Die Cut Easter Greeting Card in the form of a cross by [Bookmark] [Easter] - [c. 1895]

London: Raphael Tuck & Sons, [c. 1895]. Loose_leaf. Fine. 4 1/2 x 6 inches. Color lithograph with silver embossed text printed in German. Near fine condition with contemporary inscription on reverse. Raphael Tuck & Sons was one of the most prestigious and prolific early postcard publishing companies. Although the Tuck firm did some black and white printing in their London offices, the majority of color work was contracted for in Germany, as is evidenced by the printed (or chromographed) in Bavaria, Germany or Saxony inscribed on the majority of the early Tuck works. Raphael moved to England from Prussia in 1865 to set up in business selling picture frames from a small shop. By 1870 his sons (including Raphael) were working for him as the business moved its focus to the import and publication of printed paper products. By 1881 Raphael had retired. It was at this time that the company trademark, an artist’s easel and palette, was first registered. In 1893, the company was awarded its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. Tuck cards thereafter bore the message, “Art Publishers to Her Majesty the Queen.”