Vintage postcard, R. Scherke

Product detailed description

Condition: found, traces of time, edges damaged

Dimensions: 8.6 cm x 13.5 cm

A curious and telling piece of early athletics history! A vintage black and white real-photo postcard captioned Richard Scherke, Der Rekordbrecher, meaning the record breaker. It shows the figure of a lanky runner in a white vest with an emblem on the chest and shorts bearing start number 13, standing on a pedestal like a statue. The pedestal reads Rekordbrecher. The sharply modelled, sinewy figure and its exaggerated portrayal recall the era when athletics records became a sensation. Publisher’s monogram GL Co and number 3874.

Facts at a glance

• Item: black and white real-photo postcard
• Caption: Richard Scherke, Der Rekordbrecher; on the pedestal Rekordbrecher
• View: runner figure on a pedestal, white vest with emblem, shorts with start number 13
• Sport: athletics, running
• Publisher: monogram GL Co
• Card number: 3874
• Caption language: German

Expert note – FAQ

Why were real-photo postcards of athletes popular in the early 20th century?
Real-photo postcards of athletes, actors and variety performers were very popular in the early 20th century and were issued by many publishers, especially in Germany. Collectors seek them today as evidence of sport’s growing popularity and as examples of period photography.

How can I identify the publisher of an old postcard?
A publisher’s monogram or initials together with a card number help identify the publisher and the approximate period of issue. The number usually indicates the position in the publisher’s catalogue. Comparing it with other cards by the same publisher often reveals the series it belongs to.

Why collect the earliest sports postcards?
The earliest sports postcards show how the image of the athlete changed, from curiosity and attraction to hero. Cards with exaggeration or caricature capture the humour of the time around the chase for records and make an interesting addition to classic portraits.