circa 1907 leather postcard (unused)

Private sale.

Item Overview

• Type: Novelty Leather Postcard
• Title/Text: "Teddy and His Little Bear Behind"
• Medium: Embossed and color-tinted leather
• Size: 3.25" x 5.25"
• Postmarked: No – unused
• Condition: Very Good – Light wear at corners, natural aging to leather; embossing and coloration well-preserved
• Back Design: Standard postcard layout typical of early 20th-century leather mailers

Historical Context

This postcard is a humorous embossed leather postcard from the golden age of novelty mailing, roughly between 1905–1907. During this period, U.S. mail regulations allowed leather postcards to be mailed using a one-cent stamp, provided they met size and weight guidelines. These leather cards were often humorous or patriotic in theme and were created as curios or souvenirs.

The phrase "Teddy and His Little Bear Behind" plays on a double entendre involving President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, whose refusal to shoot a captured bear cub during a 1902 hunt inspired the creation of the “Teddy Bear.” This makes the card both a visual pun and a piece of Roosevelt-era ephemera

The back features a printed “POST CARD” heading and address lines, standard to leather postcards intended for mailing.

Origin & Maker

While not explicitly marked, the design characteristics—especially the typeface, the fine embossing, and the clever phrase—strongly suggest manufacture by M.H. Tuttle of New York or a similar producer. Tuttle was one of the most prolific leather postcard publishers and often used minimal back markings. A small logo seen on the front may represent the printer’s or artist’s initials, possibly “MHT” or “WHS.”

These postcards were likely sold at souvenir stands, general stores, and World’s Fair-type expositions across the U.S.

Market Value (as of 2025)

• Retail Value (Unsigned, Unused): $18–30 USD
• Collector Value (Roosevelt or Teddy Bear memorabilia focus): $35–50 USD
• Auction Estimate (Specialty postcard or historical ephemera auctions): $40–60 USD
• Replacement/Insurance Value: $50 USD

Unused examples such as this one are more desirable, especially with crisp embossing and period humor intact. While not rare, leather postcards of this quality are collectible, particularly among Teddy Bear collectors, postcard historians, and Roosevelt memorabilia enthusiasts.

Recommendations

• Storage: Keep flat in an acid-free sleeve; avoid folding or exposure to heat/humidity.
• Authentication: Optional, but a paper ephemera appraiser could confirm the manufacturer and date more precisely if needed.
• Selling Tip: If selling, list under “Antique Leather Postcard,” “Teddy Roosevelt Ephemera,” and “Teddy Bear Collectibles” on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Delcampe for best visibility.