Cheers! - 1905

This absolutely gorgeous undivided back postcard, printed using the chromolithographic method was published by Meissner & Buch and posted in 1905. When I spotted this vintage postcard I was obviously disappointed to see that two of the corners had been cut (presumably as a result of having been hastily removed from hinges in an album), but the image was such a fine example that I bought it anyway!

Based in Leipzig, Germany, Meissner & Buch (1876 through to 1914) were known for their fine quality postcards featuring pretty women and children, with and without greetings, and this design is typical of their output, although the image of the girl in a bonnet raising a glass reminds me somewhat of a vintage soft drinks advertising campaign.

The reverse of the card carries no copyright information – instead, it's printed along the front left hand edge of the card. The inscription reads:

Meissner & Buch, Leipzig. Künstler-Postkarten Serie 1232 “Auf Dein Wohl” Gesetzl, geschützt

which roughly translated means:

Meissner & Leipzig. Artists Postcards Series 1232 "To your Health". Copyrighted design

Find more vintage postcards over at Beth's postcard blog The Best Hearts are Crunchy and join other collectors on Postcard Friendship Friday.