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Up for sale is a stunning, beautifully intact piece of authentic turn-of-the-century Americana history. This antique decorative panel features 20 genuine Edwardian-era leather postcards dating precisely from 1905 to 1907, systematically punched and laced together with original green leather thongs to form a cohesive wall hanging or cushion top cover. Unlike random postcard groupings, this piece represents a complete single-family personal archive. Flipping the panel over reveals that almost every single card was sent directly to Mrs. J. P. Hyde (or Mr. J.P. Hyde) across various historical residences on 7th Street and Morris Street in Portland, Oregon. Several cards are uniquely addressed care of the prominent local turn-of-the-century wholesale liquor firm, \"Henry Fleckenstein & Co.\" on Second Street. The cards beautifully document a travel itinerary through the American West just before the U.S. Post Office banned leather cards late in 1907. Highly legible cancellations pinpoint exact mailing dates, including a September 14, 1905 postmark from Livingston, Montana, followed just three days later by a September 17, 1905 postmark from Denver, Colorado.Front Illustration Highlights Include:
Early American Slang: Features the iconic mid-1900s phrase \"Skidoo!! 23 For You\"Classic Novelty Humor: The self-deprecating donkey cartoon captioned \"When Shall We Three Meet Again\"Regional Travel & Local Slogans: Highlights pieces from Yellowstone National Park, Spokane (\"Spirits in Spokane\" Rye Barrel), Seattle, Port Angeles, and Denver.Period Graphics: Detailed pyrography (pokerwork) etchings and colored inks depicting Edwardian fashion, comic characters, and wildlife.Philatelic Details: Features original green 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamps (Series 1902/1903) and Louisiana Purchase Exposition commemorative series.Condition: Excellent antique condition overall. The leather has remained remarkably supple, soft, and flexible for being 120 years old, free of the excessive brittle cracking or heavy rot frequently found with vintage hides. The handwritten ink text, stamps, and postmarks are sharp and legible. All perimeter lacing is robust and firmly holds the panel together. A spectacular, display-ready specimen of Pacific Northwest postal history and early American folk craft.
