The easiest way to distinguish a real photo postcard is to look at it under a magnifying glass; it will show smooth transitions from one tone to another. Click here for links for dating rea l photos. Britain had already pioneered this in The address was to be written on the right side; the left side was for writing messages. Many millions of cards were published in this era -- it was the golden age of postcards.
Up to this point, most postcards were printed in Germany, which was far ahead of the United States in the use of lithographic processes. The relatively high cost of labor, along with inexperience and changes in public taste, resulted in the production of poor quality cards during this period. Furthermore, strong competition in a narrowing market caused many publishers to go out of business. Linen Era New printing processes allowed printing on post cards with high rag content that caused a linen -like finish.
These cheap cards allowed the use of gaudy dyes for coloring. The firm of Curt Teich flourished because of its line of linen postcards. Many important events and scenes in history are documented only by these cards. Three-dimensional postcards also appeared in this era.
By s, the standard size of cards had grown to 4 x 6 inches. Photochromes are not real photos but rather, printed cards done by a photochrome process. To distinguish a printed postcard from a real photo postcard, examine it under a magnifying glass and you will see the dot pattern that is characteristic of printed cards. They are difficult to discern from real photos but usually don't have the glossy finish of photographs.
The Laura Gilpin cards of Mesa Verde and Silverton are excellent examples of the photogravure process. One easy way to approximate when a postcard was mailed if the cancellation date is unreadable is to know the changes in rates for mailing postcards. The following table comes from Historical statistics of the United States: colonial times to , and Statistical abstract.
When World War I ended at the end of , the rate was lowered to its pre-War level of one cent. Allmer states p. Commission Rate Board over-estimated revenue needs in and was forced to reduce postage rate in Two major postcard publishers, Curt Teich and Detroit Publishing Company, used numbering schemes that can be helpful in dating a card. In the beginning, Teich apparently made no attempt to define when a card was printed. Domestic Postal Rates, , by Henry W.
Beecher and Anthony S. Wawrukiewicz, p. The 2-cent rate continued from January 1, to August 1, , when the rate was raised to 3-cents.
Thereafter the domestic surface rate changes were:. As working definitions, a "postcard" is considered to be a privately prepared card, generally with a picture or image on one side and sold by a stationer, while a "postal card" is one issued by, and sold over the counter of a post office.
There was a third category of card known as a "private mailing card", which was a commercial card prepared for a special occasion, or for a special reason.
Curious, I mailed four letters to friends that arrived without extra postage due, so here's my attempt at explaining how and why. Lastly, I share a negative remark I received from someone defending the "struggling" Post Office, and why that isn't exactly true.
This is NOT for commercial use or important documents. Don't use to send checks or sensitive papers. You also can't use to mail to any federal government agencies such as the social security office, military bases, prisons, police stations, or Washington DC, etc.
This is NOT available for foreign mail. When addressing your letter and writing your return address, spell out every word. Spell out "Street," "Avenue," "Boulevard.
If it's part of the address, spell out "North," or "South, etc. Spell out the State: "Nebraska," "California," "Mississippi," etc. DO NOT use any abbreviations, none! I'll explain why below. Though both of my letters went through as shown, the complete text of the law you are using actually reads:. Congress Session Finally, add 2 cent postage. It can be one 2 cent stamp; I just happen to have 1 cent bird stamps.
I also started pre-printing my return address and the law code, but it can be hand-written.
0コメント