Soldier Boy

While the preponderance of men in uniform depicted in romantic postcards unsurprising declined after World War One, soldiers still made appearances in postcard form through the 20s. Sometimes there is no difference between the soldier and the civilian lover, as in the first two cards. However, cards with soldiers often went quite a bit racier than the norm among mainstream postcards (though there were flat-out dirty postcards made in France in this period as well (just search Biederer postcards...but not at work!)) This trend is perhaps a continuation of that started in World War One, when images of chaste Victorian courting abruptly turned to pictures of women and solders in bed (albeit clothed). It seems perhaps this extra permissibly granted to men in service continued to some degree. 

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An erased message. 

Exceptional Embellishment

Though it would seem bright colours and hand-tinting would be more than enough, sometimes makers and/or consumers thought these cards could use even more. It is not uncommon to see cards with golden ink, dramatic frames, or glitter in addition to colour. These cards go beyond even that.

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That ribbon is an actual, shiny ribbon that has been affixed to the postcard, in addition to the glitter in her hair. 

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Awkward Poses

Very few of the poses adopted by these models could ever be accused of being realistic, but some are just so artificial and unnatural it almost makes you cringe...

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Joyeux Pacques

"Joyeux Pacques," of course, is French for Happy Easter. Happy Easter!!

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personal collection

Just Lie Back...

A fairly common set-up, no doubt inspired by film, involves the woman lying back on a fancy sofa or chair while the man romances her. 

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A Willy and Aline card. 

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