The
‘Colonial Heroes’ Patriotic Postcard Series
By Roy Nuhn
Patriotic postcards have long
been a favorite topical with many collectors. Always included in
this category are the several great historical sets published in
the years between 1904 and 1910. These include "Donaldson's
American Heroes," “Paul Revere's Ride," and the
two presidential sets by Raphael Tuck & Sons.
But the best of all may well be the 40-card "Colonial Heroes,"
which is virtually in a class all by itself.
Published over a century ago, parents and doting aunts and uncles
bought them as surprise gifts for boys and girls as a reminder of
their great American heritage. Teachers found the postcards useful
as educational aids; they also handed out sets as rewards to deserving
scholars at the end of the school year.
 Specialized
postcard shops, which flourished in many cities and towns in the
years before World War I, and lavish postcard departments in large
retail stores, sold them. Intended as gifts and patriotic souvenirs
for Americans of all ages, hundreds of thousands, if not millions,
of boxed sets were printed. Because of Independence Day, July was
the peak month for sales.
The set depicts early American history with famous paintings, new
illustrations, and historical motifs. The concept behind it, combined
with the beauty of color lithography done by the German firm of
Lange and Schwalbach, makes it unbeatable as a patriotic collectible.
The series begins with the "Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers"
(No.2) and goes through the French-Indian Wars and then the American
Revolution, finishing with "Washington's Reception at Trenton.
April 21, 1789" on his way to be inaugurated as our country's
first president (No. 40).
 The
majority of the cards relate to events leading up to the call for
independence, such as the "Boston Tea Party," and "Burning
of Stamp Act," as well as the actual conflict itself, well
represented by "Evacuation of Boston," and "Parade
at Yorktown" (after the surrender of Cornwallis). Not only
is there a scene of "Franklin's First Audience" at the
Court of St. James, but also a number of fascinating drawings of
the armies involved, including "Hessian prisoners," "Debarkment
of French Relief Troops," and "British Troops."
Topping it all off are postcards like No. 21, "The Star Spangled
Banner," portraying Miss Liberty carrying an early American
flag, the Great Seal of the United States, the special medal struck
by Congress, and two stanzas of our national anthem. The card also
serves as an index for the last 20 cards of the set. Likewise No.
l, an index for the first half of the set, is covered with replicas
of Continental currency, another special medal, and more symbols
of our country.
 Early
colonial history is well represented by "William Penn's Treaty
with the Indians," and several of the early Revolutionary War
battles, including a montage of fallen colonial militia leaders.
Most collectors first attempting the "Colonial Heroes"
set tend to be confused by the multiplicity of different backs found
on the cards. Actually the title itself appears on only one of the
printings and is missing from all others. Some people have long
called it the "American Historical Art" set, a description
derived from the publisher's imprint, which is found on every card
of every printing.
There were four separate and distinguishable publishings of this
group of postcards, though each ran through numerous printings.
They were marketed in complete sets only, corning packaged inside
of a hard cardboard box, which itself is quite lovely and collectable.
The front shows an eagle riding atop a shield with two flags behind
it. It is titled "History of the United States. Colonial Times
and the War of Revolution." The promotional goes on to say:
"Collection of Authentic pictures from the best American, English,
French, and German artists."
The publisher of the "Colonial Heroes" set, American Historical
Art Publishing Co., had offices in both New York City at l14 East
l4th Street and in St. Louis, Missouri (813 Chestnut Street). The
postcards were copyrighted in 1903 and first sold at the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition in St. Louis the following year.
The earliest set was printed on "Private Mailing Card"
backs. Since PMC's went out of style in 1905 with the introduction
of the undivided postcard back, it can be assumed that 1905 was
the latest possible year for this first printing. Inexplicably,
some printings were-labeled "Series I," and others "Series
II." This same confusion continued with subsequent production
runs.
The third publishing was on divided back stock. The fourth and last,
also with divided backs, is titled "Colonial Heroes,"
and omits completely the name of the printer, Lange and Schwalbach.
Regardless of the specific printings, each set has 40 cards, the
same 40 illustrations found in all sets. Also, individual card numbers
remain the same in all groups.
Prices currently range from $15 to $25 for each postcard of the
set. One problem does seem to keep popping up and this is one of
condition. A significant number of the postcards have paper attached
to the face, probably interfacing sheets from unsold stock.
Another hallmark of these cards is that a used copy is quite uncommon,
reinforcing the theory that the "Colonial Heroes" cards
were meant to be saved and cherished, rather than dropped into a
mailbox.
In all, nearly 175 years of American history is covered by the 40
superb postcards found in this set. It was truly a patriotic salute
by the publisher and a priceless collectible for future generations.
CAPTIONS
1. No.1, the Index card for the first 20 postcards. It also depicts
Colonial currency and a patriotic medal.
2. No.2, "Landing of the 'Pilgrim Fathers' at Plymouth, Mass.,
Dec. 11, 1620..."
3. No.3, "William Penn's Treaty With the Indians," in
1681.
4. No. 20, Signing of the Declaration of Independence.
5. No. 22, General George Washington.
6. No. 32, "Franklin's First Audience Before King Louis XVI
at Versailles...." (l778).
©
2010 Mountain States Collector
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