New Releases!
The first edition of The Rumsey & Co. Picture Postcard Handbook 1908-1950s has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The first edition of The Atkinson Bros. Picture Postcard Handbook 1899-1911 has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The third edition of The W. G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1901-1910 has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The second edition of The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Picture Postcard Handbook 1903–1912 has also been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
Click on the book covers below for more information.
MEGA SALE: Purchase the new Rumsey & Co. handbook and up to six other active titles can be yours for only $20 each postpaid!
The first edition of The Rumsey & Co. Picture Postcard Handbook 1908-1950s has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The first edition of The Atkinson Bros. Picture Postcard Handbook 1899-1911 has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The third edition of The W. G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1901-1910 has been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
The second edition of The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Picture Postcard Handbook 1903–1912 has also been released. Click here to see the ordering info!
Click on the book covers below for more information.
The Rumsey & Co. Picture Postcard Handbook 1908-1950s
by Michael Smith
Edited by Roger Miller
Antique Postcards from a Prolific Canadian Publisher
Entering the trade in 1908, farsighted Toronto stationer Rumsey & Co. hooked up with two of the world’s most important postcard printers in Germany and Britain.
After the First World War (1914–1918), Rumsey & Co. built new relationships with postcard printers on this side of the Atlantic. And from 1910–1950s this firm became one of the largest producers of real photo postcards in Canada!
It’s all here this deluxe handbook:
BOOK DETAILS → 8.5 by 11 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound, 280 pages loaded with listings and illustrations, and every page printed in full colour!
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Michael Smith
Edited by Roger Miller
Antique Postcards from a Prolific Canadian Publisher
Entering the trade in 1908, farsighted Toronto stationer Rumsey & Co. hooked up with two of the world’s most important postcard printers in Germany and Britain.
After the First World War (1914–1918), Rumsey & Co. built new relationships with postcard printers on this side of the Atlantic. And from 1910–1950s this firm became one of the largest producers of real photo postcards in Canada!
It’s all here this deluxe handbook:
- A comprehensive Rumsey & Co. business history.
- Listings for more than 4,300 of the firm’s classic postcards, including the regular view cards, RPPCs, fancy framed cards, the novelty series, etc.
- Over 1,000 postcard illustrations, each in the card’s colour of issue.
- Three appendices loaded with additional information, including illustrations of all known Rumsey & Co. postcard back types, salesman’s samples, etc., etc.
BOOK DETAILS → 8.5 by 11 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound, 280 pages loaded with listings and illustrations, and every page printed in full colour!
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
The Atkinson Bros. Picture Postcard Handbook 1899-1911
by Michael Smith and Roger Miller
Founded in Hamilton, Ontario by William and Walter Atkinson, by the end of the 19th century Atkinson Bros. had grown to become an important fancy goods manufacturer, wholesaler and stationer.
In 1899, the firm released its first postcard series from its new location in Toronto. And within a dozen years, had published some of Canada’s most collectible cards.
Inside this deluxe handbook you’ll find:
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Michael Smith and Roger Miller
Founded in Hamilton, Ontario by William and Walter Atkinson, by the end of the 19th century Atkinson Bros. had grown to become an important fancy goods manufacturer, wholesaler and stationer.
In 1899, the firm released its first postcard series from its new location in Toronto. And within a dozen years, had published some of Canada’s most collectible cards.
Inside this deluxe handbook you’ll find:
- A concise Atkinson Bros. business history.
- Listings for approximately 2,000 of the firm’s postcards, including the classic patriotic series, regular and fancy views, the novelty series, etc.
- Over 500 postcard illustrations, and each one in the card’s colour of issue.
- Appendices loaded with additional information, including illustrations of all known Atkinson Bros. postcard back types, and some of the firm’s souvenir view albums.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
The W. G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1901-1910
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
A year in the making, the third edition of The W. G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1901–1910 is finally here. Inside this much-expanded handbook you’ll find:
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
A year in the making, the third edition of The W. G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1901–1910 is finally here. Inside this much-expanded handbook you’ll find:
- A detailed history of MacFarlane’s souvenir view book and postcard publishing business, including the particulars of his rapid expansion in the USA and failure of his company in 1908.
- Listings for over 5,700 of some of the most collectible postcards ever published in Canada during their golden age (1900–1914).
- Almost 1,400 postcard illustrations and each one in the card’s colour of issue.
- Several appendices loaded with additional information, including one containing more than 500 of MacFarlane’s USA views.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Picture Postcard Handbook 1903–1912
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
This is the eagerly awaited second edition of The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Picture Postcard Handbook 1903– 1912. Inside this deluxe edition you will find:
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
This is the eagerly awaited second edition of The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Picture Postcard Handbook 1903– 1912. Inside this deluxe edition you will find:
- A much expanded section on Warwick Bros. & Rutter’s business history with images of William Warwick’s first book bindery in Woodstock, Ontario and all the firm’s addresses in Toronto.
- Listings for over 9,000 of some of the most attractive postcards printed in Canada during the golden age (1900–1914).
- And most importantly, over 1,100 postcard illustrations and each one displayed in the card’s colour of issue.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
Current Books
Click on the book covers below for information on additional books currently in print.
Click on the book covers below for information on additional books currently in print.
The Stedman Bros. Picture Postcard Handbook 1905-1930s
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
This is the eagerly anticipated second edition of this Stedman classic, has now been released.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Michael Smith. Edited by Roger Miller.
This is the eagerly anticipated second edition of this Stedman classic, has now been released.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
A History and Directory of Yukon Postcards 1897–1942
by Ken Elder.
This exciting second edition of this best-selling handbook on Yukon Territory antique postcards has now been released.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Ken Elder.
This exciting second edition of this best-selling handbook on Yukon Territory antique postcards has now been released.
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
The J.W. Bald Picture Postcard Handbook 1902-1955
by Roy Sennett & Edward Sennett. Edited by Michael Smith.
This is the eagerly anticipated second edition to Roy Sennett’s ground- breaking handbook on J. W. Bald’s terrific postcards. In this edition you will be delighted to find:
8.5 by 11 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound, 244 pages with a lavishly illustrated biography of J. W. Bald, 1200+ postcard listings, 900+ illustrations, and everything in full colour!
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
by Roy Sennett & Edward Sennett. Edited by Michael Smith.
This is the eagerly anticipated second edition to Roy Sennett’s ground- breaking handbook on J. W. Bald’s terrific postcards. In this edition you will be delighted to find:
- A much expanded section on J. W. Bald’s early years as an apprentice photographer in Barrie, Ontario, including photos of his first studio in Penetanguishene and Midland,
- A section on J. W. Bald’s tools-of- the-trade including his Carbine postcard camera and Graber postcard printing machine,
- Expanded maps of the nooks and crannies along the Georgian Bay coastline and Severn River where J. W. Bald took the majority of his photographs,
- And most importantly, comprehensive listings and over 900 images of some of the most sought after postcards in Canada.
8.5 by 11 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound, 244 pages with a lavishly illustrated biography of J. W. Bald, 1200+ postcard listings, 900+ illustrations, and everything in full colour!
Click on Ordering Info to see the info sheet/order form!
Other Books
Click on the book covers below for information on some of Mike Smith’s earlier books (currently out of print).
Click on the book covers below for information on some of Mike Smith’s earlier books (currently out of print).
The Canadian Patriotic & Heraldic Postcard Handbook 1897–1945, Volume 1
This second edition updates The Canadian Patriotic Postcard Checklist published 10 years ago. Improvements and additions include; expanded date range to include postcards from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee to the end of the Second World War, inclusion of heraldic (semi-patriotic) cards, hundreds of newly-discovered postcards, 700 additional card images and 60 more pages, increased size of postcard images, updated value categories.
Full colour, soft cover (laminated), spiral bound, 8.5 x 11 inches, 438 pages.
SOLD OUT!
This second edition updates The Canadian Patriotic Postcard Checklist published 10 years ago. Improvements and additions include; expanded date range to include postcards from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee to the end of the Second World War, inclusion of heraldic (semi-patriotic) cards, hundreds of newly-discovered postcards, 700 additional card images and 60 more pages, increased size of postcard images, updated value categories.
Full colour, soft cover (laminated), spiral bound, 8.5 x 11 inches, 438 pages.
SOLD OUT!
The Canadian Patriotic & Heraldic Postcard Handbook 1897–1945, Volume 2
This second and final volume contains almost 2,000 full-colour images, lists and value categories to educate and entertain both the amateur and seasoned postcard collector. Includes abridged business histories of some of Canada’s most important postcard publishers, over 60 series of postcards from anonymous publishers, and the largest listing of patriotic & heraldic postcards from Valentine & Sons and the Photogelatine Engraving Co. ever published.
Full colour, soft cover (laminated), spiral bound, 8.5 x 11 inches, 438 pages.
SOLD OUT!
This second and final volume contains almost 2,000 full-colour images, lists and value categories to educate and entertain both the amateur and seasoned postcard collector. Includes abridged business histories of some of Canada’s most important postcard publishers, over 60 series of postcards from anonymous publishers, and the largest listing of patriotic & heraldic postcards from Valentine & Sons and the Photogelatine Engraving Co. ever published.
Full colour, soft cover (laminated), spiral bound, 8.5 x 11 inches, 438 pages.
SOLD OUT!
The W.G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1902 – 1910
W.G. MacFarlane was one of Canada’s most prolific publishers in the early part of the 20th century. This handbook has something in it for everyone. Showcasing the variety and quality of MacFarlane postcards from Patriotic, Heraldic & Royalty Postcards (39 series) to artist-signed, novelty and 52 special series postcards. This 1st edition was subsequently replaced by a second edition.
SOLD OUT!
W.G. MacFarlane was one of Canada’s most prolific publishers in the early part of the 20th century. This handbook has something in it for everyone. Showcasing the variety and quality of MacFarlane postcards from Patriotic, Heraldic & Royalty Postcards (39 series) to artist-signed, novelty and 52 special series postcards. This 1st edition was subsequently replaced by a second edition.
SOLD OUT!
The W.G. MacFarlane Picture Postcard Handbook 1902 – 1910
W.G. MacFarlane was one of Canada’s most prolific publishers in the early part of the 20th century. This handbook has something in it for everyone. Showcasing the variety and quality of MacFarlane postcards from Patriotic, Heraldic & Royalty Postcards (39 series) to artist-signed, novelty and 52 special series postcards. This 2nd edition includes over 1400 MacFarlane regular view cards and 12 new “fancy” series. Also includes 60 designs of MacFarlane back types and an Index of Cities and Towns, 12 pages in glorious colour, a price guide and earliest known usage for each series.
Soft cover, 6.75 x 9 inches, 238 pages (12 in colour).
SOLD OUT!
W.G. MacFarlane was one of Canada’s most prolific publishers in the early part of the 20th century. This handbook has something in it for everyone. Showcasing the variety and quality of MacFarlane postcards from Patriotic, Heraldic & Royalty Postcards (39 series) to artist-signed, novelty and 52 special series postcards. This 2nd edition includes over 1400 MacFarlane regular view cards and 12 new “fancy” series. Also includes 60 designs of MacFarlane back types and an Index of Cities and Towns, 12 pages in glorious colour, a price guide and earliest known usage for each series.
Soft cover, 6.75 x 9 inches, 238 pages (12 in colour).
SOLD OUT!
The McCoy Printing Company Picture Postcard Handbook 1900-1910
by Michael J. Smith and William P. Angley.
SOLD OUT!
by Michael J. Smith and William P. Angley.
SOLD OUT!
The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Postcard Gems 1903 – 1912 First Edition
Published in conjunction with the sale of the finest Warwick Bros. & Rutter postcard collection ever assembled, this book is a visual treat for both collectors and historians. Includes hundreds of images of the “gems” from the W.O. Buchanan collection such as; the legendary Warwick patriotic and other “special series” cards, artist-signed, classic views of railway stations and trains, ships, liners and ferries, early automobiles and stage coaches, sports and recreation, advertising, businesses, factories, Mounties, militia, the clergy, First Nations and Acadians.
SOLD OUT!
Published in conjunction with the sale of the finest Warwick Bros. & Rutter postcard collection ever assembled, this book is a visual treat for both collectors and historians. Includes hundreds of images of the “gems” from the W.O. Buchanan collection such as; the legendary Warwick patriotic and other “special series” cards, artist-signed, classic views of railway stations and trains, ships, liners and ferries, early automobiles and stage coaches, sports and recreation, advertising, businesses, factories, Mounties, militia, the clergy, First Nations and Acadians.
SOLD OUT!
The Warwick Bros. & Rutter Postcard Gems 1903 – 1912
Published in conjunction with the sale of the finest Warwick Bros. & Rutter postcard collection ever assembled, this book is a visual treat for both collectors and historians. Includes hundreds of images of the “gems” from the W.O. Buchanan collection such as; the legendary Warwick patriotic and other “special series” cards, artist-signed, classic views of railway stations and trains, ships, liners and ferries, early automobiles and stage coaches, sports and recreation, advertising, businesses, factories, Mounties, militia, the clergy, First Nations and Acadians. Appendix of unlisted postcards that have surfaced since the 2007 issue Warwick Bros. & Rutter Postcard Handbook.
Laminated cover, 8.5 x11 inches, 106 pages.
SOLD OUT!
Published in conjunction with the sale of the finest Warwick Bros. & Rutter postcard collection ever assembled, this book is a visual treat for both collectors and historians. Includes hundreds of images of the “gems” from the W.O. Buchanan collection such as; the legendary Warwick patriotic and other “special series” cards, artist-signed, classic views of railway stations and trains, ships, liners and ferries, early automobiles and stage coaches, sports and recreation, advertising, businesses, factories, Mounties, militia, the clergy, First Nations and Acadians. Appendix of unlisted postcards that have surfaced since the 2007 issue Warwick Bros. & Rutter Postcard Handbook.
Laminated cover, 8.5 x11 inches, 106 pages.
SOLD OUT!
Postcard Gems from an Outstanding Canadian
Born in Lunenburg in 1862, W. E. Hebb moved to Halifax at age 18 to work for the Nova Scotia Printing Company. It was here that he first demonstrated an uncanny ability to excel at all of his endeavours. His list of accomplishments in business, and his devotion to the public good would be hard to match today.
W. E. Hebb also published some wonder- ful postcards during this popular hobby’s golden age (1900–1914). And they’re all inside this handbook:
• Terrific views of Halifax daily life, the city’s thriving businesses, the arrival of immigrants, etc.
• Beautiful patriotic, military and novelty postcards.
• A stunning series showing the Newfoundland sealing fleet.
• Scenic views of Lunenburg and other historic towns in Atlantic Canada.
ISBN 978-0-9949604-2-9
When W. E. Hebb died on December 29, 1926 the headline of the next day’s Halifax Herald said it all: “Willis E. Hebb, Outstanding Halifax Citizen, Passes Away.”
BOOK DETAILS → 6.75 by 9 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound; 120 pages overall with: W. E. Hebb’s life story, family photos and other memorabilia, a breakdown of 17 different series of Hebb postcards printed in Canada and abroad, and every page in full colour!
SOLD OUT!
Born in Lunenburg in 1862, W. E. Hebb moved to Halifax at age 18 to work for the Nova Scotia Printing Company. It was here that he first demonstrated an uncanny ability to excel at all of his endeavours. His list of accomplishments in business, and his devotion to the public good would be hard to match today.
W. E. Hebb also published some wonder- ful postcards during this popular hobby’s golden age (1900–1914). And they’re all inside this handbook:
• Terrific views of Halifax daily life, the city’s thriving businesses, the arrival of immigrants, etc.
• Beautiful patriotic, military and novelty postcards.
• A stunning series showing the Newfoundland sealing fleet.
• Scenic views of Lunenburg and other historic towns in Atlantic Canada.
ISBN 978-0-9949604-2-9
When W. E. Hebb died on December 29, 1926 the headline of the next day’s Halifax Herald said it all: “Willis E. Hebb, Outstanding Halifax Citizen, Passes Away.”
BOOK DETAILS → 6.75 by 9 inches, laminated soft cover, spiral bound; 120 pages overall with: W. E. Hebb’s life story, family photos and other memorabilia, a breakdown of 17 different series of Hebb postcards printed in Canada and abroad, and every page in full colour!
SOLD OUT!
The J.W. Bald Picture Postcard Handbook 1905-1955
by Roy Sennett, TPC#227. Edited by Mike Smith.
Midland, Ontario photographer J. W. Bald captured an amazing 50-year period of the province’s history during his long career. Images positively attributed to Bald first appear on postcards printed in Germany and sent back to Canada for the retail market in 1905. J.W. Bald maintained the copyright for many of his photos and was the actual publisher of hundreds of postcards made from his images. This handbook is the 7th and most complete publication on J. W. Bald postcards by long-time collector and aficionado Roy Sennett. Inside you’ll find a concise history of J. W. Bald’s career plus hundreds of images and up-to-date lists of his many postcards.
Soft cover, spiral bound, 6.75 x 9 inches, 164 pages.
SOLD OUT!
by Roy Sennett, TPC#227. Edited by Mike Smith.
Midland, Ontario photographer J. W. Bald captured an amazing 50-year period of the province’s history during his long career. Images positively attributed to Bald first appear on postcards printed in Germany and sent back to Canada for the retail market in 1905. J.W. Bald maintained the copyright for many of his photos and was the actual publisher of hundreds of postcards made from his images. This handbook is the 7th and most complete publication on J. W. Bald postcards by long-time collector and aficionado Roy Sennett. Inside you’ll find a concise history of J. W. Bald’s career plus hundreds of images and up-to-date lists of his many postcards.
Soft cover, spiral bound, 6.75 x 9 inches, 164 pages.
SOLD OUT!
‘The Reuben Sallows Picture Postcard Handbook‘ by Mike Smith and Larry Mohring.
A ‘Canadian Photographic Genius’, Ontario photographer Reuben Sallows (1855–1937) is little known outside of Huron County. From his Goderich studio in the 1890s, he became a master photographer of local folks in their natural surroundings. His stellar outdoor photos caught the eye of magazine publishers, railway companies and government ministries. This handbook links as many antique postcards as possible to their original Sallows photograph.
Full colour, laminated soft cover, spiral bound; 8.5 by 11 inches, 310 pages including a lavishly-illustrated biography of Reuben Sallows. 1800+ postcards catalogued by publisher and 1300+ illustrations.
SOLD OUT!
A ‘Canadian Photographic Genius’, Ontario photographer Reuben Sallows (1855–1937) is little known outside of Huron County. From his Goderich studio in the 1890s, he became a master photographer of local folks in their natural surroundings. His stellar outdoor photos caught the eye of magazine publishers, railway companies and government ministries. This handbook links as many antique postcards as possible to their original Sallows photograph.
Full colour, laminated soft cover, spiral bound; 8.5 by 11 inches, 310 pages including a lavishly-illustrated biography of Reuben Sallows. 1800+ postcards catalogued by publisher and 1300+ illustrations.
SOLD OUT!