Antique 1900's Celluloid and Linen Greeting Card by Raphael Tuck and Sons: 'Pink Rose Happy Thoughts' in Original Frame! This is a RARE framed piece of nostalgic memories of the early 1900s inclusive of World War One when most of these antique celluloid greeting cards made their way to loved ones from the battlefield. Made in UK.
The condition appears very good overall, and highly presentable, with some mild sun and age damage to the card stock and the inlaid-fastened celluloid greeting. The metal frame, probably brass, is in fair condition with no cracks in the original glass, but is missing 3 of the 6 tabs on the backside that holds on the dust cover and metal stand firmly. Inside the inner card has separated from the outer card that was bound with the ribbon by two small holes, and the ribbon itself has deteriorated. The inner card has a birthday wish printed, and it's signed in fountain pen, "Fred with love."
COMPANY HISTORY: Raphael Tuck & Sons was a business started by Raphael Tuck and his wife in Bishopsgate in the City of London in October 1866, selling pictures and greeting cards, and eventually selling postcards, which was their most successful line. Their business was one of the best known in the "postcard boom" of the late 1890s and early 1900s. During the Blitz, the company headquarters, Raphael House, was destroyed, including the originals for most of their series. The company never fully recovered.
