Pioneer Era (1893-1898).
Most Pioneer Era cards started with the Columbian Exposition cards in
Chicago, May 1, 1893.
These were illustrations on government printed postal cards (with imprinted 1
cent stamp) and on privately printed souvenir cards (requiring a 2 cent stamp).
Private Mailing Card Era (1901-1901).
On May 18, 1898, by an Act of Congress, private printers were granted permission to print
and sell cards the were inscribed "Private Mailing Card". There was no writing permitted on the
address side, so printers often left space on the front of the cards for writing. Clever.
One cent stamp.
Postcard Era (1901-1907).
The government granted the right to use 'POST CARD on the back of the card, starting December 4, 1901.
Some people took black and white photos which were printed on AZO and other paper with "POST CARD"
already printed on the back.
The Undivided Back (UDB) Era (1893-1907) the cards
mentioned above.
.
Divided Back Era - starting March 1, 1907.
The Post Office then allowed a vertical line to seperate the message on the
left and address on the right.
Most of the cards before world war I were printed in Germany, as their
lithographic techniques were superior to ours.
White Border Era (1915-1930).
Most cards during this era were printed in the United States. The white border was
used to save ink. The quality was not too good.
Linen Era(1930-1944).
Printing on paper with a high rag content allowed better looking cards.
Chrome Era (1945 on).
Started with Union Oil Company in 1939. Didn't flourish until after WW II.
Mike Roberts apparently pushed these into prominence.
Later modifications..
Started with mostly 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 cards.
4 x 6 Continental cards emerged in the mid 1970's. They are prevalent now.
Some publishers now have gone back to standard size in some areas.
Now there has to be a free space for postal encoding at the bottom right side of postcards
Postcard Printers. I'll start it, you can help fill this in.
Postcard printers, years, lineage, notable endeavors.
The early German and American Printers
Mike Roberts, Kurt Teich, Colorpicture, Dexter, Koppel, McGrew
Shelton, Economy Graphics, Baronet, Noteworthy, Dynacolor
European Companies
Postcard Museums..
Curt Teich Postcard Archives. www.teicharchives.org