Postcard Back (Dating Help) - EKKP Stamp Box
 

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:

1. Anyone know if they've seen this pose of Mantle before and when the photo might have been taken?
2. Has anyone ever found an EKKP stamp box used beyond 1950 and could the dating by Playle's, etc. be incorrect?
3. 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.

I can't see the image Derek. :confused:

updated to include photos! :D

Here are several other examples of that photo:
http://www.tineye.com/search/762ae7d...22cf62bb8d8a9/

Unfortunately most of those links don't lead back to actual information on the date, photographer, etc.

Getty Images says 1951, but without a photo credit.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/ne...-photo/2793221

ADDING: RPPC paper stock was sold in bulk, it would not be a huge surprise if paper that was discontinued in 1950 was used to print a photo in 1951.



David

Hi-
I hope I am wrong, but something about the image and back does not look right to me and I believe this is a fantasy piece. It would be a great postcard to own if it is from circa 1951 but there is something about the way it looks that would cause me not to buy it. However, I am definitely not an expert and would defer to those folks. I believe there are a couple of board members who own fairly extensive Mantle collections, including postcards who might be able to chime in.

Alan

Mantle PC
 

Thanks for the replies (and PMs) everyone. I really appreciate the responses to my questions. Question 3 regarding authenticity is the most important, quite honestly, although I'm very pleased that questions 1 and 2 have been answered satisfactorily.

Is there an "easy" way to distinguish vintage PCs from fantasy/repro pieces for something like this? I usually can just "tell" based on my xp, but this one is a little harder for me. If there's a tried and true test (or an expert in the Phoenix area), I'd love to get some help!

I'll try to get a better scan in the next few days to show the coloring of the back and frayed edges. This may help.

Just found this thread...

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=206497

Guess the jury is out! Also, looks like I definitely overpayed!!