"Stamp Photo" on US Postal Card dated 1889-90

[harry01562]

Hi,

In addition to collecting cameras, I am also a Postal Historian, collecting usages of US Postals material. I have had 2 postal cards in a misc collection for several years.

They were used in Jan of 1889, and Feb of 1890 to a young lady in Waterford, Ohio. One was mailed from Black Hawk, Colorado, the other from somewhere in New Jersey.

They both have a small, early photograph, approximately 1 x 1 inch square. On one, the border is faint and indistinct. The other border is clear. The markings around the
Border are as follows:

Top border: Genelli/St Louis
Left border: Stamp Photo
Right border: Pat./Dec 29,/1885

Both of the cards mention the initials “C.C.”, and have a short message in a free verse form. They are unlike anything else I have found in over 60 years of collecting.
It seems like it must be some sort of club, possibly fraternal or Church oriented, based on the contents. I have no knowledge of anything like “C.C.” as such an
Organization.

Has anyone seen anything like these? The Stamp Photo attachment clearly makes this related to photography during an early period. I would think they would appeal to
some collectors who have an interest in early photos. Ideas, anyone?

Harry

 

[oftheherd]

That is fascinating! Who knew?

Now I did use penny postcards when I was young, but nothing like that.

 

[Spavinaw]

Interesting. Bit of trivia, what is the difference in a postal card and a postcard? More trivia, whose picture is on the one cent postal card?

 

[harry01562]

trivia

trivia

I posted a long reply, that got lost. Basically, a postal card has a printed stamp, good for postage, a postcard does not.

Liberty is the usual design on the postal card, since 1874.

 

[Spavinaw]

Postal card/postcard answer is correct. The one cent postal card I have has a picture of Thomas Jefferson, a three cent card I have has the Statue of Liberty, and a five cent card I have has Abraham Lincoln.

 

[harry01562]

JJefferson cards

JJefferson cards

The first five cards issued from 1873 were Liberty Head design, not the statue. From there they varied from McKinley to Grant to Adams, and, finally, in 1913 a Jefferson, followed by the longest running card, the 1c green Jefferson, which was also surcharged as penny post card rate was increased in the mid-century.

So there, the coin toss decides the winner. I collect the cards from 1873 to the turn of the Century, so the Jefferson's are of little interest.

But the Stamp Photo's are of interest. Quite scarce little things.

 

[Spavinaw]

Thanks for the info--you're knowledgeable, I just happen to have a few old cards.