Printed Past is a growing digital archive dedicated to the history of printed artefacts. From vintage postcards and cigarette cards to stamps, covers and everyday ephemera, each item reveals a fragment of the past—capturing people, places, events and forgotten moments. Whether you are a collector, researcher or simply curious, Printed Past offers a structured and searchable way to explore history through original printed material.
Francis Scott Key and the 1948 Commemorative Stamp
In 1948, the United States Post Office released a 3-cent commemorative stamp to honour Francis…
Cugnot’s Traction Engine
The Card This cigarette card depicts Cugnot’s traction engine, a machine with a special place in…
British Empire Exhibition Stamps (1924–1925)
British Empire Exhibition StampsBritain’s first commemorative stamps, issued for the Wembley Exhibition, marked a major…
The Flying Scotsman
A finely printed postcard from the celebrated “Famous Expresses” Series II, issued by Raphael Tuck &…
Explore the Collection
Postcards
Explore the colorful world of postcards, from the Golden Age of collecting to mid-century travel scenes and everyday notes. Each card shares a story about a place, a message, and a moment in time.
👉 Browse the Vintage Postcards Collection
Stamps & Covers
This collection features postage stamps and postmarked envelopes that reveal how countries, important events, and identities have been reflected in the postal system.
Cigarette Cards
Discover cigarette cards with detailed illustrations of famous people, historic moments, wildlife, sports, and more. Once collected by millions, these small cards now offer a unique glimpse into popular culture.
👉 Explore the Cigarette Cards Archive
Ephemera
Items like tickets, advertisements, programs, and documents show parts of everyday history that people often miss, but they can offer valuable insights.
