Luxembourg to Vervins (France) misdirected to Verviers (Belgium)—April 6, 7, 8 & 9 (1895) & Special Delivery to a Wine Bar in Metz (1899)

 

In the late 1800s—before cars, trucks, and buses were commonplace—mail delivery was accomplished with remarkable efficiency.  This was partly due to the extensive development of rail service and government recognition of the commercial importance of prompt delivery. 

In contrast, today the conversation in the United States, for example, is about the postal service’s pension-driven deficits, yet another increase in the first-class letter rate, and the imminent end of Saturday delivery.   It sort of gives “progress” a bad name.

Here are a couple enjoyable examples of 1890s efficient mail handling as I assemble an album of Grand Duke Adolphe covers:

Luxembourg to Vervins (France) via Verviers (Belgium)

Luxembourg-Ville, 6 Apr 1895, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Misdirected to: Verviers (Station), Belgium, 7 Apr 1895, 12:00 noon

Redirected from: Verviers (Station), Belgium 8 Apr 1895, 7:00 a.m.

Received at: Vervins (Aisne), France 9 Apr 1895

 

From the famous Luxembourg rose growers, Ch. Gemen & Bourg

 

Special Delivery to a Rheinische Wine Bar in Metz in 1899 Four-color Franking! Luxembourg-Ville, 28 Nov 1899, 6:00-7:00 a.m., to Metz in the then-German Lorraine, 28 Nov 1899, 1:00-2:00 p.m. 10c postal card rate 30c special delivery fee [25c registry fee paid? but card was not registered]