In stock · No. BIGGIE RUN 14
"
VINTAGE 1989 UNITED NATIONS POSTAL CARD - MANHATTAN SKYLINE WITH UN HEADQUARTERS - MINT CONDITION
Capture a piece of United Nations philatelic history and New York City architectural heritage with this stunning official postal card. This pristine unused example showcases the iconic Manhattan skyline with the UN Headquarters prominently featured frozen in time from 1989.
Official United Nations postal stationery is becoming increasingly difficult to find in such excellent unused condition. As governmental archives are digitized and physical items discarded these tangible connections to international diplomatic history grow scarcer with each passing year.
DESCRIPTION This official postal card issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) features a breathtaking panoramic view of Midtown Manhattan and the United Nations Headquarters complex as seen from across the East River. The card's front showcases the distinctive UN Secretariat Building (the rectangular glass skyscraper) prominently positioned among New York's iconic skyline including the recognizable silhouette of the Chrysler Building.
The image is professionally framed with a distinctive blue border and gold trim with the official UN emblem elegantly displayed in gold in the bottom left corner. The reverse features the official United Nations Postal Administration header complete with UN logo and the subtitle 'River View United Nations Headquarters.'
The card includes a pre-printed 15¢ indicium (postal imprint) showing a smaller version of the skyline view clearly marked 'UNITED NATIONS 15¢.' Photography is credited to Unmesh (United Nations) with a copyright date of 1989 establishing this as an authentic period piece of UN official stationery.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE This postal card provides a remarkable visual record of New York City's skyline in 1989 before the dramatic changes that would transform Manhattan in subsequent decades. The pre-9/11 skyline represents a particular moment in New York's architectural evolution and urban development.
The United Nations Headquarters itself is an architectural landmark designed by an international team led by Wallace Harrison with input from Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer. Its distinctive Secretariat Building completed in 1952 was one of the earliest examples of the International Style in the United States and remains an iconic symbol of global diplomacy.
The card dates from a significant period in international relations - 1989 marked the fall of the Berlin Wall and the beginning of the end of the Cold War era. The UN played a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations during this transformative period in world history.
CONDITION This postal card remains in
exceptional unused condition considering it is over three decades old. The colors are vibrant and unfaded with the blue border and gold accents retaining their original richness and depth.
The card shows only minimal signs of age with some very slight yellowing/toning along the edges and corners - entirely expected and authentic for a paper item from 1989. The glossy finish of the pictorial side maintains its original sheen and the photographic image remains sharp and clear.
There are no postal markings cancellations writing stamps or address information - the card is completely unused and pristine. No creases tears bends or corner damage are present making this an exceptional example for the discerning collector.
AGE/ERA This postal card dates precisely to 1989 as indicated by the explicit copyright marking. This places it at the end of the Cold War era and during a fascinating period of transition in international diplomacy.
The late 1980s represented a time of significant change in postal rates and communication methods just before the digital revolution would transform global correspondence. The 15¢ denomination reflects the postal rates of this specific period for United Nations postal items.
The artistic style printing technology photography and overall design aesthetic are quintessentially late 1980s providing an authentic time capsule of official governmental design sensibilities during this period.
RARITY While not extremely rare
unused examples of official United Nations postal stationery from this period in excellent condition are becoming increasingly difficult to locate on the collector market. Unlike commemorative stamps that were often preserved in collections postal stationery items were typically used and discarded.
Many institutional collections of these items have been disbanded as organizations move toward digital archives dispersing these physical artifacts to private collectors. With each passing year fewer pristine examples remain available for acquisition.
This particular card with its Manhattan skyline theme holds special appeal beyond just UN collectors - it attracts those interested in New York City architecture skyscrapers urban landscapes and late 20th century photography.
COLLECTOR'S NOTE There is something profoundly satisfying about holding an authentic piece of United Nations postal history in your hands. Unlike digital images or reproductions this original postal card connects you directly to the United Nations' official communications system as it existed in 1989.
Imagine the diplomatic correspondence that might have been sent on cards like this - perhaps communications between UN officials correspondence to foreign ministries or notes from diplomatic missions to their home countries. This card represents a tangible link to the mechanisms of international relations during a pivotal moment in global history.
For collectors of United Nations memorabilia New York City architectural history or international postal systems this card represents the perfect intersection of multiple collecting interests. Its excellent condition makes it suitable for display or archival preservation in your collection.
SHIPPING INFORMATION Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I always combine shipping on multiple items to help you build your collection economically. Your carefully packaged items will be shipped in an archival sleeve within a rigid mailer to ensure they arrive in the same pristine condition shown.
SECURE THIS VANISHING PIECE OF UNITED NATIONS HISTORY TODAY! As official archives continue to digitize and dispose of physical materials these authentic United Nations postal items are disappearing from the market forever. Once this mint condition example joins someone's permanent collection finding another in this exceptional state may prove impossible. Don't miss this opportunity to own a pristine piece of United Nations postal history that perfectly captures New York's iconic skyline at a pivotal moment in time!"
_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.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles