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This early comic postcard features a scene with a man in exaggerated motion—arms flailing, hat flying—racing away in panic. The caption humorously reads: “Don’t be in a hurry to run home if someone tells you your house is on fire, it is only the work of an — APRIL FOOL!”

This postcard exemplifies early 20th-century prank humor tied to April Fool’s Day, a holiday celebrated on April 1st with hoaxes and playful deception. The card is signed by August Hutaf, a prolific and highly regarded illustrator and advertising artist known for his bold, expressive figures and lively use of motion in comic cards.

The illustration style reflects the transitional period of American visual humor between Victorian moralistic cartoons and the more slapstick, physical comedy that came to dominate comic postcards in the 1910s. The bright red background and stylized movement lines are characteristic of early mass-printed chromolithograph postcards meant to amuse, surprise, and be passed between friends or relatives.

Message:

Dear Brother,
I am sorry to hear that you are sick, but hope it's all right now. Mrs. F.A.G. did really write me a card and gave me an invitation to call her, etc. Arthur G. sent another very pretty card.
Well H. has left for Tenino. I don't expect him home till the Fourth. Smallpox is about over now, so try to come if you have time. Have you been to Harnas lately?
By-by from Ann

This personal message refers to a smallpox outbreak—an important public health context in early 20th-century America—and updates the recipient on family and travel.

Card Protection All cards ship in protective penny sleeves. Items $8 and above include an additional rigid toploader for maximum protection.

For 'Buy It Now' Postcards Under $20 Your order will ship via USPS eBay Standard Envelope, with items safely secured in a protective sleeve inside a semi-rigid envelope. For international orders, we use untracked international stamp service by default. If you prefer tracked shipping, please message me for additional options and pricing.

For 'Buy It Now' Postcards Over $20 Your order will ship via USPS Ground Advantage with full tracking. Items will be securely packaged in a rigid toploader and protected in either a sturdy cardboard box or heavy-duty mailer. For international orders, shipping rates will be calculated based on destination.

For Auctions Default shipping methods are based on starting bid price. As a complimentary service to US buyers, I'll automatically upgrade shipping to USPS Ground Advantage if the final price exceeds $20 for auction items that began below that threshold.

About eBay Standard Envelope The eBay Standard Envelope service offers convenient tracked shipping through USPS, though tracking updates work differently than traditional packages. Your tracking may show "delivered" when the item reaches your local post office, rather than your mailbox. If you haven't received your item within 3 business days of the delivery notification, please contact me.

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