Dried flowers - 1908


Just over a year ago I wrote a post about discovering a second-hand book stall in Rome which sold some lovely vintage postcards. One of those postcards was an absolutely gorgeous real black and white photograph of a Tuberosa flower - the shop had several others, in fact, that I regretted not having bought at the time! As luck would have it, I happened to pass by that stall recently and the proprietor was able to lay her hands on the exact folder – almost all the postcards had been sold, but there was one highly unusual monochrome flower photograph postcard remaining! Like the previous card, there is an overall matte surface, however, unlike most vintage bromide prints there is absolutely no trace of any metallic-looking tarnish on this postcard, which leads me to think that this is almost certainly a collotype printed from a monotone photograph. Collotypes were extremely poular in Europe and the process was famous for the depth of detail that could be achieved – look at the downy surface of the petals!

I've scoured the Internet trying to match these dried flowers with living White Star varieties although I'm still not certain if I've identified them correctly – the Aquilegia White Star is a close fit as regards shape and petal arrangement, although the surface of these makes them look more like dried white flower shiitake mushrooms than blooms! Borage, with its hairy sepals in a star shape is another possibility – any suggestions gratefully received in the comments below if there are any keen flower gardening experts reading this!


There are absolutely no signs of a publishing house on this postcard, but it was posted in Italy in 1911 and carries a jauntily positioned stamp diagonally positioned towards the left which I have read means “Yes, I will” on anglophone websites, whilst an Italian language philatelic forum suggested that this means “Mi siete antipatico” ( I dislike you) – surely not?! Hopefully this postcard didn't break somebody's heart!

Check out the Vintage Postcard Store for more Flower postcards!

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

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Comments

dakotaboo said…
I like the squared circle postmark as well. I had always assumed these were just British things ... but obviously not.
Joy said…
The flowers look almost 3D. Unusual find. I think that is the postcard collectors lament, regretting not buying a card.
I always though the tilted stamp was "I love you", and if it was placed over the surname had an extra meaning. But then hand gestures can have a different meaning in different cultures so probably the same with stamps.
Edelweiss? It's very hard to tell with nothing to show relative size. Certainly edelweiss is very fluffy.
viridian said…
I am going to guess edelwiess too - haveing seen some preserved flowers sold in shops. Neat card.
Funoldhag said…
I certainly don't know what it is but it is a beautiful card!
Snap said…
wonderful card .. a real treasure... happy PFF!
I am not familiar with the flower but what a gorgeous find and I am amazed at the incredible details!
MuseSwings said…
Edelweiss is correct!!
When I first caught sight of the picture I thought they were flowers made of dough - until I read your post. Pretty card!Now I've got the song Edelweiss stuck in my head - along with a much younger version of Christopher Plummer...
LiT Web Studio said…
Edelweiss! of course! thank you all for your suggestions!
MrCachet said…
This is a beautiful card given its age.
Heather said…
I am horrible at identifying flowers, and even when told, I find it difficult to recall the names later. Glad that you have found it's name.
Lyneen said…
My first thought is Edelweiss, I was given some in a pendent and it look so similar. When I am a way from home and see something I think I want I get it... Unless it is something terribly expensive... no more regrets here! Thanks for sharing... Happy PFF!
Christine H. said…
I also vote for Edelweiss. Beautiful!