Gosla Antiques & Collectibles

HomeThe CataloguePostcards

Postcards

Vintage Raleigh Tavern Colonial Williamsburg VA Chrome Mint Condition 1960s-70s

$8.99
In stock · No. BIGGIE RUN 710

Secure checkout · ships from the United States with tracking

"Pristine Vintage Raleigh Tavern Postcard - A Perfect Slice of Colonial American History!

You're looking at an exceptional mint-condition Official Colonial Williamsburg chrome postcard from the golden age of American historical tourism.

This stunning Mirro-Krome® card captures one of Colonial America's most significant gathering places in perfect detail - a vanishing piece of historical ephemera that becomes increasingly difficult to find in such pristine condition.

Description

This vibrant professionally photographed postcard showcases the iconic Raleigh Tavern as it appeared in Colonial Williamsburg during the 1960s-70s.

The white wooden colonial-style building with its distinctive dormer windows and multiple brick chimneys stands proudly against a brilliant blue sky.

Costumed historical interpreters in authentic 18th-century attire create a living tableau bringing to life how this tavern would have appeared during Revolutionary times.

A period-correct horse-drawn carriage waits on the street while the white picket fence and bare trees frame this meticulously reconstructed piece of American heritage.

Card #856 in the Official Colonial Williamsburg series this premium quality Mirro-Krome® printing process delivers exceptional color fidelity and detail that has remained remarkably vibrant for half a century.

Historical Significance

The Raleigh Tavern was far more than just a colonial watering hole - it was the beating heart of pre-Revolutionary Williamsburg.

As described on the reverse: 'Most famous of Williamsburg's hostelries the Raleigh Tavern became a social economic and communications center and frequently its political heart as well.'

It was within these walls that Thomas Jefferson Patrick Henry and other Founding Fathers gathered to discuss independence making this building a true cradle of American liberty.

When the House of Burgesses was dissolved by the Royal Governor in 1774 it was at the Raleigh Tavern where representatives continued to meet setting the stage for revolution.

The original tavern burned in 1859 making this reconstruction at Colonial Williamsburg especially significant as it preserves what would otherwise be lost to history.

Condition

This postcard presents in truly extraordinary mint condition with no flaws whatsoever.

The front displays vibrant unfaded colors with the crisp photographic clarity that Mirro-Krome® cards were famous for.

The reverse is pristine with absolutely no writing postmarks or signs of use - just as it would have appeared on the rack at the Colonial Williamsburg gift shop decades ago.

There are no creases bends corner bumps or edge wear of any kind - making this a truly museum-quality example.

Cards of this vintage in such impeccable condition become increasingly scarce with each passing year as they disappear into permanent collections.

Age/Era

This postcard dates to approximately 1965-1975 during what many consider the golden age of American historical tourism.

The presence of the ZIP code (21224) in the publisher information confirms post-1963 production.

The H.S. Crocker Company's Mirro-Krome® process was at its peak during this period producing what collectors widely regard as some of the finest color postcards ever made.

This era represents a fascinating moment when Americans were reconnecting with their colonial heritage through historically accurate reconstructions like Colonial Williamsburg.

As these pristine examples continue to vanish into permanent collections they become increasingly valuable documentation of how these historical sites appeared half a century ago.

Rarity

While Colonial Williamsburg postcards were produced in quantity finding examples from this period in absolutely mint untouched condition is becoming progressively more difficult.

Most cards from this era show at least some signs of handling storage wear or fading - making this pristine example stand out from typical offerings.

Official Colonial Williamsburg cards with the distinctive emblem/seal are particularly sought after by serious collectors of American historical ephemera.

Once these mint condition treasures disappear into permanent collections they're gone forever from the marketplace.

Collector's Note

This postcard appeals to multiple collecting interests: Colonial Williamsburg memorabilia American Revolutionary history historical architecture and premium Mirro-Krome® chromolithography.

The inclusion of the Colonial Williamsburg emblem with its distinctive rope border and Capitol building design adds significant collector appeal.

For those building a comprehensive collection of Colonial Williamsburg landmarks or American tavern history the Raleigh Tavern represents an essential cornerstone.

The perfect condition makes this an ideal centerpiece for display or a valuable addition to a serious historical postcard collection.

Buy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a pristine piece of Colonial American history 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.

← Back to The Catalogue