Real photo postcards are postcards with genuine photographic images on the front. They are actual photographs on photopaper, but designed to be mailed and have letters written on the back. As with all photographs, if you examine the images under strong magnification the youll see no dot or other printed ink patterns.

How can you tell a fake picture postcard?

The best way to tell the difference is to look at the Postcard with a magnifying glass. If the photo is printed, you will see that it is made up of a lot of little dots, the same as a photo printed in a newspaper. A Real Photo Postcard is solid, no dots.

What makes real photo postcards?

A real photo postcard (RPPC) is a continuous-tone photographic image printed on postcard stock. The term recognizes a distinction between the real photo process and the lithographic or offset printing processes employed in the manufacture of most postcard images.

Are old photo postcards worth anything?

Rarity. As with all antique items, rarity brings up the value of postcards. If only a few of the cards were printed or only a small number have survived the ages, your card may be very valuable. However, rarity goes hand-in-hand with other characteristics; if only a single card was printed, that makes it rare.

What is a lithograph postcard?

A magnified photo-lithograph shows a series of dots, produced by separating the image into light and dark areas or different colors with screens. Extremely fine screens could produce a very sharp image. A lithographic postcard might have up to 10 colors due to multiple passes through the press.

What is an azo postcard?

Real photo postcards are postcards with genuine photographic images on the front. They are actual photographs on photopaper, but designed to be mailed and have letters written on the back. Some real photo postcards were used for advertising or sold to the public at stores.

What does Rppc mean on a postcard?

Real-photo postcards Real-photo postcards (sometimes called RPPCs) are the result of developing a negative onto photo paper with a pre-printed postcard backing.

How do you make a postcard size photo?

How to make a photo postcardLaunch Canva. Sign up for Canva using your Facebook or Google account. Select a template. Explore Canvas library of professionally designed photo postcard templates. Experiment with features. Personalize your card. Share or print.

When were photos printed as postcards?

1900 Real photo postcards debuted about 1900. That immediately gives you a beginning time frame for the image. While the photo here was taken in a studio, it is possible your ancestor took their postcard photo themselves.

Can I mail a 4x6 photo as a postcard?

First of all, rest assured that sending a photograph through the mail is perfectly fine with the post office! According to the USPS , to qualify for mailing at the First-Class Mail postcard price (currently 35 cents) , it must be: Rectangular. At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick.