Herbert Felton
Pioneer Architectural Photographer and Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society · Photography & Fine Art
Royal Photographic Society / National Buildings Record
Era
Edwardian Era - dated 1909
Item Type
Photographic Postcard (Real Photo Postcard)
Condition
Good to Very Good; visible silvering or oxidation on the dark areas of the photo front, typical of age.
Rarity
Rare, specifically for the early pre-fame date of 1909.
Overall Assessment
An authentic and charming early 20th-century artifact from a notable British photographer at the start of his career.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic with 95% confidence based on era-appropriate ink, handwriting consistency, and dating.
Signature Style
Formal cursive script with a deliberate underline and 'Very sincerely yours' inscription.
Signature Characteristics
Slanting cursive with looped 'H', distinctive 'F' cross-stroke, and fluid connections between letters.
Ink & Medium
Fountain pen with period-appropriate white/silver ink (front) and black/faded blue ink (back).
Item Description
Original 1909 real photo postcard featuring a profile portrait of Felton with handwritten greetings on both sides.
Estimated Value
$100 - $250 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches Victorian/Edwardian professional correspondence styles seen in UK archives.
Authentication Tips
Verify the ink absorption into the card stock and the natural 'quill-like' variation in the script thickness.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence) or Beckett (BAS) for historical document authentication.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; aging and ink feathering are consistent with 100+ years.
Provenance Notes
The item includes a specific 1909 date and personal 'Xmas' greeting, providing a strong internal timeline.
Historical Context
Felton became a leading figure in capturing British architectural heritage before and during the WWII era.
Market Trends
Historical photography memorabilia is stable, with increased interest in late 19th/early 20th century specialists.
Investment Potential
Small but steady growth as a niche piece of photographic history.
Similar Autographs
Autographs of contemporary photographers like Frederick H. Evans or early RPS members.
Display & Preservation
Store in an acid-free Mylar sleeve; avoid direct UV light to prevent further silvering of the photo.
Interesting Facts
Felton was the first official photographer for the National Buildings Record in 1941.