Monday, March 31, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 33


Talk about a blast from the past! ЁЯО╢ Check out this incredible pre-paid Australia Post Maximum Card, featuring the iconic HMV Caprice, captured beautifully by Melissa Webb. Sent all the way from Australia by Maryam, it's a piece of postal history in itself!


What makes this card extra special? The stamp and the first day cancellation are just as unique as the Caprice. Look closely, and you'll see the cancellation mark shows a gramophone player with a vinyl record – a perfect nod to the golden age of music!


This isn't just a postcard; it's a snapshot of design and nostalgia, celebrating a classic piece of audio technology. 


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Saturday, March 29, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 32


Another Radio related postcard from Ehsan in Iran! ЁЯЗоЁЯЗ╖ This time, it's a postcard from Penguin's 100 book wrapper series, featuring Raymond Williams' "Communications."


What's fascinating is how perfectly this fits into my "radio postcard" theme.  "Communications" by Raymond Williams delves into the history and impact of communication technologies, and radio is a significant part of that story.  It's a reminder of how radio, in its time, revolutionized how we share information and connect with each other.


It's always a treat to receive these postcards from Ehsan – they're not just beautiful, but they spark thought and conversation.  The connection between literature, communication, and the enduring power of radio is something I find endlessly intriguing.


Thanks again, Ehsan, for this wonderful addition to my collection!


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Thursday, March 27, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 31


I received this postcard from Karin in the Netherlands! ЁЯЗ│ЁЯЗ▒ It features the cover of "Het Jongens Radioboek Deel 1" (The Boys Radio Book Part 1) by Leonard de Vries, published by De Bezige Bij. ЁЯУ╗

This gem, likely from around 1953, is a Dutch book aimed at young readers, diving into the exciting world of radio technology and electronics. Imagine the thrill of building your own radio back then! The cover art, with its vintage illustrations of radio components, really captures the era's spirit.

It's amazing to think about how this book might have sparked a passion for electronics in young minds. The postcard design itself, credited to John Hummel and printed by Dr. Bezige, is a piece of art. The vibrant colors and detailed illustrations make it a unique collectible.

A big thanks to Karin for sharing this piece of radio history! It's a reminder of how much radio technology has evolved and how books like these played a crucial role in shaping the radio future.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 30


Just received this interesting postcard from Ehsan in Tehran! ЁЯУо It features a powerful image inspired by the "Anarchafeminist Manifesto" from 1982. This manifesto, born from the Anarchist Federation of Norway, champions women's self-determination and the vital link between anarchism and feminism.


Love the bold graphic design and the megaphone symbol, perfectly capturing the spirit of protest and voice. Ehsan notes the connection between propaganda and radio, adding another layer of intrigue. A fascinating piece of history and activism, beautifully captured in a postcard! 


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Tuesday, March 25, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 29


This Postcard series from "100 Postcards from The New Yorker" project! ЁЯУо This magazine cover Postcard arrived all the way from Germany, and it's a classic cover from February 11, 1961, illustrated by the legendary Charles Addams.

Addams brings his unique style to this scene of a woman working in a room filled with early HF transmitter equipment. Look closely and you'll see the intricate details of the console and the array of dials and buttons!

It's fascinating to see how the world has changed since this cover was first published. Back then, The New Yorker cost just 25 cents! Founded in 1925, the magazine has been a staple of American culture, offering a mix of insightful reporting, thought-provoking essays, captivating fiction, and of course, those iconic cartoons.

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A Radio Postcard Journey - 28

 

Imagine Allen Lane in 1935, longing for a good book on a AIR platform, and how that moment sparked the Penguin revolution! ЁЯРз I'm absolutely loving this "Postcards from Penguin" box – 100 iconic covers celebrating British design. 


This one, H.G. Wells' "War in the Air," sent all the way from the Philippines by Cris, is a fantastic example! It's military sci-fi from 1908, and the cover is just stunning. A little piece of literary and design history in my hand. Thanks, Cris!

❤️


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Saturday, March 22, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 27


Fascinating glimpse into mid-century design! This postcard features a combined TV and radio set from around 1956. It's amazing to see how technology was integrated into home furnishings during that era.

This piece is from the collection of Hermann G├╢tting in Cologne, and the photo is by Bernhard Schaub, also from Cologne.

For those interested in '50s design, this image is also featured in a book printed and marketed by Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH (Koln). A true testament to the era's aesthetic! 


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Friday, March 21, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 26


Just received this fascinating postcard from James in the USA! It features the iconic Ecko AD 65 wireless radio receiver, designed by the brilliant Wells Coates in 1932. Look at that Art Deco elegance! It's a testament to the timeless beauty of good design. This piece is part of the Design Museum Collection, and it's easy to see why. A little piece of history and a reminder of how design shapes our world. Thanks, James! 


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Thursday, March 20, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 25

 


Blast from the Past! ЁЯУ╗✨
Just got my hands on this awesome postcard from James (USA). This postcard printed by Pomegranate's RADIOS series, and I had to share! Feast your eyes on these beauties: a Motorola Model 57CC from 1957 (top, in that gorgeous teal!) and a Model 56CD from 1956 (bottom, in a sweet pink!).

These vintage radios are from the incredible Philip Collins Collection and were captured in all their retro glory by the talented photographer Sam Sargent.

These Amazing designs transport you back in time. The colors, the dials, the details – pure mid-century magic! ЁЯдй
Anyone else a fan of vintage radios? Let me know in the comments! ЁЯСЗ

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Wednesday, March 19, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 24


Just received this fascinating postcard all the way from the UK via Postcrossing! ЁЯУо It's the cover of "Radio" by Rudolf Arnheim, published by Faber & Faber in 1936.

This book delves into the art of sound in radio broadcasting, exploring how radio uses sound to create compelling experiences. It's amazing to think about how groundbreaking these ideas were back then!

And speaking of Faber & Faber, check out their logo in the backside of this postcard! The "ff" ligature is iconic. It was designed by John McConnell of Pentagram in 1981. Huge thanks to Rita in the UK for sending this piece of publishing history as a postcard! It's a wonderful addition to my collection.

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Tuesday, March 18, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 23


Thrilled to add this charming vintage postcard to my collection! It's a snapshot of the past, featuring the Radio Times magazine cover, "Whitsun Number" from May 18, 1934.

This is cover number 11 in the "101 Classic Covers" series of the iconic Radio Times. The whimsical illustration is by the talented Stanley Herbert, capturing a delightful scene of the Whitsun holiday spirit.

A special thank you to Diane from the US, who sent this postcard through Postcrossing! It's amazing how a little piece of paper can travel across continents and connect people through shared interests.

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Monday, March 17, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 22


India produces HALF A BILLION matchboxes every single day. That's one in every three matchboxes used globally! ЁЯдп

Take a closer look at this "RADIO" matchbox art postcard. It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of Phillumeny – the art of collecting matchbox labels. These tiny canvases showcase everything from everyday objects to deities, reflecting a unique blend of modernity, tradition, and global consumerism in Indian life.

This particular postcard is part of the "A to Z Indian Matchbox Art" collection, featuring a vibrant illustration of a vintage radio. It's a testament to the creativity and artistry found in the most unexpected places.
Printed in India by Postcards Ville in 2021, this postcard is a perfect example of how something as simple as a matchbox can tell a rich story about culture and history of radio.

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Sunday, March 16, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 21


ЁЯО╢ Throwback Tunes & Timeless Design! ЁЯУ╗ Just unearthed this gem of a postcard featuring the iconic Grundig TYPE 2088 radio! Look at that classic wooden housing – a true testament to German craftsmanship.✨
This beauty was made again by Grundig (Radio-Vertrieb, RVF, Radiowerke) in F├╝rth, Bavaria, Germany, back in 1957. Can you believe it? And even more fascinating, these broadcast receivers were used during World War II! ЁЯдп
Imagine the stories this radio could tell... the music it played, the news it delivered, the voices it carried across the airwaves.
It's amazing to hold a piece of history like this. The design is just so elegant, with its warm tones and intricate details. You can almost hear the crackle of the tubes warming up!

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Friday, March 14, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 20


ЁЯУ╗ Blast from the Soviet Past! ЁЯУ╗

Check out this awesome postcard from the "More Quality Goods!" series, featuring a 1979 Soviet advertising poster! This postcard sent by Tatyana from RussiaЁЯЪА

"TRUE AIM...AND A PRECISE HIT TO THE RIGHT WAVE" ЁЯОп perfectly captures the essence of this "SPORTS 304" radio! This 4-band radio receiver, powered by 9 transistors, was a must-have for tuning into your favorite stations. ЁЯО╢

This postcard, designed by the talented Alexander Utkin in 2017, brings a piece of Soviet nostalgia to life. The original script was penned by L. Mikhalevskiy, and the English translation was done by Dmitry Aleshin. It was printed by OOO Publishing House "KONTAKT-KULTURA" in 2017.

It's amazing how a simple radio could be advertised with such dynamic imagery and powerful words. ЁЯСЗ

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Thursday, March 13, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 19


A vintage postcard featuring the Tefifon portable tape player with radio connection, manufactured all the way back in 1953! ЁЯУ╗ЁЯО╢


This card, printed by Benedikt Taschen Verlag from K├╢ln in 1993, captures the essence of 50s design perfectly. I also learned it's featured in their book "50s Design"!


A huge thank you to Tracy from the US, who sent this postcard through the Postcrossing Forum. It's truly a piece of radio history. ❤️


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Wednesday, March 12, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 18


Got a delightful surprise in the mail today! ЁЯУм This gorgeous postcard is from Teri in the US, sent through the Postcrossing Forum. It's part of the RADIOS series from the Philip Collins Collection, beautifully photographed by Sam Sargent and printed by Pomegranate Cards.

The star of the show is the iconic Emerson Model 744-B radio from 1954! The mid-century design is just stunning.  A big thank you to Teri for sharing this piece of radio history with me!  It's always a joy to connect with fellow postcard enthusiasts around the world. ЁЯШК

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 17


Look what arrived in my mailbox! Throwback to 1963! ЁЯУ╗ This striking black and white photo captures a Radio Rigonda, a classic tube radiogram (radio + gramophone) produced at the Popov Radio Factory in Riga. This photo, taken by Victor KalenikP for the "Minsk School of Photography" album, showcases the elegance of mid-century design. I love the details – the knobs, the tuning dial, and that little surfer figurine on top! A special thank you to my Russian postcrosser for sharing this gem. 


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Monday, March 10, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 16


Look what arrived from Russia, courtesy of the lovely Nata! A postcard featuring the Okean 214, a radio with some serious history. I've always been fascinated by vintage electronics, and this one is a gem. Imagine tuning in to broadcasts from all over the world on this baby!

Apparently, the Okean 214, made around 1985, was a powerhouse with FM, LW, and multiple SW bands, ran on AC or batteries, and was known for its incredible sensitivity. It just goes to show how well-made things were back then.

Thanks to Smelie Cards for printing this piece of nostalgia and to Nata for thinking of me! 


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Sunday, March 9, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 15


How cute is this tiny radio postcard?! Thomas R from the US sent it through the Postfun App for Postcrossing, and it's just perfect. I'm always amazed by the unique postcards people find! This one is shaped like a radio and was printed by Card Lover in China. It's a little piece of joy in my mailbox!


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Saturday, March 8, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 14


Received a lovely postcard from Valeriya Kudryavtseva all the way from Russia! ЁЯЗ╖ЁЯЗ║ It's a charming image of an antique radio, set against a classic vintage backdrop. Look closely at the detailed dial – perfect for tuning into stations from around the world!

This photo was taken by Sokkete and  the postcard is marketed by the wonderful VK Cherdak Store in Russia. It's always a treat to get a glimpse of another culture through postcards. Thanks, Valeriya!


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Friday, March 7, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 13


A Piece of Radio History ЁЯУ╗ postcard from Isabetta in Italy! It features a vintage "PHILIPS" radio receiver, model 831A, dating back to 1932.

This radio represents a significant step in radio technology, marking the transition from bulky "composite" models to more streamlined designs with built-in speakers.

The postcard mentions that this particular model is part of the collection at the Radio and Television Museum of Turin.

Tuning in to the past! ЁЯУ╗ This postcard takes me back to the golden age of radio in Italy. It highlights "Sixty Years of Radio History: 1924-1984", a RAI (Italian National Broadcasting Company) exhibition. The card mentions some technical details that any radio enthusiast would appreciate - medium wave range, reaction circuit, 4 valves... it even specifies that the tuning scale is numerical! A cool glimpse into how radio technology evolved.


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Thursday, March 6, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 12


A delightful postcard arrived from Wendy in the US today, featuring these charming Kadette "Classic" radios from 1936!  It's fascinating to see the subtle design differences between the models:


Top Left: Model K14

Top Right: Model K16

Bottom Left: Model K13

Bottom Right: Model K10


These little radios are part of the Victor Keen Collection and are beautifully captured in a photograph by Sam Sargent.  The text on the postcard is by Philip Collins, and it was printed by Pomegranate.  Such a lovely glimpse into the design of the 1930s!  Thanks, Wendy, for this wonderful addition to my collection! 


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Wednesday, March 5, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 11


A lovely addition to my collection! This postcard features the Familia Radio, a tabletop radio from the mid-1950s, part of Hermann G├╢tting's impressive collection in Cologne.  It's amazing to see the design of everyday objects from different eras. A horizontal tuning dial is prominently displayed, suggesting an analog tuning system. The presence of knobs indicates manual control for volume, tuning, and possibly other functions. Thanks to Bernhard Schaub for the great photo and Benedikt Taschen Verlag for the print!


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Tuesday, March 4, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 10


In 2020, I received this absolutely charming postcard from Jacqueline in the Netherlands via Postcrossing! It's from Paper Clips' BLEND series and I'm totally in love with the aesthetic. This vintage-style radio, bathed in soft pastel hues and nestled among delicate roses, is just dreamy. It evokes such a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Thank you, Jacqueline, for sending a little piece of beauty my way! 


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Monday, March 3, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 9


Imagine the music that filled the airwaves from this radio! Just received this charming postcard from James in the USA via Postcrossing, featuring a classic guitar and a vintage radio. It's like a little window into the past. The guitar has a "Lone Ranger" design, making me wonder about the stories it could tell. It features a 1937 guitar with incredible artwork of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, galloping under a moonlit sky. Apparently, there's a new book about "Cowboy Guitars" - I'm definitely going to look that up! Thanks, James, for sending a piece of history!


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Sunday, March 2, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 8


Throwback to a piece of radio history! ЁЯУ╗ This stunning postcard, printed in Holland, features the elegant Philips 830A radio from England.

Published by Art Unlimited in Amsterdam back in 1996, this card is part of the Collectie Becht from Naarden. Just look at the intricate design and the beautiful wood grain! This radio measures a substantial 49.0 x 41.0 x 21.6 cm, making it a real statement piece.

Anyone else have a soft spot for vintage radios? Share your favorite models in the comments! ЁЯСЗ

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Saturday, March 1, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 7


Retro Radiance! ✨

Check out this amazing picture postcard from 1993, printed in Germany by Benedikt Taschen Verlag! At first glance, you'd swear it's a vintage radio, right? But it's actually a super stylish fan heater from 1955! ЁЯдп

This beauty is from the collection of Hermann Gotting in Cologne and was captured in all its glory by the talented photographer Bernhard Schaub, also from Cologne.

Isn't it incredible how design can transform everyday objects into works of art? This postcard is a testament to the timeless appeal of mid-century aesthetics.

P.S. Did you know Bernhard Schaub also has a book featuring 50 stunning designs? I'm definitely intrigued! Anyone else want to check it out?


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Postcrossing Diary - 20