{{for, the name given to the higher value cards in a pack of playing cards, Face card
Court card or court sized card was the name given to a size of picture
postcard
A postcard or post card is a piece of thick paper or thin cardboard, typically rectangular, intended for writing and mailing without an envelope. Non-rectangular shapes may also be used but are rare. There are novelty exceptions, such as wood ...
, mainly used in the
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
, which were approximately 4.75 x 3.5 inches and predates the standard size of 5.5 x 3.5 inches.
Court cards were smaller and squarer in shape than later cards and were used from about 1894 to 1902.Smith, Phil & Dave - ''Picture Postcard Values 2005'' In keeping with the regulations of the time, they had an undivided back for the address only and the message had to be written on the 'front' of the card. Many fine examples of these still exist and are sought after by postcard collectors and
philatelists
Philately (; ) is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting or the study of postage; it is possi ...
alike. Although mainly used in the UK, many were printed by
chromolithography
Chromolithography is a method for making multi-colour prints. This type of colour printing stemmed from the process of lithography, and includes all types of lithography that are printed in colour. When chromolithography is used to reproduce ph ...
in
Germany
Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...