Vintage II / first sort

Sort Postcards without Guessing Dates

Record visible evidence and uncertain dates separately.

Begin with the object Record visible evidence and uncertain dates separately. Postmarks, printed dates, handwriting and publisher marks are different kinds of evidence. Work from visible evidence, not a price, style guess or seller story. Record uncertainty in plain words so a later reader can distinguish observation from interpretation.

Make a small record Transcribe only legible marks, state where each appears, and use a date range when evidence is incomplete. Use a location code that can take someone to the physical enclosure. Keep the record outside the original item, and never add adhesive labels or new writing to old paper. Include a condition note only for what you can see without intervention.

Example from a small collection A card mailed in 1931 could have been printed earlier; log both observations, not one invented creation year. If the evidence is incomplete, preserve both the visible wording and the open question. A useful catalog entry can be modest: format, visible marks, approximate size, current location, and a note about what still needs checking.

Handle and store with care The Library of Congress emphasizes good storage and careful handling for paper collections. The intake numbering approach here is our own organizing method, not an institutional catalog rule. Avoid tape, pressure, cleaning chemicals, flattening or casual repair. Choose a clean dry work surface and reduce repeated handling. A protective folder and a stable location are safer starting points than an improvised treatment. Exact enclosure choice depends on the material and condition.

Source and next check The sources below offer general preservation context, not proof about this specific piece. Write one next question for 'Sort Postcards without Guessing Dates', name the evidence that would answer it, and leave attribution unverified until that evidence exists. This site does not authenticate or value items and cannot inspect physical condition remotely.