Postcard auctions continue to be seen by collectors as the best way to buy and sell rare postcards.

As with most collectables, the value of rare postcards depends on their condition, age and rarity.

Because picture postcards are such a specialist area, the subject matter, publisher, photographer or artist, country of origin, the postmark (if the card is postally used), as well as the demand, are also very influential factors when determining a postcard’s worth.

In general real photographic topographical picture postcards and those depicting social history tend to command the highest prices, especially those from late Victorian times to the start of the Second World War.

Foreign cards are also sought after, especially those emanating from less developed countries. A good market also exists for subject cards such as those by Art Nouveau and Art Deco artists.

At Warwick & Warwick, our postcard experts are pleased to offer FREE advice to all UK residents, in complete confidence, on any matters relating to selling in a postcard auction. We can also arrange Private Treaty sales.

Established in 1958, we are the leading auctioneers and valuers of postcards in the UK.

Each of our postcard auctions has a large section of rare postcard collections, many of which are offered intact and in their original Golden Age albums.

British topographical postcards are offered on a county and town basis, with better social history cards offered individually. Foreign topographical postcards are also offered, followed by a selection of subject cards and artist-signed cards.

Our postcard auctions allow you to buy or sell whole postcard collections - unlike postcard dealers, who often cherry pick the best and most saleable rare postcards, leaving an uninviting remnant collection.

If you resdide in the UK and you’re thinking of selling your entire postcard collection or part of it, we're always interested in picture postcards of all types – whether they are used or unused.

With more than five decades of experience to our name, you can be sure our postcard auctions will always achieve the maximum possible returns.

If you have rare postcards for sale or you would like your vintage postcards to be accurately valued, please get in touch – call 01926 499031 today.

   

How to get free postcard valuations

If you’re planning to sell your picture postcards, our experts will happily provide a free valuation if you resdide in the UK.

Get in touch today to enquire about selling postcards info@warwickandwarwick.com or call 01926 499031 for an informal discussion.

Whatever you do, don’t put your rare postcards back in your cupboard or drawer!

Discover what your postcards are worth now – it may only be a little, but collectors are often surprised by the value of their holding.

For more details, visit our Postcard Valuations page.

   

When do our postcard auctions take place?

Postcard auctions are held regularly throughout the year by Warwick & Warwick.

The dates of our upcoming postcard auctions are:

  • 15th November 2023
  • 24th January 2024
  • 20th March 2024

Our public postcard auctions start at 10am.

If you want to buy rare postcards at auction, the online catalogue will be available approximately 3 weeks before the sale.

Click on our postcard auction catalogue and place bids on items in the sale now!

Bids are also accepted by email, post and on the phone.

Viewing times for our postcard auctions

Members of the public and dealers of old postcards who like to make a first-hand inspection before they buy postcards can view them at Chalon House in Warwick.

The viewing times are:

  • 9am – 4.30pm on the Friday, Monday and Tuesday prior to the sale.

Please note that there will be no viewing facility outside these periods.

If you want to buy picture postcards, commission bids can be placed in advance of the sale. You may prefer the excitement of bidding live from your own home or office. Simply click on the button at the bottom of this page to find us.

You can place bids via our online facility, by telephone, post or email. For further details, please visit our Online Catalogue.

If you would like to receive a free printed catalogue, or alternatively to apply for a catalogue subscription, click here.

It is worth noting that the printed catalogue contains far fewer illustrations of lots than the online catalogue. So, unless you plan to view the items in person, you will be better served viewing the online catalogue.

Requests for further images can be sent to scans@warwickandwarwick.com

   

    Where do our postcard auctions take place?

    All Warwick & Warwick postcard auctions take place at our Warwick offices. There is no facility for room bidders during the sale but we do encourage live bidding on the day via Easy Live Auction.

    Simply click on the Easy Live Auction button at the bottom of the page to find us.

    Please note that Easy Live Auction charge for this service.

    Free registration with Easy Live Auction will attract a 3% charge on the hammer price. The £3 flat fee will not!

    Bids are also accepted via our online catalogue and by post. There are limited telephones available so please do give Easy Live Auction a go!

    When do I get my rare postcards?

    Invoices are emailed to you the day after the sale. Please provide payment via online Faster Payments or cheque. Card payments are accepted for invoices under £500. We aim to despatch goods within several days of receiving your payment (7 days for payment by cheque). Lots may be collected from the Friday after the sale, strictly by appointment. Please call 01926 499031. Payment should be made in advance.

       

    Buy and sell rare postcards at auction

    When it comes to buying and selling rare postcards, our staff have the knowledge and expertise to help you. Jack Colchester, Dulcie Marlow and Jill Smith are your contacts in our postcard department.

    Warwick & Warwick has handled some of the largest and best known collections to come on the market in the last decade and have connections throughout the postcard trade.

    Buy and sell picture postcards in complete confidence, email info@warwickandwarwick.com or call 01926 499031 now!

    To view auction reports of previous sales please click here.