This vintage postcard-- published by Tuck & Sons out of Great Britain and one from its Decoration Day series-- shows a patriotic scene of American Civil War soldiers, an eagle atop crossed cannons, a draped flag, and a Grand Army of the republic medal.

On the backside a father writes to his son: "My son This is the only Flag on Earth ~ Father".

The postcard was postmarked in June of 1911 in Annapolis, Maryland, and it was sent to Mr. W. Shoemaker, described as "in Camp" aboard the U.S.S. Iowa in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; however, it looks as though the postcard was re-directed to go to the recipient aboard the U.S.S. Lancaster.

*The USS Lancaster served in the American Civil War-- commissioned in 1859 and decommissioned in 1902. According to Wikipedia, "Lancaster served as receiving ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard , 16 November 1903 to 31 March 1912..."

After many years the postcard may show some typical wear.

PLEASE review the scans carefully and then purchase confidently.

For a domestic mailing, I'll send your item(s) free of charge with standard first class shipping within the United States. In the effort to keep our costs down, I tend to trust my customers and our postal service, and it works out great "99.9%" of the time. If you want to purchase certified mail services (includes tracking), then please send me a message so that we can make arrangements.


Thanks for considering this keepsake.


General Guideline of Postcard Eras

Pre-Postcard (c. 1848-1870)

Pioneer (c. 1870-1898)

Private Mailing Card (c. 1898-1907)

Undivided Back (c. 1901-1907)

Divided Back (c. 1907-1915)

White Border (c. 1915-1930)

Linen (c. 1930-1945)

Photochrome (c. 1939-Present)

Real Photo (1900-Present)

Continental (1950's-Present)