Raphael Tuck & Sons was a prominent British publishing and printing company. It was founded by Raphael Tuck and his wife Ernestine in London in 1866. The company would become a very successful merchant of pictures, greeting cards and postcards; and they also played a significant role in the postcard boom of the early 1900s.

After Raphael Tuck retired in 1882 to pursue theological and philosophical work, the firm was operated by his sons. The company operated until 1959, when it merged with two other companies to form the British Printing Corporation, which later changed its name in 1982 to the British Printing & Communications Corporation.

The beautiful Rip Van Winkle series of six cards, no. 992, was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. The cards were designed in England and printed in Germany. The artist was Joseph Bury.

Many of the six-panel fold-out cards published by Raphael Tuck included advertising on the back and were given away free by local businesses with various purchases. The reverse side of one of the Rip Van Winkle cards includes an advertisement for C. D. Kenny, a tea dealer and coffee roaster.

Rip playing with the Children

Rip playing with the ChildrenRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection

Rip and his scolding wife

Rip and his scolding wifeRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection

The game of ninepins in the Mountains

The game of ninepins in the MountainsRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection

Rip goes to sleep

Rip goes to sleepRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection

Rip wakes up after 20 years sleep

Rip wakes up after 20 years sleepRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection

Rip returns to the Village and is recognized by his daughter

Rip returns to the Village and is recognized by his daughterRip Van Winkle, No. 992

Raphael Tuck & Sons

Author's Collection