1984 USPS Ark and Dove Maryland Colony Ship 13c Postal Card Nautical Maritime

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MINT 1984 ARK AND DOVE MARYLAND COLONIAL SHIPS POSTAL CARD - 350TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE - MARITIME HISTORY COLLECTOR'S PIECE

DESCRIPTION

This pristine unused USPS postal card beautifully captures a pivotal moment in American colonial history - the arrival of the ships Ark and Dove that brought the first English settlers to Maryland in 1634. Published in 1984 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Maryland's founding this official government-issued postal stationery features a stunning pre-printed 13¢ stamp design.

The artwork depicts the two historic vessels - the impressive 350-ton Ark with its multiple masts and red flags alongside the smaller 50-ton pinnace Dove - floating peacefully in Maryland waters beneath a blue sky with billowing white clouds. The scene powerfully evokes the momentous arrival that would establish the Maryland Colony under Lord Baltimore (Cecil Calvert).

This postal card represents a perfect marriage of philatelic collectibility and historical significance. The pre-printed 13¢ denomination was valid for domestic postcard postage at the time of issue and the card remains in exceptional unused condition preserved for nearly four decades.

Each detail of the illustration has been carefully rendered to honor these vessels that carried approximately 150 colonists to establish one of America's original thirteen colonies. The composition beautifully balances historical accuracy with artistic merit in the tradition of USPS commemorative designs.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Ark and Dove expedition represents a crucial chapter in American colonial history. Departing from Cowes England in November 1633 these ships carried the hopes of Lord Baltimore's vision for a colony that would offer religious tolerance in the New World.

After a challenging Atlantic crossing and brief stop in Barbados the ships arrived at St. Clement's Island in what would become Maryland on March 25 1634. This date is still celebrated as Maryland Day commemorating the founding of the colony and the establishment of religious freedom principles that would later influence American constitutional thought.

This postal card was issued during the 350th anniversary year of this momentous landing. The USPS often creates commemorative postal stationery for significant historical milestones making this card part of America's ongoing tradition of honoring its foundational moments through official postal issues.

The ships themselves tell a fascinating story - the Ark was the primary vessel at approximately 350 tons while the Dove was a smaller 50-ton pinnace that served as a tender vessel. Together they safely delivered the colonists who would establish St. Mary's City Maryland's first capital.

CONDITION

This postal card remains in excellent unused condition despite being nearly 40 years old. The vibrant colors of the maritime scene retain their original clarity and sharpness with the blues of sky and water particularly well-preserved.

The card shows no writing postal markings or cancellations - it was clearly saved as a collectible rather than used for correspondence. The cream-colored cardstock remains clean with only minimal signs of age-related toning/yellowing consistent with its vintage.

There are no significant stains tears or creases present. Some very minor edge wear and slight corner rounding can be detected upon close inspection along with a few tiny age spots but these are minimal and don't detract from the card's excellent presentation.

All printed text remains perfectly legible including the 'USA 13¢' denomination the descriptive 'Ark and Dove Maryland 1634' caption and the '© USPS 1984' copyright notice. Finding official postal stationery of this vintage in such well-preserved condition becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year.

AGE/ERA

This postal card can be precisely dated to 1984 based on the copyright mark '© USPS 1984' visible in the bottom left corner. This places it squarely in the Reagan administration era of the mid-1980s a period of renewed interest in American heritage and historical commemoration.

The 13¢ postal card rate shown on this item was in effect from January 1 1978 to February 17 1985 providing additional confirmation of this dating. This rate represents an interesting snapshot of postal history when a postcard could be sent anywhere in the United States for just 13 cents.

The design styling printing techniques and paper stock are all consistent with USPS postal stationery of the early to mid-1980s. As we approach the 40th anniversary of this card's production it increasingly transitions from simply being 'old postal stationery' to a genuine vintage collectible.

RARITY

While this postal card was not exceptionally rare when first issued in 1984 finding examples in such pristine unused condition becomes increasingly challenging with each passing year. Consider that most postal stationery was produced to be used - written on stamped mailed and ultimately discarded - making well-preserved examples increasingly scarce.

The postal card's specific subject matter - commemorating the 350th anniversary of Maryland's founding with the Ark and Dove ships - gives it particular appeal to collectors of Maryland history maritime subjects and colonial Americana beyond just postal stationery collectors.

As we approach four decades since this card's issue unused examples in excellent condition represent a diminishing resource. Each year more are damaged used for correspondence or simply lost to time making pristine survivors like this increasingly valuable to discerning collectors.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There is something uniquely satisfying about holding an authentic piece of postal history in your hands. Unlike digital images or reproductions this original USPS postal card offers a tangible connection to both American colonial history and postal communication traditions.

For collectors of maritime history Maryland memorabilia colonial Americana or postal stationery this card represents a wonderful intersection of multiple collecting interests. The excellent condition makes it suitable for even the most discriminating collection.

In our increasingly digital world these authentic physical artifacts of communication history become ever more evocative and meaningful. The distinctive cream cardstock the carefully designed pre-printed stamp and the historical subject matter combine to create a collectible that appeals to both the eye and the historical imagination.

Whether your interest lies in Maryland's colonial beginnings maritime artwork postal stationery or American historical commemoratives this unused postal card offers a beautifully preserved window into all these collecting areas. It stands ready to become a treasured addition to your collection.

SHIPPING NOTE

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of postcards or postal stationery items to save you money.

This vintage postal card will be carefully packaged in an archival sleeve between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives safely and in the same condition shown in the photos. I understand the importance of protecting these historical items and take great care in packaging.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF MARYLAND COLONIAL AND POSTAL HISTORY!

As we approach the 40th anniversary of this postal card's issue and the 390th anniversary of Maryland's founding these well-preserved examples of historical commemorative postal stationery become increasingly difficult to find. This pristine unused example offers both historical significance and philatelic appeal in a single beautifully preserved item. Secure this exceptional piece of Americana for your collection before it disappears!"

 _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.