I have an old postcard c 1908 of Hatteras Light.



This is the reverse - my grandfather sent it to my grandmother



Someone saw the image of the postcard and asked me if I owned it (which I do) and said he would pay $50.00 (or more) for it. Is that a fair price?

He said that the price that he noted for the lens was correct. He then asked how my grandfather got to climb the lighthouse - was he someone special? I don't know that he was. I think he was salesman. Does anyone know who would be allowed to climb in 1908?

I'm not altogether sure that I want to part with the card, but if I do sell it, I don't want to charge an unreasonable price. OTOH I don't want to sell it well under the current price.

Rosalie, you might check with the Lighhthouse Digest and Tim Harrison. I think they have a large postcard collection and might be able to answer you. Off the top of my head I would say that $50 is not too high, but it might be a bit low. I am no expert, but that is a REALLY COOL postcard!

what sort of condition is the card? any creases, tears, etc? condition, age and rarity are all considered when determining value. I collect old lighthouse postcards and have never seen this one. will see what I can find though. Contacting Timothy Harrison at Lighthouse Digest is a great idea. I'm trying to remember the name of the antique dealer that publishes an article in each issue of Lighthouse Digest...he specializes in nautical items, Mc something...

This the guy you are thinking of, Mel?

http://www.lighthouseantiques.net/

Melody

In addition to Dave's info:

Jim Claflin of Kendrick A. Claflin & Son
Worcester, MA

His direct email:

jclaflin@LighthouseAntiques.net

Latest article in March-April 2012 Lighthouse Digest is on pages 8-9.

Wishing you well with your searching!

Max

Dave and Max - that's the guy! Thanks!

I think the card is in pretty good shape although of course it was mailed. The guy who wants to buy is writing a book on Hatteras and says he has a big collection of photos of it and has never seen that one before. So I'm guessing that if you guys have not seen it either, maybe it is a little rare.

I have a Picasa album of old postcards including











He thought that the people at the lighthouses pictured would also want those cards.


....So no one can tell me who was allowed to climb that lighthouse in 1908?

I sent an email and the response I got was that the cards are lithographs and not worth as much as real photo cards. I know that the last three were more paper-like than card-like. He said the Hatteras one might be worth $35 if it were a real card. He said that visitors were allowed into the lighthouse if the keeper wasn't busy - he would escort them up and show them around. It was a fairly common vacation activity for tourists in the Victorian era.