■post Ow'd Valentines ]\o Longer Considered Dreadful
LOU ANN GOOD
Food And Family
Features Editor
EPHRATA (Lancaster Co.) Victorian valentines
bring to mind elaborate cards made of fine paper and de
corated with satin, ribbon, or lace. They often pictured
turtledoves, lovers’ knots in gold or silver, arrows, cupids,
and bleeding hearts. Some cards had elaborate pop-outs,
or were known as mechanicals in which part of the card
moved when a tab was pulled. Many featured three-di
mensional designs.
The post cards shown on this page are from
Jimmy De Filippis’ collection. He estimates that
these post cards are dated between
1890-1920.
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For some collectors, another type of antique valentines
appeal to them post card valentine greetings.
The post cards were much more affordable to the work
ing class. In fact, some of the post cards were called
“penny dreadfuls.” Compared to the fine artistic Victo
rian styles, these valentine greetings did indeed appear a
bit dreadftil and sold for only a penny.
Today, the penny dreadfuls and other post card variet
ies are no longer considered dreadful. They are just what
collectors are searching to find.
But the value of the valentine post cards depends on
the condition of the card. If in pristine condition, the post
cards can sell from a few dollars up to $5O according to
Jim De Filippis, New Holland. Especially valued are com
plete sets by one artist or a series for children or friends.
Filippis said that in addition to valentines being mar
keted by manufacturers and artists, some were made es
pecially for select stores to hand out to customers or to ac
company a box of candy given as a Valentine’s gift.
Although the more elaborate cards contained heavy
sentimental messages, the post card often carried lighter
verse. Sometimes the post cards were intended for a
sweetheart, but often the messages were for children or
school friends.
When collecting post card valentines look for those in
perfect conditiion. If damaged, even slightly, the post
cards are practically worthless. Filippis said.
If you have any post card valentines, protect them by
storing them in acid-free paper sleeves. Be careful when
handling the post cards. The oil from the skin can cause
color fading.
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, February 15, 2003-B2:
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