World War I embroidered silk postcards
The most distinctive wartime postcards are the embroidered silks of World War I. Made mostly in France, they have a panel of silk embroidered in bright thread, often with flags, flowers, patriotic slogans, regimental badges or greetings such as "To my dear mother", mounted in a card frame. Some have a small pocket flap holding a tiny card with a message. Soldiers bought them and mailed them home, usually in envelopes, and families treasured them.
Silks were made in large numbers, so common designs are not rare, but they are popular with collectors. Values rise with unusual designs, regimental and unit badges, specific battles or places, American themes, and excellent condition. Faded thread, stains and torn silk lower value.
Training camps and soldiers
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, large training camps were built across the country, and photographers produced real photo postcards of barracks, drills, parades, mess halls and camp life. Soldiers mailed them home by the thousand. Views of camps that existed only briefly, scenes with activity, and identified units are of interest to collectors.
Real photo portraits of individual soldiers are very common. They are of great family interest but usually modest in value unless the soldier is identified with a unit or the photo shows unusual equipment, vehicles or settings.
Patriotic and propaganda cards
Both wars produced patriotic postcards: flags, Uncle Sam, appeals to buy bonds, recruiting images and cartoons. Some are common; others, especially fine color designs, official issues and unusual themes, are collected.
World War II postcards
World War II produced large numbers of linen comic cards about army and navy life, views of camps and bases, and patriotic designs. Most are common and sell for modest amounts. Real photo views of specific bases, unusual subjects and wartime advertising can be more interesting. V-mail and other wartime correspondence are collected too, though they are not postcards in the usual sense.
Earlier conflicts
Collections sometimes include postcards relating to the Spanish-American War of 1898, Civil War veterans' reunions in the early 1900s, or the Mexican border campaign of 1916. These are less common and can be of interest to specialists, especially real photo views of reunions and encampments.
Military postcards in a collection
Military cards usually appear as a small group within a family collection, often connected to a relative who served. They are part of the collection and counted in the quote. If a family member's service is meaningful to you, consider photographing or transcribing the messages before deciding anything.
Caring for silks and wartime cards
Silk fades in light and is easily snagged. Keep silks flat, out of sunlight and away from damp. Do not try to clean or press them. Keep any envelopes or tiny insert cards with the silk they came with.
Messages from the front
Wartime postcards often carry some of the most moving messages in any collection: a soldier telling his mother he arrived safely, a note about training, a silk sent home for a sweetheart. Censorship meant many messages are brief or carefully worded, and some cards carry censor's marks or military postal markings that interest collectors of postal history.
If the cards came from a family member, consider photographing the messages and any envelopes before deciding what to do with the collection. Families often find that a record of the words is what they want to keep, while the cards themselves can go to collectors who will preserve them.
Military postal markings
Mail from soldiers during both world wars often traveled under free-franking privileges, with notations such as "Soldier's Mail" in place of a stamp, and many cards carry military post office or censor markings. These markings are collected in their own right by postal historians. Do not remove or alter any part of a card or its envelope; the markings are part of what makes it interesting.
Patriotic cards before and after the wars
Patriotic postcards were not limited to wartime. Fourth of July, Decoration Day (now Memorial Day), Lincoln's and Washington's birthday cards were popular throughout the golden age of the postcard, often with flags, eagles and Uncle Sam. These are sometimes grouped with military cards and are collected by holiday and patriotic collectors. Embossed, colorful designs from known publishers are the most desirable.
Identifying a soldier's unit
If a soldier's portrait or camp view has a caption, insignia or message naming a unit, regiment or camp, that identification adds interest for collectors of military history. Collar insignia and shoulder patches visible in a photograph can sometimes identify the branch or unit too. Mention any identified units when you describe the collection.
Questions people ask
Are WWI silk postcards valuable?
Many are worth several dollars to tens of dollars; regimental, unusual and fine-condition examples more.
What are World War II postcards worth?
Most are modest in value. Specific base views, unusual real photos and some patriotic designs are worth more.
Are soldier portrait postcards valuable?
Usually not much individually, unless identified or unusual, though they matter to families.
Should I keep the envelope a silk came in?
Yes. Keep it with the card; a postmarked envelope helps date and place it.
What is a Soldier's Mail card?
A card a soldier sent without postage under wartime franking privileges, marked with the words "Soldier's Mail" in place of a stamp. Such markings interest postal history collectors.
Do you buy collections that are mostly wartime cards?
Yes, as long as it is the complete collection. Describe what you have, including silks, camp views and portraits, and add a few photos.
Sources and further reading
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