Sunday, January 08, 2012

Baggage fee in 1912

 

001

 

From the early 1900s, you’ll find postcards featuring a postman about to deliver a letter, such as the example above.  And often a “bag” would be attached to the card containing a strip of photos.

003

 

In this instance, the bag contains 10 photos of Brussels (above).  So should what is ostensibly a postcard pay the letter rate in view of the bag and its enclosure?

002

Brussels, Belgium, 8 August, 1912, to Petange,
9 August 1912 – taxed 10 centimes

Apparently “yes,” as this card, which was sent at the 5-centime postcard rate, was taxed 10 centimes (that being double the 5-centime deficiency from the 10-centime letter rate then in effect).

That charge reminds me of the ever-increasing fees we pay at the airport for bags, extra bags, and the carbon emissions air travel produces!

 

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