There is a specific kind of magic found in the tactile grain of a vintage postcard. For those of us who collect these "postal time machines," a card isn't just a piece of cardstock; it’s a portal. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recent addition to my collection: a stunning monochrome multi-view postcard titled "Saluti da Brunate (Como)."
This card captures the essence of early 20th-century Italian tourism, focusing on the steep slopes of Brunate—a village famously known as the Balcone sulle Alpi (Balcony of the Alps) for its breathtaking panoramic views.
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| Postcard of Brunate and the Como-Brunate Funicular, Italy |
Estimating the Era: A 1930s Time Capsule
When dating a postcard without a postmark, we have to play detective. Looking at the design and production markers on this piece, we can narrow down its origin with surprising accuracy.
The Publisher (Cecami): The back of the card features the distinctive oval logo of Cecami (Stabilimento Grafico Cesare Capello). This Milanese powerhouse was founded in 1908, but the specific "Cecami" branding and the typography of the "Ediz. A. Preda - Milano" credit line are hallmarks of the mid-to-late 1930s.
The Funicular Style: The left-hand image shows the famous Como-Brunate funicular. Notice the boxy, elegant design of the carriages. The funicular underwent a significant refurbishment in 1934/1935, and the cars shown here match the aesthetic of that pre-war era perfectly.
Print Quality: The card uses a high-quality phototype process, common in Italy during the interwar period before the mass-market shift to glossier, saturated colour lithography in the 1950s.
Estimated Date: Circa 1935–1939.
A Tale of Three Views
This "triple vignette" design was a popular way for tourists to show off the full experience of their trip in one go.
1. The Engineering Marvel: The Funicular
The dominant image on the left features the funicular railway. Opened in 1894, this engineering feat transitioned from steam to electricity in 1911. By the time this photo was taken in the late 1930s, it was the height of luxury for Milanese elites escaping the summer heat. The image captures two cars passing on the steep 55% incline—a sight that remains largely unchanged for travellers today.
2. The Village on the Hill
The top-right insert offers a glimpse of the Brunate hillside. You can see the dense clusters of villas and hotels that began to sprout up as the village became a premier holiday destination. The architecture visible is a mix of traditional alpine style and the ornate Stile Liberty (Italian Art Nouveau) that Lake Como is famous for.
3. The Grand Panorama
The bottom-right view provides the "money shot": the view from Brunate looking down onto the city of Como and the western arm of the lake. In the distance, the silhouette of the mountains guards the water. Even in black and white, the scale of the landscape is palpable.
Why This Card Matters to My Collection
What I love most about this specific card is its pristine, unposted condition. While I adore reading the frantic scribbles of travellers from 90 years ago, an unposted card allows us to appreciate the graphic design as the artist intended.
The vertical divider on the reverse, the elegant "Ediz. A. Preda" text, and the minimalist address lines represent an era of "slow travel." Sending a card like this wasn't just a quick check-in; it was a curated gift of art sent across borders.
Tips for Collectors: Identifying Cecami Cards
If you’re hunting for Italian vintage cards, keep an eye out for that "Cecami" logo. Cesare Capello’s company was known for its superior photographic clarity.
Check the back: Early cards (pre-1905) have undivided backs.
Look for the logo: The oval "Cecami" mark generally points to the 1930s through the 1950s.
Condition: Italian cards from this era often suffer from "foxing" (brown spotting) due to the humidity of the lake regions, but this example has held up remarkably well!
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