Comic postcards were a popular way to share humour during the early 20th century, and this 1916 example captures that spirit perfectly. Featuring a brown hen bon a crate of eggs, the postcard pairs charming artwork with a witty caption:
“Eggs Dear! How would you like to turn ’em out 4 for a Bob?”
A bob was slang for a shilling, making this a light‑hearted joke about egg prices, a theme that would have felt very familiar to households of the time.
A Blend of English Humour and French Flair
Alongside the main caption, the postcard includes a French line:
“La Poule Mouillée n’existe pas en France.”
Literally, this means “The wet hen does not exist in France.” However, “poule mouillée” is a French idiom meaning a coward, similar to calling someone a “scaredy‑cat.”
So the real meaning is:
“Cowards don’t exist in France.”
This patriotic joke fits perfectly with the WWI era, adding a playful cultural twist to the card.
Postcard Details
- Publisher: Ludgate Series No. 763
- Year: 1916
- Front: Hen illustration with humorous English and French captions
- Back: WWI Field Post Office postmark and handwritten message
- Condition: Light creasing, corner wear and edge wear from age; some grubbiness on the back
The wartime postmark adds historical interest, giving the card a personal connection to the WWI era.
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Why This Card Stands Out
This postcard has several features that make it desirable:
- Strong comic theme with a clear, witty caption
- Appealing hen and egg imagery, a popular collecting niche
- WWI Field Post Office postmark
- Bilingual humour, adding character
- A good example of early 20th‑century British postcard design
Collectors of WWI postcards and animal postcards often seek out cards like this for their charm and historical context.
Value and Collectability
Comic poultry postcards sit in a healthy mid‑range of the market, and wartime postal history adds extra appeal.
Typical value range: £5–£7, depending on condition and buyer interest.
A Fun Slice of 1916 Humour
This postcard is a lovely reminder of how humour persisted even during wartime. The combination of a cheeky caption, rustic artwork, and a WWI postmark makes it a delightful piece of ephemera for collectors and enthusiasts.
