Toward enhancing originality, the Boston industrialist began holding Christmas card design contests on a yearly basis beginning in 1880. In 1885, Prang gave prizes for essays on Christmas cards written by women. With prominent judges, lavish celebrations and top prizes from $200 to $2,000, Prang's contests soon paid off in publicity, becoming media events. 

Although prices ranged from 50 cents to $15 each (a fortune in those days), Prang's greeting sold briskly until inexpensive German cards flooded the market. Refusing to lower quality standards, Prang quit the business.

 Highly collectible Prang cards usually can be identified by tiny lettering "L Prang and Co., Boston" on the bottom margin. Occasionally, Prang left only a rose symbol (a veiled sign of affection for his wife, Rose) or disguised his mark under a tiny shoe or on a leaf.

 Nineteenth-century Christmas cards are often graphic masterpieces incorporating silk fringes, tassels, mother of pearl inlays and satin backgrounds. Flowers, angels, carolers, gentle animals, romantic young women and happy children are dominant design themes.

From 1900 to 1920, penny postcards from Germany featuring Santa Claus, nostalgic hearth and snow scenes, holly, toys and Nativity settings captured the market. In 1910, J.C. Hall began selling postcards out of a shoebox at a YMCA in Kansas City, Mo. His one-man enterprise turned into what we know today as Hallmark Cards Inc.

Xmas card collecting (by the way, "X" is not a tacky abbreviation, it has religious significance in that X is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ) can be a rewarding hobby for adults and children. Prominent makers, excellent condition, early age, strong graphics, mechanical movements, interesting "collectible" subject matter, artist signed examples, large size and fine detailing help to determine value. Most of all, look for cards that hit you in the heart. That's Santa's real home

by AntiqueTalk.com

Reprinted with permission
Copyright by Wayne Mattox ©