Cat‑themed postcards have always been popular with collectors, and this early comic example published by J. Salmon, Sevenoaks is a lovely piece of light‑hearted Edwardian humour. The card shows a curious cat reaching toward a smoking cigar, paired with the caption “Which end first?” — a simple joke that still works more than a century later.
A Classic Example of Early Comic Postcards
Comic postcards were a huge part of early 20th‑century postcard culture. Publishers like J. Salmon produced thousands of humorous designs featuring animals, mishaps, and everyday situations. Cats were especially popular, often shown in human‑like scenarios or reacting to puzzling situations, just like this one.
This card captures that playful spirit perfectly: the cat’s cautious posture, the rising smoke, and the short caption all work together to create a gentle, timeless joke.
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Postcard Details
- Publisher: J. Salmon, Sevenoaks
- Series Number: 1603
- Era: Early 1900s
- Back: Divided back, printed in Great Britain
- Message: “Love from William”
- Addressed to: Master J. Postlethwaite, Ulpha
Why This Card Appeals to Collectors
This postcard has several features that make it desirable:
- It’s a cat comic postcard, one of the strongest collecting categories
- Published by J. Salmon, a respected and prolific British postcard publisher
- Features a simple, effective joke that still feels charming today
- Has a personal handwritten message, adding historical interest
- Ideal for collectors of cat postcards and comic postcards
Cat cards in particular have a loyal collector base, and humorous designs tend to sell quickly.
Value and Collectability
Even with some age wear, cat comic postcards hold steady value.
Typical value range: £4–£7, depending on condition and buyer interest.
A Fun Piece of Early 20th‑Century Humour
This “Which end first?” postcard is a lovely example of how simple humour and expressive artwork made early postcards so enjoyable. It’s a charming addition to any collection of animal postcards, British publishers, or early comic designs.
