Over the years, I have seen thousands of postcards. They have been around for well over a century, and thanks to the card stock, many have survived. That doesn't mean they should all survive, but maybe some of them.
As I discover them during my "digs" and they meet a certain criteria, I will either buy them or photograph them. First, I am always looking for the oldest one I can find. I have one from as early as 1875, and I can't seem to beat that.
The postcards I prefer most are the ones which feature some obscure or discontinued product. Advertising postcards have the most to say. The images above are of the front and back of a single card promoting Tropical Beer. This was a Cuban brand which lasted from 1888 to the communist revolution in 1960. (Update: It was revived in the 1980's and is sold today)
This postcard, and a more colorful one here, represent a time when Cuba was the playground of wealthy Americans and Europeans. If you look closely at the card, the men look as though they are floating, thanks to an interesting table design.
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