Researching Insignia On Old Postcards

[Roy]

Hi Folks,

I've been working on a little project this year and thought I would share my efforts on the off chance it was helpful and/or of interest to other collectors.

I'm sure I'm not the only collector who uses old postcards to help with their insignia research. In collecting and researching motorcycle Despatch Rider insignia, especially those patches worn during the Great War, this approach has been invaluable.

The only real issue I have encountered (possibly due to age and eyesight!) is being able to study a diminutive 5x3 postcard image with success. Scanning, enlarging and magnifying classes have been limiting and if I'm honest, not especially enjoyable.

So earlier this year I was able to track down a specialist company that can scan super high resolution. Most copy/office type stores can only manage a few hundred dpi but this local specialist art company can do a few 'thousand' dpi.

The result (see pics) is a 2,000dpi image printed in large format for me to enjoy (without any aids) 'and' I have the full high-res scan on my computer too. This work cost me around $30 to $50 per postcard but to me it's money well spent. I'm working through my postcard collection and still have many to do but to spread the cost, I'm just doing one a time. I mount the image on a piece of card for rigidity and now I can enjoy my research even more.

If anyone has any 'original' WWI postcards that contain an image of DR insignia that you are willing to part with then please drop me a line.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Home Guard]

That's awesome Roy! Is it expensive to have one done? I am azed they don't just show up as little dots, which is what I usually get when I try to enlarge some pictures on my PC!

Well done!!!

Terry

[Roy]

Thanks Terry,

I'm thrilled with the result and it's just so much more enjoyable too.

It cost me around $30 per scan/print but the last one I asked them to 'clean/repair' the image a little so it coast around $50.

Well worth it though, as it just makes my experience of studying, so much easier and enjoyable.

Cheerio,
Roy

[Home Guard]

Thanks Roy!

Terry

[Rob Miller]

Hi Roy
I use an old HP scanjet 2400 flat bed scanner, I'm on my third one now, I can scan up to 9,600dpi with it but the files get so huge I generally don't go above 3,600dpi and I only pick out the section I want, just a collar or sleeve, but if the quaility isn't there you don't gain much.

Rob

[Roy]

Nice one Rob,

I'm holding off buying 'another' scanner, as I have three or four in my storage unit (hundreds of miles away). Perhaps one day (when I can convince my wife to stop moving) I will dig them out..

Cheerio,
Roy