A whisper from the past, this luggage tag evokes the golden age of ocean travel and the grandeur of the Matson Line's SS Mariposa. Picture yourself embarking from San Francisco, a bustling gateway to the Pacific, circa 1940, your steamer trunk bearing this very tag. Crafted from durable, deep blue card stock, the rectangular tag proclaims "Matson Line-Oceanic Line" in crisp white print. "San Francisco, San Francisco County, California," is clearly stated, pinpointing the origin to the iconic "Pier No. 30-32, Foot Main St." – a strategic location that highlights the Matson Line's prominence in the city's vibrant waterfront scene. San Francisco, then as now, throbbed with the pulse of transpacific voyages, and the Matson Line was instrumental in bridging the West Coast with the exotic allure of Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand. Observe the handwritten inscription: "Lightner Smith," elegantly penned in cursive, a testament to the personalized attention of bygone travel. The cabin assignment, "240," hints at the Mariposa's interior layout and the accommodations awaiting the passenger. The proud declaration "S.S. MARIPOSA" at the bottom firmly links this tag to one of Matson's finest vessels – a ship celebrated for its luxurious transpacific crossings and a symbol of maritime sophistication. The small print "R-42M (7500-1-46571-136)" tucked away in the upper right corner likely served as an internal form or inventory control number, a glimpse into the meticulous administrative machinery of the Matson Line. And of course, the circular perforation at the top left, where a cord once secured the tag to its accompanying luggage. Turn the tag over, and the blank white card stock on the reverse reveals subtle traces of its journey: minor smudges and a faint, indecipherable pencil mark near the bottom. These are not blemishes, but rather whispers of age and handling, subtle clues to the tag's history. The blank verso simply emphasizes the importance of the printed and written information on the other side. Remarkably well-preserved, the tag displays vibrant color and legible text, free from significant damage or wear. This speaks to both the quality of its construction – that sturdy card stock designed to withstand the rigors of travel – and the care it has received over the years. As a bonus, the seller offers additional information and images, inviting further research and authentication. Delving deeper into the SS Mariposa's history and the Matson Line's San Francisco operations will undoubtedly reveal even more about this compelling artifact and its place within the grand narrative of maritime history and transpacific exploration.