I usually do not offer reprints but have made an exception in this case. This lot consists of two high resolution copies of urgent family telegrams in the days immediately following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and five vintage reprint photos of the devastation.
The five 11 by 14 photos showing a devastated San Francisco are all dated April 18, 1906. The photos, printed on slightly glossy regular paper, date from the 1970's. These are half tone prints, not actual photographic prints. Included are
Crocker Residence
Fire Near Fairmont Hotel
Nob Hill
Earthquake Crack
San Francisco After the Fire
Condition of the photo prints is near mint with just a hint of age toning around the edges.
The lot also includes high resolution copies of two telegrams (scanned and printed on coated imaging paper at 600 dpi). The first was sent from Oak Park, Illinois, on April 19, 1906 (the day after the earthquake) by George Wilbur urgently seeking information about his brother and family in San Francisco. The telegram, sent to a Mrs. Bofinger in Red Bluff, CA, reads, "Am very anxious about Albert and family. Answer Chicago." The answer, three long days later on April 22nd, must have been reassuring: "Chicago-- All safe and well home saved. Mrs. S. J. Bofinger." (I've also included a copy of a 1904 telegram sent from George to brother Albert that verifies Albert's San Francisco residence at 116 Duncan Street.)
While none of the material in this lot actually dates back to 1906, I think the items are sufficiently interesting to break my usual rule against offering reprints on ebay. Any of the items could be attractively framed.
High bidder to pay $5.00 toward priority mail shipping. Insured or international would be additional. I pack carefully and am happy to combine shipments to reduce your costs. Authenticity and buyer satisfaction always guaranteed.
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