To stamp collectors the idea of conducting their hobby without the use of a catalogue would seem ridiculous. Many catalogues are produced each year ranging in scope from those covering the whole world in a highly simplified format to others covering the issues of a single country in great detail.
It therefore came as a great surprise to me to discover that no catalogue had been produced covering the activities of the many postcard publishers who had been in business in South Africa in the early part of the twentieth century.
During the 1980's the Southern Africa Postcard Research Group (S.A.P.R.G.) under the leadership of Aston (Archie) Atkinson published a number of preliminary checklists of publishers and the cards they had produced. However it was clear to me that these lists, although admirable starting points, were far from complete.
It was for this reason that I proposed the compilation and subsequent publication of a multi-volume postcard catalogue of South Africa.
Section 1 - J Barnett & Co.
Section 2 - Braune & Levy
Section 3 - Sallo Epstein
Section 4 - R O Fusslein
Section 5 - GB & Co. (G Budricks)
Section 6 - Hallis & Co.
Section 7 - Newman Art Publishing Co.
Section 8 - Paul Schaefer & Co. (PS
& C)
Section 9 - A Rittenberg
Section 10 - SAPSCO (SOUTH AFRICAN PHOTO
& STEREO COMPANY)
Section 11 - Valentine
The Southern Africa Postcard Research Group aims to promote a wider awareness of the historical and sociological significance of the postcards of Southern Africa and to study their publishers. SAPRG publishes a quarterly journal and hold regular auctions. If you want to join this friendly and well organised group please contact :-