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"RARE VINTAGE BRIGANTINE OF KINGSTON PASSING BOLDT CASTLE - THOUSAND ISLANDS NAUTICAL TREASURE - UNUSED PLASTICHROME!
You're bidding on a pristine never-used postcard capturing a magical maritime moment in the legendary Thousand Islands region - a piece of vanishing Canadian tourism history!
Description
This stunning chrome postcard showcases the majestic Brigantine of Kingston sailing vessel with its brilliant white sails fully unfurled against the blue waters of the St. Lawrence River.
The impressive Boldt Castle rises dramatically in the background perched on Heart Island and surrounded by the lush green forests that make the Thousand Islands region so captivating.
The photographer perfectly captured this quintessential Thousand Islands scene - the historic sailing ship gliding past one of the region's most iconic landmarks framed by evergreen trees and set against a brilliant blue sky.
The composition artfully balances both maritime and architectural elements showcasing two of the region's most beloved tourist attractions in a single breathtaking image.
Published by 1000 Islands Publishers Ltd. of Gananoque this premium Plastichrome postcard (reference #111324) features the exceptional color saturation and glossy finish that made these cards so prized by tourists and now by collectors.
The caption simply reads 'The Brigantine of Kingston Ontario Canada' - understating the historical significance of this magical maritime moment frozen in time.
Historical Significance
The Brigantine of Kingston was a beloved tourist sailing vessel that operated in the Thousand Islands region during the mid-20th century providing scenic tours through this archipelago of over 1 800 islands.
Boldt Castle visible in the background tells one of the most romantic and tragic stories in American architectural history - begun in 1900 by hotel magnate George Boldt as a testament of love for his wife Louise who died suddenly before it was completed.
This postcard captures a golden era of tourism in the Thousand Islands region when visitors would travel from across North America to experience its natural beauty and historical landmarks.
The 1960s-70s represented the height of automobile tourism in the region when families would drive to destinations like the Thousand Islands as part of their summer vacations collecting postcards as affordable souvenirs.
The Brigantine of Kingston itself has largely vanished from the collective memory of the region making this postcard a crucial historical document of a once-prominent tourism feature that has now disappeared.
The composition encapsulates the essence of what made the Thousand Islands famous - the perfect harmony of natural beauty architectural grandeur and maritime heritage.
Condition
This postcard is in excellent unused condition - never written on addressed or mailed!
The colors remain remarkably vibrant on the image side with the blues of the water and sky particularly well-preserved.
There is minimal age-related yellowing/toning at the edges consistent with a chrome postcard from the 1960s-70s era - exactly what you'd expect from an authentic vintage item.
The corners are generally sharp with only a very slight bend in the lower right corner that does not detract from the overall presentation.
Both the image side and correspondence side remain clean and unmarked making this a superior example for serious collectors of maritime postcards or Thousand Islands memorabilia.
Age/Era
This Plastichrome postcard dates to the 1960s-1970s period as evidenced by the distinctive printing style color palette and the dotted maple leaf logo containing reference number '111324'.
The Brigantine of Kingston sailing vessel depicted was a popular tourist attraction during this specific era when sailing tours of the Thousand Islands were at their peak popularity.
The fashion and style of the sailing vessel itself helps date the image representing a period when historic-style tourist vessels were being operated throughout the Great Lakes region.
This postcard captures Boldt Castle during a specific period in its history after decades of abandonment but before the extensive restoration efforts that would transform it in later years.
The overall aesthetics from the photography style to the typography on the reverse are quintessentially representative of premium Canadian chrome postcards from this golden age of tourism.
Rarity
While Thousand Islands postcards are relatively common specific views featuring the Brigantine of Kingston sailing vessel are surprisingly scarce in today's collector market.
The combination of both the magnificent sailing ship and historic Boldt Castle in a single composition makes this a particularly desirable variation that rarely appears at auction.
1000 Islands Publishers Ltd. of Gananoque was a regional publisher whose work is increasingly sought after by serious collectors of Canadian topographical views.
Finding these cards in unused condition becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year as the remaining examples disappear into permanent collections.
As physical postcards continue to vanish from circulation replaced by digital photography and social media these tangible windows into our tourism past are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Once this card leaves my inventory finding another example in comparable condition may prove challenging - this could be your only chance to acquire this specific piece of Thousand Islands maritime history!
Collector's Note
This postcard would make an exceptional addition to collections focused on maritime history sailing vessels historic castles Canadian tourism or the Thousand Islands region specifically.
The dual appeal of both nautical and architectural elements gives this card broader collector interest than standard scenic views of the region.
The Plastichrome printing process used for this card was considered premium quality for its time producing richer colors and better detail than standard chrome postcards.
As interest in regional North American tourism history continues to grow postcards documenting specific vessels like the Brigantine of Kingston are becoming increasingly valuable historical artifacts.
When this postcard is gone it's gone forever - there is a strictly finite supply of these ephemeral time capsules and they're disappearing from the marketplace with each passing year.
Shipping Information
This pristine postcard will be carefully packaged in an archival-quality sleeve inside a rigid mailer to ensure it arrives in the same excellent condition shown.
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a perfect nautical treasure from the golden age of Thousand Islands tourism before it vanishes forever!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Condition: Used
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles