Raphael Tuck and Sons - Art Publishers to Their Majesties the King and Queen

To My Valentine

3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Series No 221
When Love is Young
divided back
made in England
RAPHAEL TUCK and SONS

To My Valentine
I wonder what me fiancee would say if she saw me now in this compromising position

3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Postmark is hard to discern, appears to be 1907
undivided back
made in England
RAPHAEL TUCK and SONS

My Valentine

3" x 5"
circa 1920s
made in SAXONY
RAPHAEL TUCK and SONS

 Tuck is one of the most recognized names in postcard publishing.  They produced a wide variety of cards and published an enormous amount of valentines.  The company began sometime in the late 1800s, founded by Raphael Tuck.  Designing was done in their London offices, while the cards were printed in Germany as were many of the cards produced prior to WWII.


The company was know as Raphael Tuck and Co until 1882 when it was renamed as Raphael Tuck and Sons.  The company is renowned both for the quality of its printing and the high caliber of artists they employed.  Despite this, they were very prolific, with many cards readily available due to the quantities printed. Prices for collectors can vary enormously because of this, with values depending on the particulars of the individual card and its condition.


For valentine lovers, an artist of particular note who created for Tuck is Frances Brundage.  Her large size cards with three-dimensional features are especially worth seeking out.  Our Museum has some of these cards that will soon be added to the images here.

sources:

Robert Brenner Valentine Treasury - A Century of Valentine Cards

Marian Klamkin Picture Postcards

Barbara Johnson, Ph. D. Valentines - A Collector's guide