Oversized Advertising Cards Circa 1900 (Private Mailing Cards)

I stumbled across these locally, and while not exactly within my wheelhouse, I found the early advertising on these oversized cards extremely interesting. At least one is specifically labeled as a "private mailing card", but I don't know what the dimension or weight limitations were at the time.

The first one is especially interesting as it is not just a single card, but rather a tri-fold panel that exceeds 33 inches when unfolded. Was this legitimately able to be mailed for 1 cent, or were they running afoul of the postal regulations of the time?

The last one appears to be a good 10 years earlier than the others.


1. 282mm x 182mm (11.1 inches x 7.2 inches folded)







2. 280mm x 178mm (11 inches x 7 inches)





3. 236mm x 180mm (9.3 inches x 7.1 inches)





4. 215mm x 145mm (8.5 inches x 5.7 inches)





5. 222mm x 158mm (8.75 inches x 6.25 inches)





6. 226mm x 152mm (8.9 inches x 6 inches)





7. 227mm x 148mm (8.9 inches x 5.8 inches)





8. 222mm x 120mm (8.75 inches x 4.75 inches)

I suggest that these oversized cards were rated as printed matter and at the post card rate.

I had to look up "osculation". Nice group. Thanks.

I'm sure that osculatimg with Camille would have been a widely held ambition. The Gibson Girl par excellence.

It is rather sad, the top hat has gone out of fashion....

No longer de rigueur, even on the Hill at the Gabba?