The Vancouver Branch of the World Ship Society has for years, maintained a large collection of postcards, mostly depicting ship images. We presently have some 3,500 different images on file.
Although called the "Postcard Collection", many of the cards are available for sale. In many instances, we have five or more of a particular image and the proceeds from sales of these cards are used for branch activities. Subjects covered are: 1) Ferries -- mostly UK or European based ferries; 2) Liners -- passenger ships from around the world; 3) Naval -- predominantly US Naval vessels; 4) Coastal -- ferries and passenger ships from the West Coast; and 5) Miscellaneous -- items such as canal boats or lake steamers, etc. The vast majority of the postcards are ones that have been published within the past ten years. Occassionaly we get some rare old cards, but these will be snapped up within minutes by avid collectors.
Eventually, we hope to have a listing available of the various cards for sale. In the meantime, you can send a request to: postcards@worldshipsocietyvan.ca but please be patient as a search for a particular card can take considerable time. Costs for cards average just below CDN$2.25 each, plus mailing costs
The cards are usually available for perusal at the monthly branch meetings. On your next visit take a look at the cards on hand, and if you see some views you would like to purchase, bring them to the Treasurer who will record the card number and cost.
We are always on the look-out for new cards with images of ships or harbours. If you are on vacation and see some interesting cards for sale, consider buying five of each image, and donating them to the collection. All proceeds from the sale of postcards are used to house the cards or for other branch activities.
