First World War Black and White Postcard of the Sphinx and Pyramids Cairo

c. 1915
Overview

A sepia-coloured artistic postcard showing a front on image of the Sphinx in Cairo. There are rocks and a sand hill in front of the Sphinx and the edges of two pyramids can be seen in the background. The postcard has considerable damage with parts of the image scrapped away, tears to the border, a large oil stain and patches of dirt
The reverse of the postcard has proforma printing and description of the image. The oil stain can be clearly seen here.

Historical information

The Great Sphinx of Giza was carved from the bedrock of the area during the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613–2494 BC). Ancient Egyptian sphinxes depicted the king with the body of a lion as a clear symbol of his power. Behind the Sphinx are the Pyramids of Khafre and Khufu.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-12-2022.1.122
Item type
Postcards
Material
Card
Width
74 mm
Height or length
171 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On the reverse in machine printing “ARTISTIC POST – CARD / Serie 638 – The Cairo Postcard Trust – Cairo / Cairo – Sphinx and Pyramids. / 630

Contextual information

The Cairo Postcard Trust (founded in the early 20th century) is one of the most famous and trusted publishers of vintage Egyptian postcards. These highly collectible, antique photographs and artistic illustrations document the golden age of travel in Cairo, capturing historical landmarks, bustling streets, and the pyramids.

Keywords
First World War
Egypt
Place made
Egypt
Year
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Google Maps search term / URL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8
Last modified
Tuesday, 30 June, 2026
Completeness
100
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Postcard Front
Sphinx and Pyramids Cairo
Back View
Reverse of Postcard

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