Anybody Here Attend Postcard/Paper Shows? Good Places To Find Postcards?

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here has ever made it to any postcard shows? I hear that the largest postcard show in the U.S. is in York, PA and is incredible with millions of postcards to browse. Hope to make it there one day.

I mostly hunt for new additions for my postcard collection/hoard at antique shops and malls although I have purchased a few bulk lots at estate auctions and yard sales. I also go to a small monthly stamp show that has a few vendors with boxes of postcards for sale. Any other good sources of postcards that aren't on the web?

Thx,
Joe

I often attend the Vintage Paper Fair that is held in San Francisco four times a year, when not cancelled due to COVID-19. It's primarily a postcard show, and I've found lots of good stuff there, even in the bargain boxes. At the last one (in January), I bought 106 postcards for only $44.

https://www.vintagepaperfair.com

Not in recent years but I've been to several postcard shows. I'm the guy who flips the boxes around and looks at the back (good postal history hunting at postcard shows). Stamp shows increasingly have a postcard dealer or two at them.

Just a personal observation. I have been looking at the backs of postcards for 50 years. As you might suspect, as the interesting ones are pulled out, what remains gets weaker and weaker. The pickings are not so good anymore. I used to compare postcard boxes to slot machines - except you didn't have to put your quarter in until you saw what prize you got.

I am more contrarian about postcards. Considering that the "front" of an envelope (or government postal card) typically contains the stamp, cancel and address, it seems perfectly reasonable the same applies to postcards, and thus the picture is on the BACK of the postcard. This stance rankles postcard dealers, but I believe it is correct and consistent. I shop for both sides of the card.

In terms of shows in general, is anyone seeing the smaller shows restarting? I know of one coin show in Georgia that was held this month, with masks and widely spaced tables.

There's a bourse in NE Ohio scheduled for mid July that is going forward.

Here in Ohio the shows seem to be restarting. I recently attended a small local show that had both coins and stamps/postcards. Attendance was at about 50% of normal levels for vendors and probably about 60% for customers. Everyone was wearing masks and trying to maintain a bit more distance then usual as the building is usually fairly crammed. I was there from opening for about an hour and some of the vendors were starting to pack up and a few stated that they were not selling, just buying and doing dealer to dealer trades. The show promoter wore a face shield and from what I could see everything appeared to be going well. Some of the dealers were talking about their experiences catching COVID-19.

Attended the Metropolitan postcard show once which meets several times a year but doesn't seem to be happening of course this year.
I just subscribed to fotofolio's monthly postcard subscription at fotofolioshop.com , they send 10 postcards a month - some old, some newer and it's been fantastic thus far! I can't send them out fast enough.

Not sure if many local shows will be able to be held anytime soon with the current state of the pandemic. I have been getting a few postcards from estate auctions and flea markets.

I've attended the York show about 5 times. I live a little less than 2 hours away. Have also attended other shows, but York is the BIG one. Let me start by saying you should try to attend any show, which will give you the overall look and feel of same. I have, however, found that selection and price (even with postage) is best on eBay if you are looking for a few particular cards (like RPPCs of kids holding a sand pail). Obviously, buying in bulk is best done at shows. eBay also gives you choices...do I want that "linen" greyhound bus from seller A,B, or C?

I got a lot of early 1900s with 1 cent franklins and washingtons ext faceted to em like to sell a few pm me if interested

You need to have fifty posts before you can offer to sell items here.

Going to a post card and paper show is like visiting a Goodwill Store. You are likely to find things you did not know you needed but do.

I was also the guy who flipped the boxes around at card shows . I always liked finding cards with sending and received postmarks both on the stamp side of the card (lots of DPO's). It has been awhile since I have been, but I imagine the days of 10¢ boxes are gone.
Pat

In the PA area, shows are now being held. I've already been to Mary Martin's show in MD, and the Allentown vintage paper show in PA. Next Saturday, 11/13, I'm going to the NYC show, and on 11/19-20, the biggest postcard show in the US in York, PA (a 2 hour drive for me).
First off, let me say that 95% of my postcards I've bought on eBay. I tend to buy "expensive" cards in these categories: Real Photo, Linens, and pre-1915 Holiday cards. IMO, shows are the way to go for inexpensive cards. There are MANY boxes containing cards for $1., mostly of US towns, cities, and tourist attractions. The better holiday cards are "picked-over". Buying these on eBay makes little sense given that the shipping charge can be more than the card. On the other hand, I have found cards at shows with a $50. price that I have bought on eBay for $18.. But a plus for expensive cards at shows is that you don't need to sit and go though thousands of cards...you just ask the dealer if he has "books" (albums) of the "better" ones. He has these because damage and theft can mean a great loss for him.
Even though I leave a show with just a few cards, shows are educational and fun to go to.