A beautiful old Christmas postcard, posted on 22 December 1914, during the first Christmas of the First World War.

The colourful illustration features two deer standing in the snow before a warmly lit cottage, with winter woodland scenes framed by decorative borders and sprigs of holly. A crescent moon hangs above the snow-covered roof, giving the whole scene a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

The front carries the words Christmas Wishes, together with a little verse by Frank Vernon:

I wish this season of goodwill
To say you are remembered still.

Published by Wildt & Kray of London and printed in Bavaria, the postcard is numbered Series 2840.

The reverse retains its original handwritten Christmas message, green halfpenny stamp and Oxford postmark dated 22 December 1914.

I always find these old Christmas postcards rather touching, particularly one sent at such a significant moment in history. A small reminder of ordinary lives and Christmas greetings exchanged more than a century ago.

Perfect for collecting, framing, seasonal displays or adding to a collection of antique paper ephemera.

Details

• Date: Postmarked 22 December 1914

• Publisher: Wildt & Kray, London E.C.

• Series: 2840

• Printed in Bavaria

• Colour illustration featuring deer, snowy cottage and holly

• Original handwritten message, stamp and postmark

• Sold individually

Condition: Antique condition with age-related discolouration, small marks, corner and edge wear, and signs of handling. Please study the photographs carefully.

An original Christmas greeting from 1914.