Deltiology
What is Deltiology?
Deltiology is the study, research and collection of old postcards, enhancing their value. Originating from Greek words meaning knowledge and a small tablet. Such knowledge is derived from the type, date, publisher, artist, stamp, image, intent of the card, as well as other features that come with experience. Deltiology is increasingly sought in heritage, historical, social, cultural, archaeological and ancestry research, as well as valuations.
The collecting and studying of postcards, deltiology, was a very popular hobby in the early 20th century and was known as the Golden Age of postcards. It ran up until WW1.
IRELAND
The postcard’s popularity in Ireland reached its peak between the late 1890s and 1918, a period marked by significant social and cultural activity.
By the early 1900s, postcards were widely used in Dublin and popular tourist areas. With the introduction of the divided back, standardised card sizes, and affordable postage rates, postcard collecting became increasingly popular during the Edwardian period (1901–1910).
Picture postcards from this era are now highly valued by collectors, offering a unique visual record of Ireland’s towns, landscapes, and everyday life.
Later, postcards of the new Republic portrayed a nation establishing itself through industry, identity and daily life. There is both kindness and sadness in the messages. Cards were often sent to family abroad who had emigrated, carrying brief notes from home such as “Father died last night” or “hay saved before winter.” Alongside this, there was also hope — all the hallmarks of a young state. Postcards were produced on cheaper paper, sometimes even peat, yet they presented clear and positive images of an industrious, agricultural nation and people with simpler values.
VALUATIONS
Providing postcard valuations requires expertise and knowledge. We advise on the best way to achieve your goals. If you have an old Irish postcard collection—whether inherited, personally collected, or part of an estate valuation—and are unsure of its value, please contact us by email. This valuation service is free and will provide you with options, with no obligation to sell.
Events
Any Deltiology Events that Vintage Irish Postcards will attend will be listed here.