The world of vintage QSL cards was new to me when I first started collecting ephemera. I only ran into them one time, and I didn’t have any involvement in the world of ham radios and radio broadcasting.
So, when I found this batch, I had to ask myself, “What the hell do I have?” Off to Google and the delightful world of amateur radio.
What is a QSL Card?
QSL is a radio Q code that means “I confirm receipt of your transmission” or “I confirm reception”. They confirm contact between two operators, providing identifying information about both the operator and the recipient. QSLs were first sent out as letters, and then, as time went on and more radio operators entered the field, postcards replaced the letters.
Figuring out who sent the first QSL card isn’t an exact science. Multiple stations claim they came up with the idea first. The earliest proven exchange was in 1916—from Buffalo, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Oh, and the standard QSL card format was developed in Ohio in 1919. Imagine creating a system that’s still around a century later!
Why Collect QSL Cards?
QSL cards are as varied as the people that use them. Some have unique designs and interesting messages; they represent fascinating, faraway places. QSL cards are neat little pieces of history, too—with a language all their own.
And if you’re a modern-day radio operator, collecting from stations that you’ve contacted can earn you some operating awards.
The requirements for these awards vary. There are some that require proof of two-way communication with a certain number of countries, or communication with specific locales. One award requires that the operator has established contact with countries on the 21 meridian of Warsaw, for example. Claiming those awards requires sending the QSL cards off for official confirmation, but, don’t worry, you’ll get them back.
An expensive venture depending on where you’re located!
Most people collect vintage QSL cards because they’re neat. That’s as good a reason as any.
If you find yourself digging through a lot of postcards and stumble upon any that look like those in this article, take them home! You can learn so much from these pieces of vintage ephemera.
More Greetings From France!
Another piece from France. This one is from Toulouse!
This one isn’t fancy, but it’s interesting because of its little personal message. The Q code QSO means “contact”, and 73 is a code meaning “best regards”. People formed lifelong friendships through the airwaves in the same way that we do now through the internet or writing letters.
Did you know that radio operators can now exchange and collect eQSL cards!
Do you have any QSL cards in your collection? Tell me about them in the comments!
Hi ,
I am David Littlewood call sign g6dct in Sheffield south yorkshire and had a friend Bernard Goodwin who was a shortwave listener BrS 46434.
He passed away some years ago and I have part of his QSL card collection from all.over world and housed in some nice display folders.
Some of stuff and equipment was disposed of.by his family.
He has a wonderful.collection of cards in lots of FOLDERs.
It would be a real.shame if his collection would end up.in land fill of burnt.
Would you be interested in this collection. Regards David.
Hi David,
I will email you about this! Sounds like a fascinating collection and I am interested in hearing more.
Talk to you soon,
Melissa
Hi David I am a visual artist from amsterdam currently running a big project regarding qsl cards from all over the world. Me and my art students are doing research on different look and feels of the qsl cards. is there a possibility you could share the cards to my email smokinggurb@gmail.com it would be greatly appreciated.