Offered is an original color postcard titled “Hawaii – Symbols of the South Seas.” The artwork creatively spells HAWAII using illustrated island-themed symbols, including surfboards, bamboo, a uniformed figure, a couple embracing, a pineapple, and a palm tree. The card is signed László in the artwork.

The postcard was mailed and bears military postal markings, making it an interesting combination of Hawaii souvenir and military mail history.

Postcard Details

• Title: Hawaii – Symbols of the South Seas
• Subject: Stylized “HAWAII” lettering with South Seas-themed illustrations
• Artist Signature: László
• Postcard Type: Color view postcard
• Back: Divided back
• Publisher: Fastcolor Honolulu Ltd. (printed along the divider)
• Printing Method: Color printed process postcard
• Embossing: None visible
• Series/Number: None visible
• Postmarked: Yes
• Stamp: Removed/missing
• Writing: Yes, handwritten message on reverse
• Military Postal Markings: U.S. Army Examiner censor cachet and military postal markings visible

Historical Context

Illustrated souvenir postcards celebrating Hawaii became popular during the mid-twentieth century as tourism expanded and service members traveled through or were stationed in the Pacific. Rather than depicting a scenic view, this postcard uses decorative artwork to represent recognizable symbols associated with Hawaii and the South Seas.

The reverse identifies the publisher as Fastcolor Honolulu Ltd. The presence of a U.S. Army Examiner censor marking and military postal routing adds another layer of historical interest, reflecting the handling of mail sent through military postal channels.

Why Collectors Appreciate This Card

This postcard is desirable to collectors of:

• Hawaii souvenir postcards
• Military mail and postal history
• U.S. Army postal history
• Pacific and South Seas memorabilia
• Mid-century travel souvenirs
• Artist-signed postcard artwork
• Pineapple, surf, and tropical-themed ephemera

Condition

Pre-owned postcard with age-related wear consistent with use and mailing. The postcard has handwritten correspondence on the reverse, postal markings, censor cachet, toning, edge wear, corner wear, surface wear, and the postage stamp has been removed.

Please use eBay’s magnifier/zoom feature to carefully inspect the edges, corners, creases, surface wear, writing, stains, paper loss, album residue, stamp removal, postal markings, and any other imperfections before purchasing.

The postcard shown is the exact item you will receive.