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halfpenny lilac postcard

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 2:28 am
by boblynn
I have a postcard (image attached below), used in January 1878, that is perforated on three sides. I haven't been able to find any reference in literature to the perforation of postcards at this time, other than that they could be purchased in sheets. Is it likely that the sheets were perforated or perhaps the purchaser may have privately perforated the sheets for ease of use.
Can anyone enlighten me on this?
Thank you
Rob Lynn

Re: halfpenny lilac postcard

Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 10:28 am
by mozzerb
Hi Rob -- it's a private usage, although it's not all that common.

As you say, these cards were available in sheets to make it easier for users to get whatever they wanted printed on the backs, but they weren't sold perforated. Normally the cards were guillotined after printing, but occasionally somebody seems to have had the bright idea of getting them perforated (possibly by the printers? It seems to be line perf). After 1894 when private cards were allowed, you occasionally see those perforated too.

Re: halfpenny lilac postcard

Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2016 5:51 am
by boblynn
thank you for this useful information.