Collectibles Packaging Ephemera Appraisal

Early US Postal Service Registered Package Notification Card

This item is an antique or vintage postal service registered package notification card, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. The card is a pale, slightly faded manila or buff-colored cardstock, rectangular in shape, with printed lines and text in black ink. The overall size appears to be standard postcard dimensions, though exact measurements are not discernible from the image. The card is designed to record details of registered packages received from a postmaster. Key physical characteristics include a grid-like layout for columns such as 'DESCRIPTION', 'NUMBER OF PACKAGE', 'POSTMARKED AT—', 'DATE OF POSTMARK', and 'NAME OF P. O. ADDRESSED.'. There's also a column for 'DESCRIPTION' instructing to 'Write "R" for Ordinary Package, "G" for Postage Stamps, "E" for Stamped Envelopes, "C" for Postal Cards'. Handwritten entries are visible on the card, filled in with dark ink. For example, 'Altamont, Dak.' is written under 'POSTMARKED AT—', indicating a postal location in Dakota Territory (likely North or South Dakota before statehood, or soon after). Other handwritten entries include package numbers '24', '25', and '36', and what appear to be names and addresses such as 'S. Treuett' and 'Washington D.C.'. The bottom left corner has 'Sign here.' printed, and the bottom right has 'Postmaster or Postal Clerk' with a large, illegible handwritten signature/marking over it. The text 'Signer will write within rectangle total of packages.' is printed vertically along the right edge. The card shows significant signs of age, including general discoloration, likely a patina from exposure over time, and some faint creasing or bending, particularly visible near the corners. The handwritten entries are bold and legible, indicating good ink quality for the period. The edges appear somewhat worn, but there are no obvious tears or major damage. The simple, functional design suggests a utilitarian purpose, consistent with official postal forms of the era. The handwriting style and the reference to 'Dak.' (Dakota) point towards a late 1800s to early 1900s manufacturing date. The quality of the paper and printing is basic but durable, designed for practical use within the postal system.