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Historical Significance & WWII Narrative
This extraordinary topographical postcard offers a moving historical bridge between pre-war Manila and the aftermath of World War II. While the front depicts a vibrant 1920s view ofRizal Avenue, the reverse contains a deeply personal handwritten message from a soldier namedBill Jones, datedAugust 2, 1945. He reflects on entering Manila onFebruary 4, 1945, during the liberation, and notes that by August, the buildings shown on the front were in \"ruines.\" This card serves as a powerful eyewitness account of the devastation of the capital.Collector Detail & Quality
Published byThe Camera Company, Manila, this card is a \"C.T. Photochrom\" lithograph (Catalog No. R-88770). The contrast between the lively, hand-colored street scene on the front and the soldier\'s somber description of the war-torn city on the back makes this a museum-quality piece ofFilipinianaandWWII military history. The message is written to his wife as an anniversary greeting, adding a significant layer of social and emotional history to the artifact.Condition Report
Thisoriginal antique single unitis in excellent condition. Despite its 80-year history and its time in a soldier\'s possession during the war, the card remains remarkably clean. The blue ink handwriting is bold and fully legible. There is minor age-toning and very light corner wear consistent with its era. It remains unposted (likely sent in a protective military mail envelope). Please refer to the high-resolution images to confirm the exact physical condition of this rare historical artifact.Search Tags:Manila Philippines Postcard, Rizal Avenue History, WWII Soldier Letter, Liberation of Manila 1945, Philippine History, The Camera Company Manila, Military Correspondence, Battle of Manila, Historical Ephemera, Filipiniana, Bill Jones Soldier.
