Antique "A Merry Christmas" embossed postcard showing a tabby-and-white cat with a red bow and bell collar holding a brass candle snuffer up to a glowing candle, with holly and red berries and gold-outlined details. Back is marked "Cats & Dogs Series No. 1." Standard size (about 5.5 x 3.5 in), divided back. Used and postally mailed, with light corner and edge wear and a faint pencil name under the greeting.

Postmarked in December (town only partly legible) with a green 1-cent Franklin stamp. Addressed to Miss Mary Esther Burton, Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, R.D. 5. The message reads in part: "Dear Cousin, I hope you are all well and will have a pleasant Christmas with love to your mamma and all the rest," signed A. M. Mead.

A charming early Christmas cat card with strong embossing, from a group of family cards sent to the Burtons of Salem, Ohio.