Postcard Collecting: The Chrome Era

The chrome era in postcard collecting was born in 1939 when the Union Oil Company began making postcards utilizing a new printing technology known as photo chrome. These postcards were of southwestern scenes and given away in their gas stations. These post cards were very popular at the time and became instant collector's items. They were printed in four color half tones with a varnish overcoat which resulted in a postcard with a detailed image and shiny surface. Thanks to the Second World War the spread of this new type of postcard slowed to a halt. But the process was revived after the war and by the early 50's, photo chrome - or chrome - postcards had taken over the market from photo and linen varieties. Chrome continues to be the standard for postcard production today.

Of course, thanks to today's modern computer technology, chrome postcards are quite enhanced. Designers can now use digital image manipulating software and make cards with images and colors not previously possible. Another big change in chrome postcards over the years is their size.

Standard sized postcard

For nearly 100 years, the standard size for a postcard was 5 1/2" X 3 1/2". There were a few variations. For example, the first postcards produced by the United States Post Office were envelope sized. And private postcard companies experimented with various shapes and sized from the very small to double wide panoramic cards and fold outs. However the standard 5 1/2" X 3 1/2" size remained the most popular all the way through the pioneer era through linens, real photos and chromes.

Continental sized postcards

Along with many other things in America over the last couple of decades, postcards too became super sized. In recent years, the standard size of the postcard has been upgraded from 5 1/2" X 3 1/2" to 4" X 6" and are known as continentals.

Super continental sized postcards

The latest chrome postcard size to hit the market caters more to souvenir collectors and serve as mementos to be placed in a scrapbook or on a refrigerator. They are much larger than the old postcards, almost mini poster size. They range from 7" X 4.5" and up. These postcards are too large to mail at postcard rate and require regular letter postage. These postcards can be mailed but are more likely intended to be used as memoirs or decorations.

The chrome era in postcard collecting has enjoyed huge growth and popularity since its humble beginnings in 1939 and has provided postcard collectors with many opportunities for collecting themed postcards. This style of postcard production will probably last well into the future although the technique itself will continue to be improved upon as technology advances.