C is for Cat

Yes, I admit it: I am starting to feel Christmassy – my playlist had its first outing. One of my favourites is the ‘Christmas Alphabet’ by Dickie Valentine (a name only possible in the 1950s, at least that’s what I think) – link further down!

It made me look at my Christmas card collection from a different angle, and as I seem to have started my own alphabet with candles, it seems natural to continue with cats. Strangely, most of them are white, even though I start off with a black and white tabby. To see more black cats, check out my old post about lucky cats.

I feel lucky indeed, to have found these 2 cards – same image, different colouring. Not quite sure which one I prefer..

Cat in a Hat

is a recurrent theme. This one is also in a stocking. I love the wink! No trace of the publisher, there is only a serial number at the back.

This cutie is by Hallmark- made in the 1960s

Cuteness overdrive! The cat with a bell as hat is by Norcross, the kitten hiding in Santa’s hat is by an unknown publisher.

This cheeky chappie is by English Cards Ltd. All I could find out that the company was incorporated in New York in 1960 – and that its current status is active.

These four are from the “Christmas Brilliants’ (an apt name!) series by Gibson.

Curious

is another theme, although the first image could also be interpreted as ‘stunned’, and the other 3 as ‘mischievous’ – the little bird may not have much longer, I fear.. The first 2 are by ‘big’ names in the mid century greeting card history: the photographic one with cat and bauble is by Gibson, the kitten eyeing the bird is by Rust Craft.

These two cards don’t show a publisher’s name, just serial numbers – a shame!

Odd

I cherish these just for their strangeness in expression. They can’t be called pretty but they have a certain quality. The very green-eyed cat is by Buzza, which was part of Gibson cards. All that I know of the white kitten with a rather melancholy look is that the card was “Printed in England”.

not odd but these can only be sent to special people, the first one to those whose birthday happens to fall on Christmas day, the other to a daughter. The birthday card is by Rust Craft, the card for a daughter by another sought after (by collectors) company: Volland. Better known as P.F. Volland (named after its founder, German-born Paul Frederick Volland), the company was based in Chicago and published postcards and greeting cards, poetry books, music, calendars, and children’s books (they introduced Raggedy Ann and Andy) and games between 1908 and 1959.

Dogs love Christmas, too

I prefer cats but I like dogs, too – and they do feature on Christmas cards so here is another Gibson card, and one where no publisher is named.

Pour yourself an eggnog or another favourite tipple and enjoy the Christmas Alphabet!