1990 American Papermaking USPS Postal Card Rittenhouse Paper Mill Philadelphia

"MINT CONDITION 1990 AMERICAN PAPERMAKING COMMEMORATIVE POSTAL CARD - HISTORICAL PHILADELPHIA PAPER MILL

Discover a pristine piece of American industrial history and postal stationery in one beautiful collectible. This unused USPS postal card celebrates the 300th anniversary of American papermaking (1690-1990) with a stunning image of the historic Rittenhouse Paper Mill – the very first paper mill established in colonial America.

Perfect for collectors of American industrial history philatelic items or Pennsylvania memorabilia. This mint condition postal card remains exactly as issued by the USPS over three decades ago.

DESCRIPTION

This government-issued 15¢ postal card features a vibrant color image of the historic Rittenhouse paper mill buildings circa 1770. The picturesque scene shows two stone buildings with a tree between them a country road in front and a rustic fence – capturing the rural industrial setting of early American manufacturing.

The left side contains educational text explaining the significance: 'American Papermaking 1690-1990' and 'Rittenhouse paper mill circa 1770.' A distinctive blue reproduction of the 'WR PENSILVANIA' watermark appears below with text noting 'This watermark appears on the first paper made in the United States on this site in 1690.'

The pre-printed 15¢ denomination in the upper right reflects the domestic postcard rate in 1990. The card is officially marked '© USPS 1990' at bottom left precisely dating this commemorative issue.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This postal card commemorates one of the most important milestones in American industrial development. Before William Rittenhouse established his paper mill in 1690 all paper used in the American colonies had to be imported from Europe at great expense.

The Rittenhouse Mill located on Paper Mill Run (a tributary of Wissahickon Creek near Germantown in Philadelphia) revolutionized colonial printing and publishing. This first American paper-making operation made possible the growth of newspapers books and correspondence that would prove crucial to American independence and development.

The distinctive 'WR PENSILVANIA' watermark shown on this card was literally embedded into America's first domestically produced paper. Imagine holding a document containing paper with this actual watermark – a direct connection to the dawn of American manufacturing!

CONDITION

This postal card is in excellent to near-mint condition – truly museum quality. It remains completely unused and unmailed preserving its full collectible value.

The colors are bright and vibrant with no fading or deterioration. There are no creases bends tears or significant damage of any kind – just as you would have received it from the post office in 1990.

The corners and edges remain sharp and clean. There is only the slightest age-related toning/yellowing consistent with a 30+ year old paper item and a tiny pink/reddish mark at bottom right edge of reverse. The reverse side remains pristine and unmarked.

AGE/ERA

This postal card dates precisely to 1990 as confirmed by the copyright mark. It was issued as part of the USPS commemorative series celebrating the 300th anniversary of American papermaking (1690-1990).

While considered a 'modern' postal collectible this card is now over three decades old. It represents the pre-digital era of postal communication when physical mail remained the primary method of correspondence.

The 15¢ domestic postcard rate shown on this card reflects a specific moment in postal history. Current domestic postcard rates are now 51¢ – more than triple what they were when this card was issued!

RARITY

While not exceptionally rare as USPS postal cards go finding examples in this pristine unused condition becomes increasingly difficult with each passing year. As physical mail usage continues to decline in our digital age these tangible reminders of postal history become ever more precious to collectors.

Mint condition postal stationery from the 1990s is increasingly sought after as modern postal history gains collecting interest. As this card approaches its 35th anniversary collector interest continues to grow in these beautiful commemorative pieces that combine philatelic value with American industrial history.

The historical significance of the Rittenhouse Mill makes this particular postal card more desirable than many routine USPS issues. Items connecting to the earliest foundations of American industry hold special appeal for both postal and historical collectors.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE

There is a unique joy in preserving these pristine pieces of postal history that connect us to our industrial past. While digital images can show us what the Rittenhouse Mill looked like only holding an actual commemorative postal card in your hands provides that tangible connection to both postal and papermaking history.

This postal card represents the perfect intersection of multiple collecting interests – philately postal stationery American industrial history and Pennsylvania heritage. It makes a beautiful addition to any collection focusing on early American manufacturing postal history or Philadelphia landmarks.

As physical mail continues its decline in the digital age preserving these beautiful examples of postal stationery becomes increasingly important. Future generations may wonder at the care and artistry that went into these government-issued collectibles that once served as everyday communication.

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 cards to save you money.

This pristine postal card will be shipped in a rigid protective sleeve to ensure it arrives in the excellent condition you see pictured here.

ADD THIS BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF AMERICAN PAPERMAKING HISTORY TO YOUR COLLECTION TODAY!

Don't miss your chance to own this pristine example of postal stationery commemorating a crucial moment in American industrial development. With each passing year finding mint condition examples becomes increasingly challenging as they disappear into permanent collections. Secure this beautiful piece of American papermaking and postal history while it's still available!"

 _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.