Unlock the world of ephemera
Dive into our curated collection of resources designed to help you understand, value, and collect ephemera with confidence. At Postal & Paper, we believe that knowledge enriches every collection.
The RPPC "Quick-Date" Cheat Sheet
Stop guessing the age of your finds! This printable one-page cheat sheet is designed to be folded into your pocket or tucked into your wallet for your next scouting trip. It features a high-speed decoder for AZO, Cyko, and Velox stamp boxes. Essential for identifying high-value Real Photo Postcards (RPPCs) on the fly.
The "Is It Rare" 4-Point Checklist
In the world of ephemera, 'pretty' doesn't always mean 'valuable.' To find the true rarities—the ones that belong in a museum or a top-tier collection—you need to look past the image. I’ve developed a 4-point 'Value Filter' based on years of researching funeral-related ephemera, occupational photos, and postal history. This printable guide helps you analyze any card in seconds, focusing on the social history and material evidence that sets a rarity apart from a reprint.
If you can check two or more of these boxes, do not put the card back.
Postcard Era Quick-Guide
Dating a postcard doesn’t have to be a guessing game. This high-speed reference sheet breaks down the six major eras of postcard production into their 'one-second' visual cues. From the rare pre-1907 'Undivided Backs' to the vibrant 'Linen' cards of the 1940s, this guide helps you identify the age and printing method of any card in your collection instantly.