Here are two postcards of the same model holding a kitten. The poses are quite similar, but seem to express different feelings. I think the one on the left looks like the lady is holding the kitten up as if she is showing him off. The one on the right looks more like the lady is wary or shy (and maybe a little seductive) and is holding the kitten in a protective embrace.
Both of these cards have the EAS (E. A. Schwerdtfeger & Co. of London) trademark and series number in the bottom left corner on the picture side. The card on the left is numbered 3154/3, and the one on the right is numbered 3153/6. The part of the number before the "/" is the series number and the part after the "/" is the card number in the series (this type of series usually had 6 cards with the same or similar subject).
Notice that these two postcards have been printed differently. The one on the left is glossy, contrasty, and has words in English. The one on the right is matte, softer, tinted, and wordless.
The backs of the postcards (shown below) are also different. The first one is the the kind of card I usually see. There is an EAS trademark, and all the words are in English (although the card is printed in Germany). It was mailed in the United States in 1912. The second one has no words on the back, a different trademark in the stamp box, and was probably intended for use in non-English-speaking countries. When I examined the EAS postcards shown on eBay, I found that the used cards with the second type of back were mailed with stamps from various European countries.
Both of these cards have the EAS (E. A. Schwerdtfeger & Co. of London) trademark and series number in the bottom left corner on the picture side. The card on the left is numbered 3154/3, and the one on the right is numbered 3153/6. The part of the number before the "/" is the series number and the part after the "/" is the card number in the series (this type of series usually had 6 cards with the same or similar subject).
Notice that these two postcards have been printed differently. The one on the left is glossy, contrasty, and has words in English. The one on the right is matte, softer, tinted, and wordless.
The backs of the postcards (shown below) are also different. The first one is the the kind of card I usually see. There is an EAS trademark, and all the words are in English (although the card is printed in Germany). It was mailed in the United States in 1912. The second one has no words on the back, a different trademark in the stamp box, and was probably intended for use in non-English-speaking countries. When I examined the EAS postcards shown on eBay, I found that the used cards with the second type of back were mailed with stamps from various European countries.
The kitten on the right looks very content.
ReplyDeleteI just knew that there would be cats featured somewhere this week. I just didn't expect to see them on postcards. It's interesting to see how you can get information from cards many people would not recognise.
ReplyDeleteThe model's hairstyle seems very complex requiring lots of pins. I like both cards. I'm clueless about the postcard world, so I confess to being surprised that these cards were marketed rather than being for the woman's personal use.
ReplyDeleteI think I prefer the softer matte one of the two. Both endearing however.
ReplyDeletePurr-fect post! I tought I taw a puddy tat! The kitty on the left does appear to be ready to flee...or maybe it's how she's holding it! Great theme take...happy you went this kitty-cat way!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many times that model and cat had to pose. There does seem to be a gap in the numbers. Were the missing cards different variations of model and cat?
ReplyDeleteNo wonder kitty is trying to escape. He'd had it.
Nancy
A fascinating comparison of these printer/publisher varieties. I like that the colorized one has added a collar decoration, perhaps because the tabby is still in sepia. Many of these styles were printed in Germany but sold all over the world - until WW1. The text-free version also allowed export to all the various language countries of Europe.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to imagine the model of this era holding various poses for the photographer, adjusting her gaze just so...made me think of all the rapid fire changes modern day top models do in front of the camera.
ReplyDeleteShe does look seductive on the second one. Thank you for the postcard info, Postcardy. I haven't gotten that far yet, and appreciate learning more about the cards and printing companies.
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
I had no idea cats were on postcards that far back.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting information about the cards.
Dee at Shakin' the Family Tree
That cat had got to know her by the second card. Its always so interesting to see cards in sequence like this. Looks as though "Chas" is wishing he is not alone when sending the cat to Mae.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards and how lovely to have two cards featuring the same model and cat!
ReplyDeleteLovely model with a very intricate hairstyle. The cat on the left looks so uncomfortable. Wonder how many photos were taken to get the picture for the postcard on the left.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what Chas did? Perhaps sales of some sort with "three live prospects"? I also like looking at the price of stamps in different eras.
ReplyDeleteI like the tinted version better, because the job was well done, and because both the model and the cat seem more comfortable with each other. I wish my cats liked my camera more as they usually run away when I take it out... especially Carrie!!
ReplyDelete:D~
HUGZ
Would be fascinating to know how many in this series exist. I will keep my eyes open for you.
ReplyDelete