Postcard Advertising: Two Highly Collectible Advertising Postcards from 1998

I recently picked up a box of unposted, unused collectible advertising postcards at an estate auction. Two particularly interesting collectible advertising postcards are from 1998.

One of  the most visually striking collectible postcards features a beautiful black and white photo of an African Bull Elephant by by Peter Beard. The postcard was created to promote the retrospective exhibit in New York City, "Carnets Africains."

Peter Beard has always been passionate in his perpetual war against the unethical game hunting of elephants and other wildlife in Africa. He has spent long stretches of time in Kenya photographing the beauty and destruction of big game.  He has collaborated with many well-known artists such as Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol and Andrew Wyeth, as well as the writer Truman Capote. His images of The Rolling Stones during their 1972 American tour are among the most iconic in the band's history.

The black and white photo of a bull elephant missing a tusk is both powerful and poignant.

Another interesting find in the collection is an extremely rare still sealed 1998 Grand Central Commemorative Limited Edition Collector Postcard Set.  This limited edition set of postcards was issued to celebrate the 1998 restoration and  rededication of the 1913 landmark Grand Central Terminal.  The restoration was done by the New York firm of Beyer Blinder Belle and the Limited Edition Collector Postcard Set was issued to thank customers of the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority).

The Grand Central sticker with logo is still intact, sealing the collection of postcards inside the frosted translucent envelope.

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