- You like carefully looking through many similar items for small differences.
- You are happy spending time organizing and storing objects just so.
- You love learning about history and art through tangible little pieces.
- You need constant, fast-paced action and quick rewards from your activities.
- You thrive on physical activity and lots of direct social interaction.
- You quickly lose interest in static objects requiring close inspection.
Your first moves.
Don't start from scratch. Start from here.
Start with a Specific Theme
Begin by focusing your collection. For example, choose a specific era (e.
Acquire Basic Storage
Invest in postcard sleeves (often called 'top loaders' or 'penny sleeves' for trading cards, which work well for standard postcards) and an album or a sturdy box designed for photos or cards. This will protect your collection from damage, fading, and handling wear.
Visit Local Antique Shops and Flea Markets
These are prime hunting grounds for postcards. Take your time, look through boxes, and don't be afraid to ask dealers if they have any postcard collections or specific types you're interested in.
Join an Online Community
Connect with other deltiologists. Websites like Reddit's r/deltiology or various collector forums offer opportunities to learn from experienced collectors, ask questions, and potentially trade or purchase cards.
Master Postcard Collecting (Deltiology) with online courses
Find the highest-rated beginner courses on Udemy before you invest in gear.
Postcard Sleeves
The best value for long-term protection, these sleeves are acid-free and made from inert materials to prevent degradation of your postcards.
Storage Binders
This is the best choice for collectors as D-rings allow pages to lie flatter and prevent page slippage, offering superior organization for your postcard pages.
Archival Storage Pages
These are your best bet as they often come with built-in, archival-safe sleeves and are made of thicker, more durable material, offering excellent protection and organization.
Tweezers
Non-Scratch Tip Tweezers — These are recommended because their tips are often coated or have a smooth finish, minimizing the risk of scratching or snagging the postcard surface.
Magnifying Glass
LED Illuminated Magnifying Glass — This is your best bet as the built-in light source eliminates shadows and highlights details, making it much easier to inspect postmarks and paper condition.
Postcard Cataloging Software
Dedicated Deltiology Cataloging Software — Specialized software is the most efficient option as it often includes pre-defined fields for postcard specifics and can help you manage your collection with ease.
Related hobbies
Ranked by dimensional and personality compatibility with Postcard Collecting (Deltiology).