Description: (includes the scans)
For Sale: An antique postcard with a view of the pergola at the U. S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. Published by the Newman Post Card Company and printed by the Van Ornam Color Print Company. Used with postal markings, stamp, and message. Size: 5 3/8” x 3 1/2”.
A detailed view of the pergola covered patio at the hotel. The hotel’s architect was Harrison Albright. It’s interesting to note that the hotel’s developer (U. S. Grant, Jr.) was the President of the company formed to put on the San Diego Panama California Exposition of 1915, which explains the promotional Exposition logo printed on the hotel’s card. The rival San Francisco Panama Pacific Exposition, also 1915, had the backing of the Federal government, which explains the official Post Office Exposition cancellation on the card.
Interesting details: the design and architectural integration of the pergola with the hotel and the hotel’s façade, a Panama California Exposition (San Diego) seal printed on the back, and the Panama Pacific Exposition (San Francisco) postal markings.
Identifiers: Front – “Palm Garden, U. S. Grant”, “Hotel, San Diego, Cal.” (title) Back: “NPCCo” (logo),”POST”,”VAN ORNAM COLOR PRINT Co. LAS ANGLES” (within logo of sun rays over LA skyline),”CARD”, “Published by Newman Post Card Co.”, “Las Angles San Francisco.”, “L77”, Printed on card: “PANAMA CALIFORNIA – EXPOSITION SAN DIEGO”, “1915”, “THE COMPLETION OF THE PANAMA CANAL” (within circular logo with ship), Overprinted: U. S. Grant Hotel”, San Diego, Cal.”, Las Angles Office”, “206 Mercantile Place”, Hand stamp: “S (?..?) Phone { Bdwy. 1643 Home Phone } F 4563”
Postal Markings: Two “World’s Panama Pacific Exposition San Francisco 1915” cancellations, both from Las Angeles, one dated 11:30 AM Jun 5, 1913 and the other 90 minutes later at 2 PM (not sure what happened there). The card was addressed to General Delivery and forwarded a couple of times with hand written address changes and what looks like a receiving stamp “General Del. Seattle, Wash.” (hard to read) and a second date stamp “JUN 30 1913”
Condition: used. The corners are slightly bumped. On the front there’s a small loss of the surface at the corners and edges, and there’s light surface abrasion. The back is slightly toned with a little light soiling. Please study the scans. Overall, a decent card (particularly considering it spent the better part of a month in the mail stream).
Thanks for considering this card.
The Fine Print:
Descriptions: I try to provide accurate descriptions but I’m not an expert -- my assessments can be off and internet sources may not be accurate. I try to list defects that are hard to see in a scan, but I might miss something, so do zoom in on the scans.
Scans/Photos: These are the most important part of the description. You need to examine them closely. If you see something you don’t like, there’s a good chance it’s still going to be there when you open the package. Still, it might be just a scanning artifact or lighting. The scanner can accentuate color differences making toning and soiling appear significantly more pronounced than they do when the card is in hand. If you have a doubt about what you’re seeing, please ask me about it before buying (or not buying.)
Definitions: “Antique” means at least 100 years old (pre-1921), while “Vintage” means at least 50 years old (pre-1971). Often, this is just my estimate and should not be taken as an expert assessment.
Stamps and Postal Markings are described generically to avoid outraged returns. Assume what’s being offered is the most common variety. I usually include a close-up scan to help you decide, but you’ll have to assign catalog numbers yourself.
Best Offer: Reasonable offers are always given careful consideration.
Shipping & Handling: Economy Shipping is packaged with added cardboard and sent as a non-machinable 1st Class Letter without tracking.
Delivery Time: The time given near the top of this listing is an eBay estimate – not mine and it is not guaranteed. The USPS does not guarantee delivery times for the First Class, Ground Advantage, and Priority Mail shipments that I use. The post office works on its own schedule and delays on their part are always a possibility (particularly around the holidays.) There’s rarely an issue with this but be aware. If you tell me your card didn’t show up, you get a refund. But please allow three weeks before filing a missing item claim with eBay.
State Sales Taxes: eBay will collect and remit sales tax on your purchase in accordance with your applicable state law. My being in tax free New Hampshire won’t save you.
Returns: Free domestic returns within 30 days.
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Questions: I’m happy to answer questions. It’s easier and cheaper to ask than to pack something up and return it. If you see an error in this listing, please let me know. Corrections are welcome.