Step back over a century to the dramatic closing chapter of the Great War with this remarkable and historically significant set of six original real photographic postcards, dating from the momentous year of 1918. This isn't just a collection of old cards; it's a tangible piece of history, capturing the defining act that heralded the end of naval hostilities: the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet and the U-boat contingent.

This complete set, produced by the renowned publishers Valentine & Sons Ltd., presents five striking, original monochrome photographs depicting various scenes of the German Fleet's surrender, followed by a singular, equally compelling photograph of the surrender of the German U-boats at Harwich.

Each postcard is a genuine real monochrome photograph with a classic matt finish, lending the images a rich depth and historical authenticity that reproductions simply can't match. More than just pictures, they are primary visual records, each meticulously accompanied by a descriptive caption. These captions provide immediate context to the powerful images, allowing you to trace the narrative of this incredible event as it unfolded in late 1918.

Imagine holding in your hands the photographic evidence of the German battle cruisers, dreadnoughts, and light cruisers steaming into the Firth of Forth on November 21st, 1918, escorted by the might of the British Grand Fleet. Picture the scene at Harwich, where the notorious U-boats—the scourge of the Atlantic—lined up, their threat finally neutralized. These cards offer a chilling, yet triumphant, visual insight into the sheer scale and profound finality of the Armistice terms.

For the military and naval historian, this set is an invaluable primary source. The photographic detail offers a clear, unvarnished look at the ships and the atmosphere of the day, serving as an excellent visual resource for research, documentation, or historical display.

For the WW1 enthusiast and collector, this is an exceptional find. The rarity of a complete set, postally unused and in such well-preserved condition, cannot be overstated. The fact that they are real photographs—a format often reserved for the most important or immediate news events—elevates them far beyond common printed postcards.

This entire collection is in very good, clean condition. Crucially, they are postally unused, meaning they have not been circulated, preserving the images and their backs from cancellation stamps and postal wear. There are, however, distinct and wonderful signs of provenance: the cards show clear evidence that they were, at one stage, carefully housed in a collector's album. This suggests they were cherished and protected shortly after their release, accounting for their remarkable state today. The subtle corner indentations and the general cleanliness speak to a history of careful handling and display.

These six images are a powerful, silent testimony to a turning point in world history. They represent the moment an exhausted world exhaled, a visible sign of the conflict's resolution and the dawn of a fragile peace.

Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of that history. This is more than a purchase; it's an investment in a tangible, original, and deeply resonant relic of the Great War's dramatic conclusion. Secure this exceptional set of Valentine & Sons 1918 Surrender Postcards and bring a pivotal historical moment to your collection or study.

What incredible story could these images help you tell?