Antique RPPC Postcard Lot Marblehead MA Mason Family Archive 1907 Little Girls 1910

Up for sale is a rare, historically significant 2-card genealogical archive documenting the prominent Mason family of Marblehead, Massachusetts, from the peak of the postcard "Golden Age" (1907–1910). 

By keeping these two family pieces together, this lot preserves a fascinating, connected narrative of Marblehead's local history.

THE ARCHIVE INCLUDES:

 1. Card One (1907 Oval Vignette Portrait):

* Pictured: Sisters Helen T. Mason (born Oct 3, 1901, age 5 here) and Edith C. Mason (born May 5, 1904, age 3 here). They were the daughters of local teamster Isaac W. Mason Jr.

* Front Inscription: Handwritten in fountain pen: "Helen Mason, Edith Mason. This picture was taken last Sunday, Sept. 15th."

* Postal History: Bears a sharp circular date stamp from MARBLEHEAD, MASS. dated SEP 16, 1907 (the Monday after the photo was taken). It is addressed to their mother, "Mrs. Isaac W. Mason Jr., Marblehead, Mass., Box 44."

* Stamp Box: Features the uncommon "ONE-CENT ARISTO" Eagle emblem (Eastman Kodak paper).

2. Card Two (1910 Real Photo Postcard - RPPC):

* The Image: A fantastic, gritty, un-staged real photograph capturing a casual gathering of local working-class men and retired deep-sea skippers outside a town wharf building. Features a classic New England captain with a full white beard, a man holding a cat, and a large dog perched on a chair. Heavy coiled maritime ropes are visible to the right.

* The Family Connection: This card was mailed locally right within the town, addressed directly to the girls' great-uncle: "Mr. Job B. Mason, 6 Mason St., Marblehead, Mass." Job B. Mason (b. 1836) was a lifelong resident and shoe manufacturer. The historic 6 Mason Street home still stands today.

* Postal History: Sharp, clear Marblehead, Mass. postmark dated August 3, 1910, with a green 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamp.

TECHNICAL DETAILS:

- Era: 1907 & 1910

- Size: Standard Vintage Postcard (Approx. 3.5" x 5.5")

- Origin: Marblehead, Essex County, Massachusetts

CONDITION REPORT:

Both cards are in excellent antique condition for being over 115 years old. Card two is a genuine silver-gelatin photographic print with beautiful contrast. Both cards feature crisp text, clean reverse sides, and clear postal markings. No structural creases or tears. Expect minor, uniform corner softening typical of authentic period paper ephemera. Please review the high-resolution scans of both the fronts and backs to evaluate the precise condition.

SHIPPING:

To preserve their historic value, both postcards will be shipped inside protective rigid toploaders placed within a heavy-duty cardboard mailer. Shipped via tracked service to ensure safe arrival. Absolute must-have for regional North Shore historians, Essex County ephemera collectors, or Mason family genealogists.