ITEM SPECIFICS:

- Type: Paper Ephemera / Telegrams

- Company: Western Union

- Year: 1953 (August 16 & August 19)

- Origin: Sent via RCA from Hoerschning, Austria to Bakersfield, Missouri

- Number of Items: 2 original telegrams

- Condition: Vintage, used. Shows original folding creases, light edge wear, and minor aging characteristic of 1950s paper ephemera. No major tears affecting text. (See photos for exact condition details).

DESCRIPTION:

Vintage 1953 Western Union Military Telegram Lot (2) – Sent from Occupied Austria to Bakersfield, MO

Up for sale is a compelling pair of original Western Union telegrams dating from August 1953. These pieces offer a fascinating, poignant glimpse into post-WWII military history and personal drama involving an American serviceman stationed in US-occupied Austria.

Both telegrams were sent by "Jim" via RCA international transmission from Hoerschning, Austria (site of a major post-WWII US military base/airfield, Camp McCauley) to Mr. Alvis Atkinson in Bakersfield, Missouri.

Telegram 1 Details:

- Date: August 16, 1953 (9:30 AM)

- Message: "COMING HOME ON FURLOUGH WIRE DOLLARS 700.00 IMMEDIATELY C/O AMERICAN EXPRESS CAMP MCCAULEY AUSTRIA LOVE= JIM="

- Context: Jim requests a substantial sum of money ($700 in 1953) to be wired via American Express at Camp McCauley so he can come home on leave.

Telegram 2 Details:

- Date: August 19, 1953 (1:08 PM)

- Message: "NOT COMING ON FURLOUGH SENT DOLLARS 700 BACK SORRY IT HAPPENED THIS WAY BEST OF EVERYTHING FOR HER LOVE= JIM="

- Handwritten Note: Features a vintage pencil notation reading "Carters Garage, Bakersfield, Mo." where the local recipient was likely located for delivery.

- Context: Just three days later, plans have dramatically changed. Jim cancels the furlough, sends the money back, expresses regret ("sorry it happened this way"), and sends well wishes ("best of everything for her").

Historical Context: Following World War II, Austria was divided into Allied occupation zones. Camp McCauley (located at the Hörsching airfield near Linz, Austria) was a key base for the US Army. These telegrams capture the high cost, logistical coordination, and eventual heartbreak or sudden change of plans experienced by soldiers stationed overseas during the post-war occupation era.

Perfect for collectors of military history, 1950s Americana, paper ephemera, or Western Union / telegraph communication artifacts.