So, I was thrilled to pick up this Mantle postcard on eBay last week. It has an EKKP stamp box on back, which purportedly was only used until 1950 (according to Playle's and other sources). However, Mantle is clearly in a Yankees uniform and he didn't officially start with the club until 1951 (I believe he got to travel with the team late in the 1950 season, but probably didn't get to wear the pinstripes).
The seller is pretty good and knows his postcards and believes it to
not be a reproduction, although I have my doubts based on the facts.
A few questions:
- Anyone know if they've seen this pose of Mantle before and when the photo might have been taken?
- Has anyone ever found an EKKP stamp box used beyond 1950 and could the dating by Playle's, etc. be incorrect?
- Has anyone seen reproduction postcards using this style back? I'm particularly leery of the fraying on the side that looks a little too white for my taste.
__________________
...
http://imageevent.com/derekgranger
HOF "Earliest" Collection (Ideal - Indiv): 244/342 (71.4%)
1914 T330-2 Piedmont Art Stamps......: 114/119 (95.8%)
1923 V100 Willard's Chocolate............: 177/180 (98.3%)