Date Of Postmark??

While on vacation, I found this little gem at an antique store. This is an extraordinary find (for me)....since the post mark is from the West End post office. Right down the block from my house! Trying to determine the year, but the stamp I gather is common, and the postmark itself is blurry. However perhaps that's 1911 on the bottom of the mark? What do you guys think? Anyway quite a rush when I found it some 200 miles from home!

It reads to me July 28, 1911 (11 AM). (Incidentally, July 28, 1911 was a Friday.)

It may also be interesting to point out that the post office at West End, NJ was discontinued on June 30, 1917 and subsequently was given "station" status thereafter as a part of Long Branch, NJ.



I believe it continues that way to the present day. In fact, if you search the USPS website and enter West End, NJ, the Long Branch, NJ location at 131 Brighton Avenue is displayed.

1911 looks good.

Terry

I also agree on the '1911' especially given that this date is in the time period range of postcards produced by The American News Company (made in Germany) such as their Litho-chromes and their Polychromes.

Thanks everyone for their input. 1911 it is. It's in the hands of my local historical society who is working with our library digitizing such materials. WT1 where did find that blurb about the WEST END station? Any chance you can determine the WEST END PO address of old. I can confirm the 131 Brighton address is still operational, since I have been patronizing it for the last 15 years Lol. Thanks again!

The above excerpt was taken from The Postal Bulletin for June 25, 1917. The entire document is at this link. (The reference to West End, NJ is in column two.)

http://www.uspostalbulletins.com/PD...df#search=""