1913 20th‑century comic postcard, British‑printed “WHY?” Bamforth & Co S 2000\'s For Sale

Bamforth & Co., “WHY?” Moral‑Question Comic Series (Group 2000s), ca. 1909–1913 British‑printed comic postcard featuring a courting couple and a sequence of rhetorical questions culminating in a domestic‑humor punchline. Part of Bamforth’s pre‑WWI “WHY?” moral‑question sub‑series, characterized by stacked interrogative captions and slapstick visual props. Exported to Canada and mailed to Chicago in 1913.

Bamforth produced several major comic lines before WWI. The one your card belongs to is defined by:

The stacked interrogative format

Bamforth used a very recognizable structure:

• “WHY?” (large, top line)

• Followed by 3–4 rhetorical questions

• Ending with a moral reversal or domestic twist punchline

Your card matches this format exactly.

The moral‑lesson humor

This sub‑series always ends with a “gotcha” line embarrassment

Your punchline —“WHY DON’T YOU INTRODUCE HER TO YOUR WIFE?” — is textbook Bamforth moral‑humor.

The art style

This sub‑series uses:

• exaggerated faces

• bright primary colors

• simple backgrounds

• props (paint cans, benches, fences, etc.) used as visual gags

Your card’s spilled TAR can is a classic Bamforth prop gag.

The absence of a front‑side series number

This is typical for Bamforth’s comic lines (unlike their song or view cards).

Postcard Type

• Early 20th‑century comic postcard, British‑printed, exported for North American use.

• Style: “saucy” / humorous moral twist—a very common theme in Edwardian comic cards.

• Caption series beginning with “WHY?” followed by a sequence of rhetorical questions ending in a punchline.

• Likely printed c. 1910–1913, consistent with the message date.

Postal Details

• Postmarked 1913 (message dated Sept 13/13).

• 1¢ green King George V Canada stamp, issued 1911.

• Addressed to Miss Lina Hall, 4720 Prairie Ave, Chicago, Illinois.

• Printed in Great Britain, but mailed from Canada—a common pattern for British comic cards sold in Canadian shops.

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