The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century). They were replaced by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name. Subjects were places of interest or general motifs and often included messages. Printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established the link from visiting cards to postcards. There were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s. The collection consists of postcards and novelty cards from various places around the world.

The first postcards were probably playing cards used as visiting cards (late 17th-early 18th century); they were replaced by visiting cards and most had pictures and a blank space for the name; subjects were places of interest or general motifs and often included messages; printers printed decorative letter paper using old visiting card plates (1830s) and established the link from visiting cards to postcards; there were few areas or events not recorded on postcards by the early 1900s; popularity dropped off after World War I; tourist view cards became the standard after World War II.

188 oversize boxes

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UC Regents. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Open for research. STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact UCLA Library Special Collections for paging information.