mentioned in the tag may refer to a photograph that captures the motion of hands flipping through the stack, creating a blur effect that evokes the passage of time.

Fun fact: the largest postcard in the world measures 2.5 meters and was created in Germany in 2011. But common vintage postcards measure 14x9 cm, an international standard adopted since 1902. They remain objects of affection and nostalgia, even in the age of emails and social networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is deltiology?

Deltiology is the official name for the hobby of collecting postcards. The word comes from Greek 'deltion' meaning writing tablet.

What is the standard size of a vintage postcard?

The international format, adopted since 1902, is 14 cm high by 9 cm wide, though variations exist.

Where can one find old postcards in Brazil?

Antique fairs, used bookstores, and specialized shops in historical centers of cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte are good places to start a collection.