The Postcard Collection

We have an ever growing collection of postcards that relate to horology.

Geoff said, “ I began by collecting advertising material which led me to notice how many comic postcards mentioned clocks, watches or time in some way. I started a collection and then it just gained momentum….”

We are now sorting and cataloguing these as the collection continues to grow. They are interesting on many different levels, showing a change in attitudes, society, humour and daily life.

“I’ve been amazed at the number of early comic cartoon postcards that feature references to time or horology. Clearly it is a theme that has universal appeal and leant itself to all types of humour from puns to double entendres!”  said Su

The cards have caused a lot of lively discussion at Allnutt Clocks. Subjects have ranged from theories as to why some themes are prevalent such as showing people visiting pawn shops and those who have drunk too much. We have also talked at length about sexism and attitudes to women as well as what was seen as acceptable and what was censored. It is definitely clear that humour has changed significantly. Many of the jokes don’t seem very funny to us and some are witty but shocking because of the underlying views. The majority of the horology-themed cards however are not that “saucy”. Here are some examples of the recurring themes

[table “5” not found /]

 

Too Much To Drink

 

Puns & Metaphors

ACPC3	ACPC4	ACPC31	ACPC35
ACPC37	ACPC41	ACPC42	ACPC43
ACPC44	ACPC45	ACPC46	ACPC47
ACPC48	ACPC49	ACPC50	ACPC51
ACPC53	ACPC54	ACPC55	ACPC56
ACPC57	ACPC58	ACPC66	ACPC209a
ACPC209b	ACPC212	ACPC213	ACPC235
ACPC254

 

Stealing Time

 

Alarm Clocks

Alarm Clocks
ACPC186	ACPC188	ACPC193	ACPC189

There are many overlaps with the themes. Investigation about the history behind some of these themes and others in the collection is ongoing. We hope to share this in the future. Any help people can give us would be very much appreciated.