Philatelic Ephemera Appraisal

U.S. Postal Service 'Parcel of' Notification Card

This item is an antique or vintage U.S. Postal Service notification card, which appears to be a standardized form sent by a Postmaster to inform a sender about an unclaimed 'parcel of' mail. The card is printed on sturdy, light brown or tan cardstock, characteristic of early 20th-century postal forms. The text is printed in black ink, primarily in a serif typeface, with some areas, like 'Parcel of' and the date '190__', including handwritten-style script or allowing for handwritten entries. Specific phrases such as 'POST OFFICE AT' and 'M. HAMILTON, P. M. Postmaster' are clearly visible, indicating it was issued from a specific post office under Postmaster M. Hamilton. The card explicitly references the 'Act of Congress of June 13, 1898,' dating its use to the period following that legislation, likely placing its estimated age in the early 1900s, possibly around 1900-1910, given the '190' with a blank for the last digit. It details policies regarding unclaimed second, third, or fourth-class mail, requiring postage prepayment for return or remailing. Notable features include instructions for sending stamps (loose, not attached) and a clause about valuable packages. The card's condition appears relatively well-preserved for its age, with minor wear consistent with handling and storage, though specific creases or tears are not highly discernible from the image. The paper exhibits a uniform aged patina, indicating no significant bleaching or water damage. Its construction is simple: a single piece of cardstock, without any folds or complex design. The clear and concise instructions, typical of government forms, underscore its utilitarian purpose. This piece offers insight into historical postal regulations and communication methods in the United States.