Coded Message No. 1

Here is a postcard sent from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, in 1934.  The face shows a picture of Letchworth:

A nice picture, but the reverse is far more interesting:

My first instinct is to say this is shorthand, which I don't actually know; so it could be some other form of disguised script.  There is also the chance, given the address, that it is not written in English.

"The Middletons Make Good"

Nice book cover with spine art - this amuses me given recent Royal events.

"Fine Feathers" Book Cover

I like books with intriguing inlaid covers, it's a shame there isn't any of this imagery on the spine as it would make my bookcase look more interesting.

House Rules

Never underestimate the need for mangling.

Dad's New Bowler

I believe this is an example of a street photographer's trade; namely a candid photograph sold to the person photographed if they wished to buy it.  On the reverse is written:
"I have been snaped (sic) with a Film Camera in the street coming from the New Market.  I had been to buy myself a new bowler.  Dad"
Photos such as this are often interesting for the background detail as much as for the main subject.  In this case: the suspicion on the face of the man in the foreground; the short trousers worn by the man on the left (is he purposefully walking out of the way?); the car registration; the two talking ladies in their sensible coats.  Unfortunately I couldn't make out the wording on the poster, I'd hoped to find out where this was taken if I had been able to do so.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep....

Humorous postcard posted in 1907.  The sand paper was clearly glued on very strongly as there is quite a bit remaining - perhaps the recipient didn't use it much.....

Ladies' Hairstyles No.1: Updos and Buns

I estimate that these images show late Edwardian and early-mid Georgian ladies, so they are dated c.1910-1920.

The above is the front of a postcard sent during World War One, on April 4, 1916 to: Miss Brown, 47 Camden Park Road, Camden Square.  The text reads:
Dear Mary,
Just a word hoping that your arm is getting much better and also that you are better in yourself.  I had quite made up my mind to come to-night and see you as I promised, but I have not felt very well myself these two days, and yesterday I heard that my boy is in hospital, (wounded in the leg), so I know you will understand.  Hope to see you soon, and trust your brother is improving.  Kindest regards, yours sincerely Kate.

 

In the photo above the lady wears an attractive cameo brooch.  The cosmetic changes made prior to the photo being fully developed are visible, especially underneath the eyes, around the mouth and across the forehead.

The above is a postcard sent in 1912.  I don't know if all that luxuriant hair is all the model's own or if she is wearing a separate piece.

Blackpool No. 1

Hiram Maxim's Captive Flying Machine

 

On the reverse of this postcard is written 'This is where I am playing tonight.'

 

The postcard of the Big Wheel at the Winter Gardens was posted in July 1905 to Mrs Willmer, 69 Thorpe St, Gr Horton Rd, Bradford, Yorkshire.

It reads:
Dear Mother
We arrived safe at half past five.  We have arranged for you to come so send us word what train you will come by then we can meet you it is raining this morning.  I hope you have got all your work done and that you are quite well this is all till you come.  From your Edith.

From various old Blackpool postcards which I own it is apparent that it was not uncommon for working class family members to travel ahead of others, especially if they were working different shifts.  The first holidaymakers would get off the train at Blackpool and then walk about looking for suitable digs - sometimes they had a recommendation from a friend.  Once accommodation was found and they had moved in, they then communicated the details to their relatives who were to follow, or arranged to meet them off the train.

Happy Birthday! No. 1

How enterprising to produce Birthday postcards for every day of the week!  I think this dates from the 1930s - 1940s.

A Vision of a Fitter Britain in 1938

Until I saw this postcard I had no idea that there was an Empire Exhibition in Scotland in 1938.  This is the 'Fitter Britain Hall' in the United Kingdom Pavilion.  I particularly like the model house / building on the right and the contemporary sculpture of the ideal man towards the centre.

Hats

A photograph sent as a postcard in 1908. Posted to: Miss Hamilton, c/o Knox & Stewart, Drapers, High Street, East Linton, Prestonkirk.  The photograph was produced by Huber, 120 Princes St, Edinburgh and Aberdour.

The text reads:
Dear M.
Got home safe M met me at the Station and the rain came down in buckets, we lost Miss Smith at the station in the crowd.  Say goodbye to Miss Charpers for me please.  Sorry I didn't see her.  Love to all three, Lil.  How do you like the happy family?

I can see at least two hatpins securing the hat worn by the lady on the right.

Bird's Nutritious Custard

Found on one of the end pages of a 'Chatterbox' Volume from 1904.  I particularly like the last sentence: "For this reason, Scientists are able to say that Bird's Nutritious Custard is one of the most nourishing dishes you can possibly eat..."   

Winning the Race

As the Olympics are taking place at the moment I was pleased to find something appropriately sporty.  I have no idea where this was taken, I don't know if the building in the background is a school or something else.  I think it's a great action shot and am particularly intrigued by the outfit the man is wearing two thirds of the way across the picture; he has shirt, jacket and bow tie, but also some short trousers (for cycling, perhaps) with visible socks being held up by suspenders.

Love's Token - in Red

Perhaps not the mood lighting I would choose.  This postcard was sent sometime between 1910-1920, unfortunately the postmark is incomplete.

It was sent to Miss Mackie, 48 Union St, Stonehouse, Plymouth. The handwriting is very nice -  not all of the punctuation which should be included, is included.

The back reads:

Sunday Even. 8th

My Dearest Olive,

Just a P.C. hoping to find you in the best of health as this leaves me at present.  I think its a toss up who will be first at 48 me or this P.C. as can expect to be in for coaling soon so shall I be in time for your next evening off.  I shant say any more at present Dearest. hoping you will excuse this P.C. but the mail closes at nine, so I have got to rush so hoping to be with you soon again.  Believe me your Ever Loving Alf. xxxxxx

xxxxx

Boating

I'm not sure if everything is completely under control in this picture.

Goggles!

Two Ladies, Seated.

I'm intrigued by the painted tents backdrop in this photograph, it's not one I have seen before in studio portraits.

There are so many things I love about this photograph: the lady's complex facial expression; her very proper posture; the wallpaper pattern and the design of the chair which looks like it's being held together with string, but is perhaps sporting intentional raffia-style decoration.  In my head I have christened her 'Miss Marple'.

The Age of Elegance...

...and luxury, for those who could afford it.

White Star Line R.M.S. Adriatic: The New Cabin Lounge

From the back of the postcard: 'Here, also, is the ship's library, containing both standard works and modern novels'.

White Star Line M.V. Britannic: Cabin Smoking Room

From the back of the postcard: '...an attractive reproduction of a room in a Tudor mansion.  The oak panelling, the ceiling beams, adorned with carved shields of arms, and the curtains, hand-worked, in the old style....'

White Star Line R.M.S. Olympic: First Class Tudor Room

From the back of the postcard: 'The Staterooms on the "Olympic," notably pleasing in their variety, cover every famous preiod - Tudor, Louis XVI, Queen Anne and Moderne, to name but a few.'

Samoan Child on a London Missionary Society Postcard

Beside the Seaside

Two groups of ladies - and some gentlemen - at the seaside.  

In an English Country Garden

I love the sense of frozen time in this photograph,  you can sense the action that's about to take place, but everything has stopped, focussed on that ball almost at the centre of the scene.

Ivy-Covered House

"Stay with me, my Darling stay."

Posted in 1905 to Mr S. Witard at Gt Plumstead House.  The reverse reads:

Dearest love
Hope you got home quite safely last night and quite well as I feel very ill today. They went this morning and he will be out every evening this week. I feel so very lonely come down as soon as you can from yours with love F.M.S.

Postcard - 1914-1918 War, Poelcapelle Tanks Cemetery

So much in the photograph is visibly broken. 

What and why?

Why "Chronoscope"?  This blog will feature bits and pieces which provide a glimpse of the past; it is intended to be interesting, illuminating, occasionally quirky and amusing (beginning with the overblown title).  I welcome respectful comments and observations.

Sundial at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria.

Gargoyle on Helmsley Parish Church, North Yorkshire.