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Offered here is a wonderfulantique literary postcard featuring Mr. Samuel Pickwick, the beloved central character fromThe Pickwick PapersbyCharles Dickens, first published in serial form beginning in1836. This postcard is part of a“Characters from Charles Dickens”series and beautifully captures the humor and warmth that made Dickens’ work so enduring.
The front shows a richly colored illustration ofMr. Pickwick, depicted as a portly Victorian gentleman raising a glass of wine, accompanied by a humorous quote in Dickensian dialect. The artwork is signed“Kyd”, referencing the illustrator, and was produced byRaphael Tuck & Sons, one of the most respected postcard publishers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly known for high-quality chromolithography.
Postcard Details & Historical Context:
Publisher:Raphael Tuck & Sons
Series:Characters from Charles Dickens
Subject:Mr. Pickwick (The Pickwick Papers)
Era:Edwardian period
Postmark:Neatly postmarkedApril 30, 1906,Neatles, New York
Stamp:United States green one-cent stamp (Washington)
Back Type:Undivided back – address only, dating the card to thepre-1907 postcard era in the United States
Addressed to:Mrs. Theodor W. Specht, Kinzelsbach, Manchay, New York (as written)
The handwritten sentiment on the front and the clearly legible address on the back add wonderful personal charm and social history, making this not only a literary collectible but also a tangible piece of early 20th-century correspondence.
Condition:
Overall very good antique condition for its age. Light surface wear and gentle toning consistent with early 1900s postcards. No major creases or damage. Please review all images carefully as they are part of the description.
Why This Card Matters:
This postcard appeals toCharles Dickens collectors, literary enthusiasts, antique postcard collectors, and lovers of Edwardian humor and illustration. Cards featuring Dickens characters—especially clearly identified and postmarked examples—are increasingly sought after due to their crossover appeal between literature and postcard history.
A charming, character-filled piece of literary ephemera that has survived for well over a century.