1906 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Melpomene UNDIVIDED BACK Postcard BOTH POSTMARKS

"MUSEUM-WORTHY 117-YEAR-OLD POSTAL HISTORY TREASURE - RAPIDLY VANISHING PIECE OF AMERICAN HERITAGE!

You're viewing an extraordinary piece of American postal history - an authentic undivided back postcard from 1906 featuring the classical Melpomene mural from the Library of Congress! These genuine pre-1907 undivided back postcards with complete postal journey documentation are rapidly disappearing from the collector market!

This exceptional early American postcard captures both significant classical artwork and critical postal history. This may be your ONLY CHANCE to own this perfect documentation of the true Golden Age of postcards with its original August 16 1906 postmarks!

Description

This remarkable undivided back postcard features the classical artwork of Melpomene the Greek muse of tragedy from the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.

The striking semi-circular composition showcases Melpomene in a vibrant red flowing robe flanked by cherubs holding a wreath and bowl - artistic elements that define the Beaux-Arts decoration of America's most significant library.

Published by Mrs. Howard Grey Douglas of Washington D.C. and printed by Photo-Lith. Eng. Co. of New York this card represents the finest quality reproduction technology of the early 20th century.

The front contains handwritten messages overlay across the image - a fascinating artifact of the undivided back era when postal regulations required the entire back for addressing only.

The address side features crystal clear August 16 1906 Washington D.C. postmark AND receiving August 17 1906 Altoona PA postmark - providing perfect documentation of this card's complete postal journey.

The intact one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp from the 1902-03 Regular Issue series remains affixed completing this exceptional postal history specimen.

Historical Significance

This postcard represents the true Golden Age of Postcards during the restrictive 'undivided back era' (1901-1907) - the most historically significant period in American postcard history.

The undivided back format with writing across the image front illustrates the exact postal regulations in effect before the pivotal March 1 1907 law change that forever altered American postcard design.

The Library of Congress murals depicted represent America's embrace of classical ideals during the American Renaissance period when the nation sought to establish cultural connections to European artistic traditions.

Mrs. Howard Grey Douglas the publisher was among the pioneering female entrepreneurs in the early postcard industry - her specialized Library of Congress cards are now highly sought by serious collectors.

The dual postmarks document precisely how long mail delivery took between Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania in 1906 - a fascinating snapshot of early 20th century postal efficiency.

The perfect alignment of the handwritten August 16 1906 date with the postmark date provides exceptional historical documentation rarely found in surviving examples.

Condition

This 117-year-old postcard remains in remarkable condition considering its age and actual postal use.

The front image retains impressive color with Melpomene's vibrant red robe still clearly visible despite light age toning.

The extensive handwritten message though crossing the image as was common in this era remains largely legible - a genuine artifact of early 20th century communication.

Both the Washington D.C. and Altoona PA postmarks are crisp and perfectly legible allowing precise dating of this postal journey.

The Benjamin Franklin one-cent stamp remains intact firmly attached to the card - an increasingly rare find in surviving pre-1907 postcards.

The card shows only expected handling appropriate to its age and journey through the U.S. postal system in 1906 - truly exceptional preservation for ephemera of this significance.

Age/Era

This postcard dates precisely to August 16 1906 as confirmed by both the clear postmark and the matching handwritten date on the image.

The card represents the final months of the restrictive undivided back era which would end just months later with the March 1 1907 postal regulation changes that forever transformed American postcards.

This 1906 date places the card squarely within the most sought-after period by serious postcard collectors - the true Golden Age before mass production diminished quality and historical significance.

The advanced lithographic printing techniques employed represent the finest quality available in early 20th century commercial printing.

The Library of Congress artwork depicted was relatively new at the time as the Thomas Jefferson Building had only been completed in 1897 less than a decade earlier.

Rarity

Authentic undivided back postcards from 1906 with both sending and receiving postmarks have become increasingly scarce - most surviving examples lack the complete documentation this card provides.

While Library of Congress postcards were produced in quantity those published by Mrs. Howard Grey Douglas are considerably less common than mass-produced variants.

The combination of clear postmarks intact stamp identifiable publisher and classical art subject creates a disappearing piece of American postal history that grows more precious with each passing year.

The perfect alignment of handwritten and postmark dates adds significant collector value as many surviving cards lack such precise documentation.

This may be your ONLY OPPORTUNITY to acquire this specific documentation of early American postal history and Library of Congress artistic heritage - once it's gone it's gone forever!

Collector's Note

This postcard represents a perfect convergence of multiple collecting interests - early American postal history undivided back postcards Library of Congress architecture classical art and Golden Age postcard publishing.

The card makes an extraordinary addition to collections focused on American postal regulations early 20th century communication government architecture or classical revival art in America.

The dual postmarks and intact stamp particularly appeal to postal history specialists seeking documented mail journeys from the early 20th century.

As digital communication continues to replace physical mail these authentic examples become increasingly significant as vanishing ephemera from the dawn of modern American communication.

The association with the Library of Congress - America's temple of knowledge - adds institutional significance that transcends typical postcard collecting categories.

Shipping Information

Your rare 1906 Library of Congress postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve inside a rigid mailer to ensure its continued preservation for another century.

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of vanishing American postal history! This authentic 1906 undivided back card with dual postmarks captures both the artistic heritage of the Library of Congress and the fascinating regulations of early 20th century mail - a true museum-quality artifact from the Golden Age of postcards."

 _gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.