Santa Held Up Children Toy Guns Christmas Tree 1908 Christmas Postcard

Posted on Christmas Eve in 1908, this unusual illustrated Christmas postcard presents Santa Claus being mock-held up by children armed with toy pistols beside a decorated holiday tree.

The dramatic parlor scene features three children in white nightclothes surrounding Santa while one child points a toy revolver directly toward him and another appears to reach into a sack overflowing with toys. A candle-lit Christmas tree fills the center of the composition with ornaments, garland, and candles, while a fireplace, heavy curtains, and upholstered chair frame the theatrical holiday setting. The playful robbery gag reflects the novelty humor often found in early twentieth-century Christmas postcards, especially cards designed around mischievous children and exaggerated holiday scenes.

The reverse includes a December 24, 1908 Milwaukee, Wisconsin postmark and handwritten holiday correspondence addressed to Los Angeles, California. Edge wear, corner rubbing, and light age toning are visible from postal use and handling.

The item shown in the listing is the exact item the collector will receive. We have tens of thousands of items to choose from. Shipping will always be combined (or refunded) to save you as much money as possible. Please contact us with any questions, or visit our store page for specifics.