Why does Newquay appear so often in this collection?
Newquay was a small fishing port until the railway arrived in 1876, after which it grew quickly into one of Cornwall's most popular seaside resorts. That popularity carried through into the postcard trade, so Newquay's harbour, beaches and headlands are well represented across many decades.
What is Dr Syntax's Head at Land's End?
Dr Syntax's Head is one of the named rock formations at Land's End, close to the Longships Lighthouse. Land's End has been a popular subject for postcard publishers for well over a century, long before it became the visitor attraction it is today.
What's the connection between Tintagel and King Arthur?
Tintagel Castle has been linked with the legend of King Arthur since at least the 12th century, when the writer Geoffrey of Monmouth named it as Arthur's birthplace. The castle ruins, along with the town's 14th-century Old Post Office, are popular subjects on Cornwall postcards.
Does this collection cover the whole of Cornwall?
It covers a good spread, from Newquay and Land's End to Tintagel, St Michael's Mount and the Lizard peninsula, along with towns like Falmouth, Penzance and Looe. As with any county collection, some areas are better represented than others depending on what's come into stock.
How would you describe the condition of your Cornwall postcards?
Every listing includes photos of both sides of the postcard, so you can see its condition for yourself. Where there's a specific issue that isn't obvious from the photos, such as a tear or thinning, we'll mention it in the description.
Are these genuine old postcards, or modern reprints?
Every postcard in this collection is an original from the period it was printed, not a reproduction. Some are unposted and never went through the mail, while others carry a postmark and message from decades ago, but both are equally genuine vintage pieces.
Can I see the back of the postcard as well as the front?
Yes, every listing includes photos of both sides, so you can check for any postmark, message or stamp before you buy, as well as the picture itself.
How can you tell how old a Cornwall postcard is?
If a postcard has been posted, the postmark on the back will usually give you a date. Where it isn't legible, or there's no postmark at all, we look at details like the printing style, the stamp box design and the publisher's mark to estimate an approximate era.
Do you have postcards of a specific Cornwall town?
We list new postcards regularly, so if the place you're after isn't showing today, it's worth checking back. You're also welcome to get in touch and we can let you know if we have it in unlisted stock.
