The islands in the Atlantic, at least the eastern side, aren't very well known and rather scattered. Madeira and the Canary Islands are both groups of islands not far off the coast of Africa. While the Canaries are Spanish, Madeira is Portuguese, but there are disputes over boundaries for both.
Marie's post today talks about the Canary Islands and the reason why they got their name. I did post my one and only card from Las Palmas almost a year ago, so today I'm moving northwards to Madiera, to show you two cards from before 1909 (dated because the backs are reserved entirely for an address).
It is, in fact, a group of islands, the largest of which is Madeira, with Funchal the capital. The islands are best known for Madeira wine, flowers and embroidery.
I can't pinpoint more accurately either of the pictures on the cards because they are identified solely by the word Madeira followed by a number. Maybe the first is the harbour at Funchal, but I'm not at all sure. Any clues would be very welcome. The cards come from a collection made by someone in the Royal Navy during the early part of the 20th century.
UPDATE: From the BBC today, the dreadful news that floods and mudslides kill at least 25 in Madeira.
I wonder whether there is any significance to the shape of the frame around the picture or whether it is just loosely following the dhape of the picture.
ReplyDeleteInteresting cards -- especially the frames. Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteI'm also intrigued by how the photo is framed...maybe an effort to make the picture pop, as in a stereopticon. Happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteintriguing cards...i suppose the clearly outlines frames made it easier for senders to write a message on the front? well done for sticking to marie's canary island theme! happy PFF!
ReplyDeleteInteresting cards, especially since I'll be traveling to Portugal in 7 weeks!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I didn't know that Madeira wine came from these Islands! The cards are wonderful
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! I was wondering about the frames too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, and yes my card is actually a record. I'm not sure it would play with all the postal handlings and stuff, but...
ReplyDeleteI love your cards, I'm so intrigued by the fact that you can date it.
You are probably one of the few people to follow Marie's theme. Indiana is far from the Canary Islands!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and visiting me! I loved the history behind your cards and the neat way the pictures of the islands were framed!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the stamps! I have wondered that myself! It definitely takes away from the picture on the card! Looking forward to next Friday!
Thanks, Kymberly
Being in the Royal Navy would be a great way to build up a collection of cards, too late for me to join up:-) Like everyone else I'm fascinated by the shape, the second one does not leave much space to write on.
ReplyDeleteAs one Brit to another, thank you for your comments on mine.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteyou have an amazing blog! Loved the postcards, the images and the words!!!
I was familiar with the Canary Islands, but not Madeira. Thanks for the information. I need to go look up some more pictures on the Internet.
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL CARDS... love these old ones. Thanks for stopping by... PFF
ReplyDeleteI don't know how many of you will have heard the very sad news that torrential rain, floods and mud slides have caused at least 25 deaths in Madeira today, with many other people injured. I have updated the post with a link to the BBC report. A state of emergency has been declared.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the people of Madeira... thank you for the info about an island I know very little about!
ReplyDeleteI have been fortunate enough to stop in Funchal, Madeira on two transatlantic cruises. I thought it was the most spectacular island and I would so love to visit there for a week if I had the money to fly back and stay. It is breathtakingly beautiful and was one of Winston Churchill's favorite spots to vacation!
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