A finely printed postcard from the celebrated “Famous Expresses” Series II, issued by Raphael Tuck & Sons. It highlights the renowned Flying Scotsman service between London and Scotland.
“Flying Scotsman” postcard from Raphael Tuck & Sons’ Oilette Series II, combining railway promotion with a personal family message.
Name, Address & Sender
Recipient: Master Douglas Guscott
Recipient Address: 269 High Road, Kilburn, London NW6, UK
Sender: Auntie Maile
Postcard Message
“Many Happy Returns“
Dear Douglas, We both wish you Many Happy Returns of the day. Will you call here tomorrow morning about 10 o’clock?
With love from Auntie Maile
Printed Text (Reverse)
The “Flying Scotsman.”
The necessities of the travelling public between London and Scotland are served by the “Flying Scotsman” over the East Coast route. Worked by the North Eastern Railway between York and Edinburgh, 208 miles distance, at an average speed of 54 miles per hour, the “Flying Scotsman” provides everything a traveller requires en route.
Publisher & Series
“FAMOUS EXPRESSES.” Series II.
Raphael Tuck & Sons’ “OILETTE” [Regd.] Postcard 9040.
ART PUBLISHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING & QUEEN.
Context
This postcard shows both the prestige of Britain’s top express railway service and the closeness of everyday family life. Messages like this, brief, practical, and affectionate, were common in the early 1900s, when fast postal delivery made quick arrangements possible.
Historical Background
The Flying Scotsman was one of Britain’s most famous trains, connecting London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Partly run by the North Eastern Railway, it stood for speed, comfort, and modern travel before the war.