1987 Gdańsk Poland Medieval Crane Harbor Dual View Postcard Used Stamps Żuraw

"RARE OPPORTUNITY: Authentic 1987 Polish Postcard from Gdańsk Harbor

You're looking at a genuine piece of Cold War era Poland that has survived the decades to reach you today. This isn't a reproduction - this is an authentic slice of history that traveled from Poland to America during the final years of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.

Description

This stunning dual-view color postcard captures Gdańsk's iconic medieval harbor from two breathtaking perspectives. The top image showcases the historic waterfront in daylight highlighting the magnificent medieval wooden crane (Żuraw) - a 15th-century landmark that has witnessed centuries of Baltic maritime history.

The bottom image presents a mesmerizing nighttime scene of the same waterfront with illuminated buildings casting their glow upon the harbor waters. This day-and-night comparison offers a truly unique perspective on one of Poland's most historic port cities.

Historical Significance

The Żuraw (Crane) of Gdańsk is among Poland's most significant medieval port structures dating back to the 1440s. For centuries it served as both a city gate and a crucial loading crane for the bustling Hanseatic port.

This postcard was sent during a fascinating historical period - just years before Poland's emergence from Soviet influence and its transition to democracy. These transitional years represent a vanishing moment in European history that grows more distant with each passing year.

Authenticity & Provenance

What makes this postcard truly special is its complete provenance. Postmarked July 22 1987 it features multiple Polish stamps including a 40zł airmail stamp and decorative wildlife stamp depicting a mountain sheep.

The sender's handwritten message provides a fascinating glimpse into late-Soviet era tourism: 'Enjoying our vacation in Poland... Are now on train returning to Warsaw after 4 days in Gdansk. A very charming city.'

Condition

This postcard is in good used condition with the expected and desirable signs of its journey. Minor edge wear slight yellowing and some corner bending add to its authentic character rather than detract from it.

There is a visible vertical red line across the bottom image and some minor discoloration spots - all signs of this card's authentic history and journey from Poland to America in 1987.

Age/Era

Dating precisely to July 22 1987 (confirmed by postmark) this postcard comes from the final years of Soviet influence in Poland just before the momentous changes of 1989 would transform Eastern Europe forever.

Published by KAW (Krajowa Agencja Wydawnicza) with photography by J. Makarewicz this represents a disappearing piece of Cold War tourism ephemera that grows scarcer with each passing year.

Rarity

While similar postcards were produced in this era finding one with:

- Complete postal usage
- Multiple intact Polish stamps
- Clear postmarks
- Day/night views of the same location
- Legible handwritten message
- Direct connection to historic Gdańsk

...makes this a truly special collector's item that's becoming increasingly difficult to find as these fragile pieces of history are lost to time.

Collector's Note

This postcard would make an exceptional addition to collections focused on:

- European architecture & landmarks
- Cold War era ephemera
- Polish postal history
- Medieval maritime structures
- Baltic region tourism
- Late Soviet-era Eastern Europe

Once this authentic piece of history is gone it's gone forever. These tangible connections to the past are vanishing ephemera that cannot be replaced.

Shipping Information

This postcard will be carefully packaged to ensure safe arrival. Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! Build your collection while saving on shipping.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of vanishing history. Add this authentic slice of 1987 Poland to your collection before it disappears forever!"

 _gsrx_vers_1723 (GS 9.9.3 (1723))

Condition: Used

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