Description
Original real photo postcard showing Mount Orizaba rising beyond the harbor at Vera Cruz, Mexico, photographed from or near the USS Virginia. The handwritten photographic caption reads:
“MT. ORIZABA – 75 MILES FROM U.S.S. VA., VERA CRUZ MEXICO – WILSON PHOTO.”
This scarce naval-history image was likely produced around 1914, when USS Virginia served in Mexican waters during the United States occupation of Veracruz. The four-triangle-up AZO stamp box dates the photographic paper to approximately 1904-1918, supporting the period attribution.
Notable features include:
* Original AZO real photo postcard rather than a mass-produced printed view
* Direct captioned association with USS Virginia, Battleship No. 13
* Historical connection to the 1914 U.S. occupation of Veracruz
* Early view of Mount Orizaba, Mexico’s highest mountain
* Credited “Wilson Photo” image
* Unused divided-back postcard with no writing, stamp, address, or postmark
* No identical example located in current postcard or eBay searches
* Strong crossover appeal for U.S. Navy, Mexican history, Great White Fleet, volcano, and military-photography collectors
The identity of “Wilson Photo” has not been definitively established. Because real photo postcards were sometimes produced in very small quantities, this may be an exceptionally scarce image, although it cannot be conclusively described as one of a kind.
Condition shows age toning, scattered surface and border soiling, softened corners, light edge wear, small white emulsion marks in the lower portion of the image, and subdued contrast from age and atmospheric haze. No major tears are apparent. Please view all the photos for the complete condition and presentation.
Single cover ships via eBay Standard Envelope (tracked). If you purchase 2+ covers/postcards or request rigid packing, I’ll upgrade to USPS Ground Advantage (tracked) and combine shipping.
#251
