**** KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ****
COMMITTEE ON WAR ACTIVITIES (WWI)
Rare Vintage 1919 USS "ANTIGONE" Troopship Post Card
41st DIVISION - FRANCE TO NEWPORT NEWS, VA
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COLLECTIONS: U.S. MILITARY HISTORY / NAVAL HISTORY / KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS / SHIP POSTCARDS / GERMAN SHIP "NECKAR"
American Expeditionary Force (AEF) 41st Division - the "Sunsetters" - was raised in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Minnesota on 1st April 1917, five days before the U.S. Declaration of War on Germany.
History and Postal History:
1. From 2 November 1917 to 15 April 1925, U.S. postcard rate was reduced from 2¢ to 1¢ for mail within the United States. Soldiers and Military Mail was carried free of charge during this time.
2. After arrival from France, returning AEF troops were discharged from Camps in the vicinity of debarkation ports. For them, mail was ONLY free if mailed on board the homebound troopship, or on arrival at the port. If mailed elsewhere, mail was rated at the postcard or letter rate.
U.S.S. ANTIGONE, formerly NECKAR (North German Lloyd Shipping Company) - 17,024 tons - renamed POTOMAC in 1921.
3. Because the postcard was mailed from Camp Hill, Newport News, it was not regarded as free Military Mail, and marked "Due 2¢" in blue pencil at the upper right corner. A U.S. 2¢ Postage Due stamp was correctly applied when the card arrived in Buffalo, N.Y.
U.S.S. Antigone: was the former 17,024-ton North German Lloyd liner Neckar, which had sought refuge in Baltimore harbor in July 1914, and was seized by the U.S. Government when the United States entered the War on 6 April 1917. As the USS Antigone, she made numerous crossings to France and back as a cargo vessel and troopship from 1917 to 1919, carrying over 40,000 troops in this time.
Postmark & Routing:
Postcard from Camp Hill, Newport News, VA., is lightly postmarked with 7-line Flag machine roller canceler (date unclear) to Buffalo, N.Y. Although stamp box reads "SOLDIERS MAIL" (i.e. Free postage), the card was still charged 2¢ Postage Due (double deficiency), marked "Due 2¢" in blue pencil at upper right, and a Buffalo pre-cancel 2¢ due stamp affixed (Sc.#J62).
Postcard Condition: rare surviving divided back card; very good condition for 100+ years old; some yellowing/foxing at top and base; minor ¼" tear at top edge, otherwise no rips, wrinkles, or tears; wear on corners and bent tip at top right, as expected after postal use.
Printer: "Warwick Printing Co., 120 - 28th St., Newport News, VA" at base; same postcard known without the printer's name at the base.
Good to Very good condition - highly collectable - soft corners & edge wear - some yellowing/foxing noted - RARE USAGE
AMAZING, RARE (POSSIBLY UNIQUE) VINTAGE 100-YEAR-OLD POSTCARD OF U.S. MILITARY, SOCIAL & HISTORIC IMPORTANCE.
SHIPPED IN A TOUGH, CLEAR, POSTCARD HOLDER
PLEASE NOTE SHIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS
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SCANNED IMAGES ARE PART OF THE DESCRIPTION : PLEASE NOTE : WHITE POSTCARDS ==========================================================
Any yellow, light brown, or lemon-color areas are from my scanner unless described as "FOXING" or 'YELLOWING".
Faults are likely on VINTAGE POSTCARDS, especially on cards which were mailed. Thank you.
SCARCE/RARE vintage card in very good condition !! It has been stored smoke-free. COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES.
See other WWI TROOPSHIP POSTCARDS on offer in our eBay Store. U.S. POSTAL HISTORY / POSTAGE DUE ITEM / MILITARY / NAVAL MAIL
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Items are always well packaged, to prevent any damage in the mail
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