Description: (includes all scans and photos)

For Sale: A street view of Winter Street in Boston produced by Reichner Bros., Boston, printed in Germany, and numbered 17293. The card has a smooth matte finish, no border, and is postally used with a dated postmark, RPO flag cancel, and a stamp.

Interesting details: This card is based on an early photo – no automobiles, only horse-drawn vehicles. This a crowded street scene with a uniformed police officer standing in the middle of the street. There is a large Orpheum Theater sign marking the theater’s Winter St. entrance and across the street is the A Stowell & Co jewelry store at 42 Winter St.

Identifiers: On the front:  “WINTER STREET, BOSTON, MA” (title), “17293” (card/negative number).” On the back: “Made in Germany, Reichner Bros., Boston, München, Leipzig.”

Postal and Other Markings: “Boston Mass Oct 02 1909 2-AM” (circular date stamp), “Boston Circuit R.P.O. 2” (flag cancel – lightly struck), 1¢ stamp. Note: the Boston Circuit RPO ran only at night, hence the 2AM postmark.

Condition: postally used with message and address in pencil. Edge and corner wear with chipping, particularly along the top. Very light wear and soiling on the front and moderate toning on the back. Please study the scans.

Thanks for considering this listing.

 

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 and 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.

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. 

HB27aR GP06.6