Wednesday, April 9, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 40

This postcard is capturing the essence of 1950s design with its striking image of a Dual Party Case record player radio connection from 1955. The modern postcard features a photograph of this classic piece, highlighting the distinctive aesthetics of the era.


The featured Dual Party Case, a testament to the innovative design of the mid-20th century, is part of the esteemed collection of Hermann Götting, based in Cologne. The captivating photograph showcased on the postcard was expertly captured by Bernhard Schaub, also residing in Cologne, Germany.


For enthusiasts of '50s design and vintage technology, this particular image holds further significance. It is also featured in a book on the era's design, published and marketed by Benedikt Taschen Verlag GmbH (Koln), making the postcard a tangible piece connected to a broader exploration of the decade's visual culture. This postcard serves as a stylish tribute to a earlier era, readily available for collectors and design aficionados alike.


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Monday, April 7, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 39


This beautiful postcard printed from Ekaterina, received in 2020! 🕰️ It features a classic gramophone, a true pioneer of sound technology.


Let's take a moment to appreciate the history of this incredible invention. The gramophone, patented by Emile Berliner in 1887, revolutionized how we listened to music. Unlike earlier cylinder phonographs, it used flat discs to record and play sound, making mass production and distribution of music much more feasible. Imagine a world before easily accessible recorded music!


But did you know the gramophone also played a crucial role in the early days of radio broadcasting? 📻 Before live performances became the norm, radio stations heavily relied on gramophone records to fill airtime. These discs brought music, news, and stories to countless listeners, shaping the very foundation of radio as we know it.


The gramophone wasn't just a device; it was a cultural force, democratizing access to audio entertainment and paving the way for the music industry and broadcast media we enjoy today.

Thank you, Ekaterina, for this nostalgic reminder of a pivotal piece of audio history! ❤️


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Sunday, April 6, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 38

This maxi postcard from Australia! It features the Kriesler Master Multi Sonic radiogram from 1966, a true icon of Australian home entertainment. From the 1950s to the 1970s, radiograms like this were the heart of many Aussie homes, combining radio and record player into one stylish unit. 


This particular model, captured beautifully in Melissa Webb's photograph, reminds us of a time when gathering around to listen to music or the radio was a shared experience. The postcard also includes stamps from the recent issue commemorating these classic machines, highlighting the $1.20 denomination and the intricate design by Jo Muré. 


It's fascinating to learn about the evolution of these devices, from valve amplifiers to transistorized models, and the shift from mono to stereo sound. A real piece of Australian nostalgia, celebrating a golden era of local manufacturing and the enduring appeal of vinyl records! 


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Friday, April 4, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 37

 

Just added this Radio related postcard to my collection! It's a reproduction of a vintage General Post Office (GPO) poster, titled "Radio: A Message Home," dating back to around 1930-1955. 📻✉️


The original poster, part of the Science Museum Group Collection, highlights the GPO's role in early radio communication. (Check out the tiny GPO logo in the top left corner!) It's a beautiful piece of design, and I love how it captures the excitement and wonder of radio as a way to connect with loved ones.


This postcard, published by The National Railway Museum and printed and distributed by Star Editions Ltd, is a great find for me. While my main interest is dxing, I have a hard spot for radio-related memorabilia, and this card ticks that box perfectly.


It also connects to my interest in postal history. Did you know there were strict rules about postcards back in the day? Size, thickness, even the placement and amount of text were regulated. That's why you sometimes see "PRINTED MATTER" instead of "POST CARD" on older cards. It's a whole fascinating area of collecting!


But above all, it's just a cracking poster design! How many of you collect postcards with a connection to radio or postal history?


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Thursday, April 3, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 36

🎶 A Musical Journey Through Time! 🎶

I received this interesting and whimsical postcard from a fellow postcrosser in Lithuania! It's titled "Musical Journey," a delightful artwork by Vilijus Vaisvilla, and printed by Duke Cards.


Look at that gramophone front!  It's a beautiful reminder of the early days of radio and recorded music. Imagine the warm, crackling sounds filling the air as this vehicle journeys through a colorful landscape.  The artist really captured the playful spirit of that era.


This is postcard #82, printed in Lithuania in 2021.  It's amazing how a simple card can transport you to another time and place.  Thank you to my Lithuanian friend for sending this little piece of art and history! 🇱🇹


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Wednesday, April 2, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 35


Received a fascinating postcard from Ann in Russia! 💌 It features the cover of "Radio News" magazine from March 1941. 📻


This magazine was a real gem, published monthly in the US from 1919 to 1971. Founded by Hugo Gernsback, it started out for amateur radio fans but grew to cover all things radio and electronics.

Check out the cover art! It's classic, often done by Howard Brown in a style reminiscent of Norman Rockwell. Inside, you'd find editorials, tech articles, general interest pieces, and ads.


It was a go-to for discussions on radio technology. Later, in 1959, it was renamed "Electronics World."

Pretty cool slice of history! Thanks, Ann! 

😊 


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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 34


✨ Dreaming in Ink & Sound ✨

Received this absolutely stunning postcard, a winning piece from the Maokong 8th Illustration Competition! 🏆


This artwork, titled "Day Dream," is a visual feast, capturing the essence of reverie with a unique twist. Notice the gramophone speaker – a brilliant touch by the artist, Uncle Snail, symbolizing the "radio" of our daydreams. 📻


The whimsical scene, with its caged figure and soaring birds, is both captivating and thought-provoking. It's no wonder this illustration was recognized for its creativity and originality!


A special shoutout to Maokong Bookstore for holding such a fantastic competition and for owning the utility patent sent to the future! And kudos to Cats Sky City for the beautiful printing.


This postcard was lovingly sent all the way from China by Dongr. It's a little piece of art and a reminder to let our imaginations take flight. 🕊️


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Postcrossing Diary - 20