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.
seeking appraisal for vintage postcard
Private sale.
Unused Leather Postcard – “Teddy and His Little Bear Behind”
Item Overview
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)
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