Couple questions for the postcard experts
 

Unfortunately, I know little about cards compared to you guys and even less about postcards. After seeing some of the incredible images in other threads, I have realized that my postcard collection, which currently stands at zero, is sorely lacking. Are there any books or reference materials focused on postcards you can recommend? Also, is there a Joe Medwick postcard in existence (distant relative)? Thanks for any help.

Hi Bob...Long time postcard collector Ron Menchine published Tuff Stuff's Baseball Postcard Collection, includes ballplayer, team and ballpark postcard from 1900-mid 1990s. It's not all encompassing but is informative and has a lot of images.

Also vintageball.com has a nice web page dedicated to postcards.

Joe Medwick's rookie card appears in the 1933 Worch Cigars set, which are often considered to be postcards.

wow
 

wow. 2 questions, 2 replies, 1 hour. priceless. thanks all.

Menchine's book(s) have great postcard images and player information, but are lacking in information about the postcards themselves. Old Cardboard's postcard info is pretty good.

http://www.oldcardboard.com/cardSetList.asp?GroupID=12

Sports Postcard Price Guide
 

I would also recommend the Sports Postcard Price Guide, by J.L Mashburn, 1998. Covers sports postcards from Baseball to Table Tennis. Pricing is dated but it is a good reference. I would also agree that the the Tuff Stuff Baseball Postcard Collection by Ron Menchine is a great reference.

I am not a PC expert, not by a long shot, but one thing I would add to the above is that there are an unknown, uncatalogued, and probably uncatalogue-able variety of real photo postcards and printed anonymous depicting baseball. Just when you think you have a good handle on it something pops up and you are back to square one, which makes it fun.

http://photos.imageevent.com/exhibit...lmann%20PC.jpg

The above isn't a 1922 eastern exhibit, though it is made from the same artwork.

what does the logo on the bottom corner read exactly on those Adam?

It is a C with IF inside it and S outside, presumably a copyright for the photograph agency that supplied the image.

Since I only collect RPPC's for their image quality, I've never had to know much about the backs in order to accomplish my purposes. I've seen some good stuff online, but wondering if there's a good hardcopy resource that concentrates on design and backs, but not necessarily on sets and baseball.

Most RRPC's are one of a kind . Some were copied . The backs will indicate what system was used to make it such as " AZO " , " CYKO " , and " VELOX " as well as many others . It would be great to have a reference book for Baseball Postcards .

That's the type of reference I'm looking for - an explanation of the various backs. Not just for RPPC's, but for everything. Also for the non-USA postcards - I have some from Canada, Japan, etc. It would even be helpful to have info on postage and cancellation marks used during different periods. Just all of it wrapped up in one useful guide. Does such a thing exist?

This is a pretty solid guide on dating real photo postcard backs.

http://www.playle.com/realphoto/