Up for sale is a rare, complete 5-card set of early 1900s antique Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) postcards printed in Germany by the renowned publishing firm E.A. Schwerdtfeger & Co. (marked with their signature triangle logo).

Each postcard features tinted photographic portraits depicting Orthodox Jewish elders in traditional prayer shawls (tallitot). The front of each card is inscribed in gilt/black with Hebrew greetings (L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu) alongside English greetings ("A Happy New Year").

• Publisher: E.A. Schwerdtfeger & Co. (EAS logo inside triangle)

• Series Numbers Included: 2495-3, 2496-1, 2496-2, 2496-3, 2496-4

• Origin: Printed in Germany

• Circa: 1905–1912

• Material: Heavy cardstock with hand-tinted silver gelatin / sepia tones

• Postage Condition: Unposted / Clean backs

Condition Details:

• Card 2495-3: Overall Good/Very Good vintage condition; minor edge rubbing.

• Card 2496-1: Good condition; minor corner wear and toning on the reverse.

• Card 2496-2: Fair/Good condition; surface loss/peeling along the upper right front margin affecting background print, minor age toning.

• Card 2496-3: Good condition; surface foxing/silvering oxidation on the right edge.

• Card 2496-4: Trimmed/shaped during the period into an octagonal border format; surface silvering wear along the right side.

Authenticity Assessment

This set exhibits all hallmark authenticity markers of original pre-WWI German-printed Judaica postcards:

1. Paper & Production: Thick 100+ year old rag paper stock with natural age-toning and oxidized silver-gelatin sheen ("silvering") on dark focal areas.

2. Publisher Logos: Authentic EAS (E.A. Schwerdtfeger & Co.) trademark in a triangular border on the front lower left/right and back, accompanied by standard period typography ("Printed in Germany").

3. Printing Process: Period hand-tinted photogravure process with fine chromolithographic metallic gold highlights on candle flames and prayer book bindings. These cards are 100% authentic antique originals, not modern reproductions or digital reprints.

Reference

• Book Title: Images et Traditions Juives: Un millier de cartes postales (1897–1917) pour servir à l'histoire de la diaspora

• Author: Gérard Silvain

• Reference: See pages 84–92 for documented examples of German-printed photo-greeting postcards (L'Shanah Tovah) produced by Berlin and Dresden postcard publishers during the golden period of Jewish postcard publishing (1897–1917).

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

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