Leather Postcards

Leather Postcards (1900s) – History and Collecting Guide

Leather postcards were a quirky early 1900s fad, made of thin deerskin or cowhide with burned, embossed, or hand-tinted designs. Mailed for just 1¢, they remain fascinating collectibles today.

What Are Leather Postcards?

Leather postcards were novelty souvenirs made between 1903 and 1910. Thin leather was used instead of paper, then decorated and mailed at the postcard rate. Collectors value them for their unusual texture and charming, often humorous, designs.

How Were Leather Postcards Made?

Most were created using pyrography (burning designs into leather with heated tools). Some included embossing for raised patterns or were hand-tinted with dyes. This made each card slightly unique while keeping them thin enough to mail.

Why Did Leather Postcards Become Popular?

Between 1905 and 1907, they became a fad in the United States, sold at fairs, resorts, and expositions. People enjoyed their novelty, durability, and humorous artwork. Postal authorities eventually discouraged them, leading to their decline by 1909.

Common Themes and Designs

• Comic & Humorous – jokes, caricatures, and wordplay.
• Tourist Views – landmarks and attractions.
• Holidays & Romance – Valentine and good-luck motifs.
• Souvenirs – fairgrounds, expositions, and resorts.

Are Leather Postcards Valuable Today?

Yes. Condition, rarity, and subject matter affect value. Comic and souvenir themes often sell for more. Collectors appreciate them both for their odd material and as cultural snapshots of early 20th-century America.