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you're looking at an authentic piece of American Catholic history! This vintage chrome postcard captures the magnificent National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. postmarked August 27 1968.
Printed by renowned postcard publisher Mike Roberts of Berkeley California this card documents America's largest Catholic church shortly after the completion of its iconic Knights Tower and blue-tiled dome.
This striking color photograph showcases the imposing National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in its distinctive Byzantine-Romanesque architectural glory. The image prominently features the soaring 329-foot Knights Tower the ornate main entrance with its rose window and the spectacular blue-tiled dome adorned with golden stars.
The grounds surrounding the basilica display manicured lawns curved pathways and vintage lampposts that frame this magnificent structure. Set against a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds this view captures the monumental scale and spiritual significance of America's Catholic tribute to the Blessed Mother.
The card includes printed information describing the shrine as 'the largest Catholic Church in the United States' and notes precise architectural details including the Knights Tower (329 feet high) and the Dome (239 feet high and 109 feet in diameter).
This postcard captures a pivotal moment in American Catholic history - the National Shrine shortly after the completion of its major exterior elements. Construction of this monumental church began in 1920 but the Great Upper Church was only dedicated in 1959 with the Knights Tower completed in 1963.
The 1968 postmark dates this card to just five years after the Knights Tower's completion and three years after Pope Paul VI's historic 1965 visit to the shrine - the first papal visit to the United States. This was a period of remarkable growth and prominence for American Catholicism following the Second Vatican Council.
The handwritten message providing a personal connection to the shrine adds another layer of historical value as the sender mentions: 'We go by the National Shrine all the time when we go to church in D.C.' - offering a glimpse into the lived religious experience of American Catholics in the late 1960s.
Fair to good condition showing the expected wear of a 55+ year old postcard that was actually mailed and enjoyed. The front has significant wear with a piece missing from the upper left corner scratches across the sky area surface marks edge and corner wear and some staining.
The back shows yellowing/aging throughout edge wear (particularly at the top right) small stains a partially faded but readable postmark and some minor creasing. Despite these condition issues the central image remains clear the handwritten message is fully legible and the 6¢ Franklin D. Roosevelt stamp is intact.
Please examine all photos carefully to assess the condition yourself - what you see is what you'll receive!
This postcard can be precisely dated to 1968 as evidenced by the clear August 27 1968 postmark from North Virginia. The 6¢ Roosevelt stamp from the Prominent Americans series (1965-1978) and the presence of ZIP codes both on the publisher's address (94710) and recipient's address (43701) further confirm the dating.
Mike Roberts was renowned for his high-quality color photography postcards during the mid-century modern era. His 'NATURAL COLOR' chrome postcards were considered premium quality in the 1960s and his Berkeley California studio produced some of the most vibrant architectural and landmark postcards of this period.
Card #CC25380 represents authentic mid-century American postcard production at its finest documenting an important religious landmark during a significant era of American Catholic history.
While not extremely rare postcards of the National Shrine from this specific period are becoming increasingly difficult to find in any condition. This particular Mike Roberts card captures the shrine during a unique historical window - after the completion of its major architectural elements but long before its full interior decoration was completed.
The handwritten message referencing actual visits to the shrine adds historical context and authenticity that make this example especially valuable to collectors of religious memorabilia and American Catholic history. As physical ephemera from this era continues to disappear authentic documented examples become more precious to historians and collectors.
There's something profoundly moving about holding an authentic piece of religious history in your hands. Unlike digital images this postcard is a tangible connection to American Catholic heritage and the monumental achievement that the National Shrine represented.
Imagine the countless stories this card could tell - from the photographer who captured this impressive basilica to the worshiper who selected it to send to a friend after attending Mass. The handwritten message offers a personal glimpse into someone's actual experience visiting this magnificent shrine in 1968.
As fewer people send physical postcards and vintage examples are lost to time these windows into our religious and cultural heritage become increasingly precious. Each year thousands of vintage postcards are discarded damaged or lost forever - making those that remain an increasingly finite resource for collectors and historians.
In our digital age there's a profound satisfaction in collecting tangible pieces of history. Postcard collecting connects us to sacred places and spiritual moments that shaped our world in a way that digital images simply cannot match.
When you add this National Shrine postcard to your collection you're not just acquiring an image - you're becoming the custodian of an authentic historical artifact. Feel the same card that traveled through the postal system in 1968 carrying someone's personal message and memories of their visits to this majestic basilica.
Display it share it research it and enjoy the unique connection it provides to America's Catholic heritage and architectural achievement. There's simply no substitute for owning the real thing!
Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm pleased to combine shipping on all postcard purchases so browse my other listings to build your collection while saving on shipping.
All postcards are shipped with secure rigid protection to ensure they arrive in the same condition shown in the photos. Delivery confirmation is provided on all domestic shipments.
Authentic pieces of American Catholic history like this are becoming increasingly hard to find. Once this postcard is sold I have no way of knowing when - or if - I'll find another example from this specific time period showing the National Shrine.
Add this piece of genuine religious architectural history to your collection today! Click Buy It Now or click Buy It Now before this irreplaceable slice of American Catholic heritage is gone forever.
"_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles