A.S.B. Serie 161 1905 Christmas Postcard Angel Candle Pennsylvania

A.S.B. Serie 161 1905 Christmas Postcard Angel Candle Pennsylvania

This outstanding example of early twentieth-century holiday ephemera carries the clear imprint of its publisher, A.S.B., along with the Serie 161 designation embossed prominently on the reverse. A.S.B. cards from this period are recognized among serious collectors for their superior printing quality, intricate embossing techniques, and attention to festive detail that set them apart from mass-produced alternatives of the era. The front design showcases a luminous golden star framing a cherubic angel face emerging from soft clouds, a glowing red twisted candle casting radiant light beams, and a polished golden bell suspended from pine boughs adorned with delicate golden ribbons, all rendered in rich, saturated colors that have retained remarkable vibrancy after more than a century.

The reverse features the iconic A.S.B. shield logo with tree motif beside the embossed bell, multilingual greetings in over a dozen languages affirming its Universal Postal Union compliance, and the one-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp tied with a crisp Napwallopen, Pennsylvania postmark dated December 28, 1905. Handwritten in period script is the address to Miss Stella Brown of Napwallopen, Penna., R.F.D. #1, accompanied by a faint but touching "From dad" message on the correspondence side. This combination of publisher branding, clear postal history, and personal family connection makes the card a standout piece for anyone who values authenticated vintage items with documented provenance.

Physical Specifications and Materials

Measuring the standard postcard format of approximately 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the piece is printed on heavy cardstock paper with a slightly textured surface that enhances the embossed elements on the reverse. The front illustration employs chromolithography techniques typical of premium 1905 production, while the reverse includes both printed text and the raised bell design that remains tactile despite age-related softening of the relief. No modern reproductions can replicate the depth and authenticity found in these original A.S.B. issues.

Condition Details

This card presents in used but good overall condition consistent with 121 years of careful survival. The front retains bright colors with only minor surface wear along the edges. The reverse shows natural paper yellowing, scattered light foxing spots (small brownish age marks), and the expected postmark impressions and cancellation lines across the stamp and address area. Minor corner rounding and edge scuffing are present but do not affect structural integrity. The handwritten note from dad has faded to a soft gray but remains legible under good lighting. The embossing has lost some of its original sharpness yet is still clearly defined and raised to the touch. There are no tears, creases, missing pieces, or repairs of any kind.

Collectors who specialize in publisher-marked postcards will immediately recognize the quality and desirability of an A.S.B. Serie 161 example that also carries a clear postmark, original stamp, and personal inscription. The brand's reputation for producing cards that were both beautiful and durable is fully evident here, as the piece has withstood more than twelve decades while remaining a coherent and display-ready artifact. Whether you are expanding a dedicated A.S.B. collection or seeking a single high-quality representative of early 1900s American holiday mail, this postcard delivers on every level of authenticity and visual appeal.

Imagine the pride of owning a genuine branded piece from the golden age of American postcards, when companies like A.S.B. competed to create the most charming seasonal greetings. This card not only showcases the publisher's artistic standards but also preserves a slice of real Pennsylvania family life from December 1905. Its combination of branded excellence, festive imagery, and documented postal journey creates a multilayered collectible that continues to reward close examination and thoughtful display.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Good — Vintage 1905 postcard with typical age wear including yellowing, light foxing stains on back, postmark ink, and minor edge wear. No tears, creases, or missing pieces. Embossing remains visible but softened with time. Faint handwritten note from dad still legible. — Defects: ['yellowing and foxing stains on back', 'light age spots and handling wear', 'postmark and cancellation ink on stamp and address area', 'faded handwritten message on message side', 'minor edge and corner scuffing', 'softened embossing from age']

Ships from the United States with tracking.