Usps Mail History Appraisal

U.S. Post Office Department Registered Package Receipt Postcard

This item is a vintage United States Post Office Department registered package receipt in the form of a postcard. The card is rectangular, made of light brown or beige cardstock, typical of early 20th-century postal stationery. It measures approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length and 3.5 to 4 inches in width, though exact dimensions are not provided. The front face features printed text in a dark ink, likely black or dark brown, laid out in a functional, government-issued style for official business. Key printed elements include 'REGISTERED PACKAGE RECEIPT,' 'Post Office Department, Official Business,' and instructions to 'Receipt on other side and return this card by NEXT MAIL, without cover.' Specific fields for handwritten or stamped information are present, such as 'To,' 'Postmaster at ALTAMONT,' 'County of DEUEL,' and 'State of DAK.' (Dakota, likely South Dakota given Altamont and Deuel County). A notable feature is a circular purple ink stamp from the 'P.O. TRACY CALIF.' postmark, dated 'SEP 2, 192_,' with the last digit obscured but indicative of an early to mid-20th century date. The text 'A penalty of $300 is fixed by law for using this Card for other than Official Business' is printed along the left edge, highlighting its official nature. The card shows general signs of age, including slight discoloration, minor corner wear, and possibly some surface dirt or stains consistent with an item of daily use from its era. No significant tears or repairs are immediately visible. The overall condition suggests a well-preserved piece of postal history, reflecting the standard quality of government-issued forms of its time.