142 - Gymnastics / Alpine Skiing / SOKOL / Czechoslovakia / Slovakia / Prague / High Tatras

Gymnastics / Alpine Skiing / SOKOL / Czechoslovakia / Slovakia / Prague / High Tatras A collection of 45 illustrated postcards and postcard prints (1907–1948) dedicated to Sokol, the major Czech gymnastics movement, including: - 7 vintage postcards from around 1907 and 2 color postcards from the 1920s - 1938, the year of the 10th Prague Slet and the 20th anniversary of the Republic, 3 color postcards illustrated by Arno Naumann and J. Soukup, with postage affixed, and a series of 8 postcard-envelopes from the High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) for the 10th People’s Ski Competition in 1938 (Československo stamp, 10.5 x 15 cm, TBE) - 1948, the year of the 11th Prague Slet, the last before the movement was banned by the communist regime, 7 illustrated postcards signed MS (1947), a set of 6 postcards with the same text printed in red (verso: Ant. Jína), a series of 11 sepia postcards (printed “Československo” 1.50 Kčs stamp) and one sepia postcard from 1947 Founded in Prague in 1862 by Miroslav Tyrš, the Sokol (“the falcon,” its emblem) mobilized thousands of followers through mass sports to assert Czech identity and the Slavic spirit, first against the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later against Nazism. Its highlights were the “slets,” massive gymnastics gatherings held in Prague. A unique movement, whose richness and diversity over time are illustrated by this highly varied selection. Generally good condition, with some traces of tape on the back