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Transport Postcards for Sale

Browse vintage transport postcards for sale, featuring collectable views of ocean liners and the Flying Scotsman, along with other ships, trains and vehicles.

If you're interested in a related collection, take a look at our Military postcards, or use the search on this page to find a particular subject.

More information

Transport Postcards: Ocean Liners and the Flying Scotsman

Transport postcards captured the golden age of steam travel, when new ships and locomotives were a source of public fascination and pride, and this collection reflects that excitement across sea and rail.

Ocean liner postcards are a standout subject in this collection. They were popular with passengers and postcard publishers alike in the early 1900s, often printed before a ship's maiden voyage to help promote new liners. Postcards of vessels such as the Titanic and her sister ship Olympic were sold as souvenirs of transatlantic crossings, and similar cards appear throughout this collection.

The Flying Scotsman is another subject that recurs throughout this collection. Built in Doncaster, it entered service in 1923 for the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway, and was renamed Flying Scotsman in 1924 after the historic London to Edinburgh service. It hauled the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928 and became the first British locomotive officially recorded reaching 100mph in 1934, making it a favourite subject for railway postcards and advertising.

Postcards of other ships, trains and early motor vehicles appear throughout this collection too, and we add new stock regularly.

FAQs

Why were ocean liner postcards so popular?
Postcards of new ocean liners were often printed before a ship's maiden voyage to promote the vessel, and passengers themselves enjoyed sending them home as souvenirs of the crossing, particularly on famous ships such as the Titanic and her sister ship Olympic.

Why is the Flying Scotsman such a popular postcard subject?
The locomotive gained fame through publicity events from 1924, hauled the first non-stop London to Edinburgh service in 1928, and became the first British locomotive officially recorded reaching 100mph in 1934, making it a natural favourite for railway postcards and adverts.

When did the Flying Scotsman enter service?
It was built in Doncaster and entered service in 1923 for the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway, initially numbered 1472 before being renamed Flying Scotsman in 1924.

Do your transport postcards cover more than ships and trains?
Yes, postcards of early motor vehicles and other transport appear throughout this collection, and we add new stock regularly.

What period are these transport postcards from?
Most date from the early to mid-1900s, though this varies by item. Where a postcard has been posted, the postmark on the back can help pinpoint an exact date, and we note this in the listing where we know it.

How can I date an old transport postcard?
A postmark is the clearest clue on a posted card. Where there isn't one, we look at the printing style, the stamp box design and the publisher's mark to estimate an approximate era.

Do you combine postage if I order more than one postcard?
Yes, we combine postage across all items on our store. We post worldwide, and UK orders of £50 and over qualify for free shipping.

How are the postcards packaged when posted?
Each postcard is placed within a protective sleeve and posted in a hardback envelope, to keep it protected in transit.

Is the postcard photo the actual item I'll receive?
Yes, every photo shows the exact postcard you'll receive, not a generic or stock image.

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