A Floral Memory: Receiving "Flower Mentions" from Harry

This postcard is a gorgeous piece of sentimental art, showcasing a lavish bouquet of roses and carnations in rich, saturated colours. It's titled simply by the artist's signature "Suzy 379," yet the simple message on the back tells a story of affection and anticipation.

Suzy 379, Floral Display

The Image: Suzy 379

The front of the postcard is a high-quality reproduction of a floral painting or possibly a hand-coloured photograph, giving it a rich, almost velvet-like texture:

• The Flowers: The bouquet features a mix of deep crimson, magenta, white, and pink roses and ruffled carnations, accented by sprays of delicate blue forget-me-nots and baby's breath.

• The Style: The flowers are arranged diagonally across a dark, textured background, drawing the eye across the composition. The style is romantic and decorative, designed to convey a feeling of deep affection, perfect for sending to a loved one.

• The Artist: Postcards signed by "Suzy" are a known feature of early 20th-century collections, though the full identity of the artist remains a popular postcard mystery.

The Message: "Received letter today Friday"

The back of the card, an undivided back (typical of the earlier postcard era or specific publishers), contains a brief, sweet message sent from Harry to Queenie:

"To Queenie received letter today friday with flower Menties so much Will write later with love from Harry x x x x"

Key Takeaways from the Message:

• The Names: The intimate names, Queenie and Harry, suggest a close relationship, likely a courtship or marriage.

• The "Flower Menties": This is the most charming and intriguing detail. "Flower Menties" (mentions) could mean that Harry's letter described flowers he had seen, or perhaps referenced the flowers shown on this card, confirming the card was sent as a direct response to Queenie's letter. It speaks to a shared appreciation of beauty and nature between them.

• The Time: The style of the card and the undivided back suggest a date in the early 1900s (pre-1907 for the UK, but the style persisted), placing this correspondence in the Golden Age of Postcards.

This postcard is a beautiful connection to a time when brief written notes, adorned with rich imagery, were a standard way to share affection and maintain correspondence, showing us the enduring charm of simple, heartfelt greetings.

A Birthday Mystery: Postcard Sent "From Us Both"

This postcard is a wonderful example of the artistic and elaborate designs popular in the Edwardian era and immediately preceding it. It is a true piece of sentimental art, though the simple, brief message leaves us with a lovely little mystery.

Vintage "Birthday Greetings" Postcard with Portrait and Vase

The Image: Birthday Greetings

The front is a colourful, composite design that combines a floral still-life with a portrait:

• Design: The background appears to be a textured, grey wall. A large, ornate metallic vase holding a bouquet of pink and white roses stands on a ledge.

• The Portrait: Set into a circular frame on the wall is a hand-coloured photographic portrait of a young woman with a classic, voluminous hairstyle and a dark shawl.

• The Message: Across the top, in elegant gold script, are the words: "Birthday Greetings. Best wishes for Peace, Health And Prosperity."

• Style: This style of postcard, where a portrait is integrated into an artistic setting, was very popular around the early 1900s. The detail, like the roses spilling out of the frame and down the base, is exquisite.

The Message: "With Love and Best Wishes From Us Both"

The back of the postcard is an undivided back (meaning it has no line separating the address and message, typical of postcards before 1902 in the UK, but common for a period after in other countries, or simply a style choice).

The message is brief, elegant, and perfectly suited for a heartfelt greeting:

"With love and best Wishes from us Both."

The sender's signature is just "B.th."

A Note on the Mystery

The most intriguing part is the simple signature, "B.th." Who is "B.th."? And who is the unnamed person in the portrait?

• The Sender: Could "B.th." stand for Beth? Or perhaps Bartholomew?

• "From Us Both": This phrase suggests two people sent the card—perhaps a couple, a parent and child, or two friends. The simple signature may represent just one of them, or a combined initial.

• The Recipient: Since there is no address on the back, we don't know who received the card, or when it was sent, though the "PHILCO SERIES" marking may offer a clue to the publisher.

This card is a sweet reminder that even the briefest message can leave the largest impression, making us wonder about the people who sent and received this beautiful birthday wish over a century ago.