Collection of unusual World War I French Silk postcards, including two portrait silks of General Haig and Lord Kitchener

1915. Very good condition. A highly attractive group of 16 silk postcards, made for the Allied forces in World War I, often sent home to loved ones. The collection, tipped onto black card for presentation, includes some unusual silks. Two silks with photographic portraits include General Haig's photographic hand tinted portrait within a circular frame of allied flags, and Lord Kitchener's in a circular embroidered frame with the Union Jack above. Haig (1861 - 1928) commanded British forces; he is credited with the final victory over the German forces in 1918. Kitchener (1850 - 1916) was appointed Secretary of State for war in 1914; he was lost on a ship which sank in 1916 en route to Russia.

The rest of the cards are of a more developed embroidery than commonly seen. Titles include "To My Dear Friend; Christmas Greetings; Souvenir de France; Good News from France; From Somewhere in France; To My Dear Sister; Long May She Wave (under British Flag); Royal Flying Corps (British RFC). They feature Allied flags including the United States of America, England, France, Netherlands, Romania, Italy, Belgium, and Portugal and elaborate floral embroidery, and are often designed with a pocket flap, into which a small greeting card is inserted. (There are four of these small cards with the collection, which say Thinking of You, Glorieuse Memoir 1914-1915, Souvenir of France.)

Silk postcards were developed in 1898 and appeared at the Paris Exposition of 1900; its popularity peaked during World War I. Around 1915, French women began producing the cards as part of a thriving cottage industry. Cards are mounted on stamped floral patterned paper frames. Colors of the silk thread beautifully bright and fresh. Cards measure 5 1/2 x 3 1/2"; one oversize greeting card for 1919 within a Oriental bamboo motif patterned frame measures 6 1/4 x 4 1/4"