1900s Straits Settlements Singapore German Mail Steamer Borneo Wharf Postcard

1900s Straits Settlements Singapore German Mail Steamer Borneo Wharf Lambert Postcard

Front description:

A hand-coloured collotype view of the docks at Borneo Wharf, Singapore, showing a large German mail steamer moored alongside the quay at left, its multi-tiered white superstructure and lifeboats rising high above the wharf. A gangway connects the ship to the pier. The long timber-decked wharf stretches into the distance, crowded with a busy scene of dock labourers, coolies, and passengers — many wearing conical hats, some carrying baskets on shoulder poles, pushing handcarts and barrows, and handling cargo, crates, and sacks. To the right stands a large arch-roofed godown (warehouse/cargo shed) marked with the number “37,” with an external staircase and loading platforms. A tall lamp post rises at centre, and gantry crane structures are visible along the quayside. The tonal photograph is delicately tinted with blue-green (roofs, ship trim) and yellow/flesh tones (clothing, buildings). A small plate number “28418” appears at lower right.

Printed along the left edge (vertical): G. R. Lambert & Co., Singapore

Printed caption in red along the bottom: German Mail steamer at Borneo Wharf. Singapore

Back description:

The back is an undivided back printed in grey, as required for postcards of the period (address only on the back, message on the front). No stamp box.

Printed text, centred at top:

UNION POSTALE UNIVERSELLE
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS
POST CARD
THE ADDRESS ONLY TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE.

The card shows age toning, foxing, and staining. There is a residual mount/adhesive mark at the lower right. No stamp, postmark, or handwritten message — the card is unused.

Estimated era: Circa 1900–1907. The undivided back (with “The address only to be written on this side”) dates it to the early “undivided back” period, before the divided back was permitted (in the Straits Settlements from around 1907). G. R. Lambert & Co. was the premier photographic firm in Singapore during this era, and their hand-tinted UPU Straits Settlements cards of shipping and harbour subjects are characteristic of the 1900–1905 period.

• Please
  closely inspect the photos to understand the condition of the coins or
  banknotes before proceeding with your purchase, as grading can be
  subjective and varies from person to person.
• Please do not place too much hope on grading companies to grade the notes accurately, as they can be notoriously inconsistent.
• Different graders have different opinions, eye factors, and knowledge that influence the final grading.
• Even grading companies do not guarantee that you will get the outcome of your desired grading.
• If
  you have any questions or require additional information, I am more
  than happy to assist. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Shipping Information

• Combined Shipping:
  We offer combined shipping for all banknotes. To take advantage of this
  offer, please add the items to your cart together and only proceed to
  checkout once you are ready to pay. The combined shipping is calculated
  at the checkout page. Please do not pay for items individually, as the
  shipping costs will not be combined that way.
• Customs, Duty, Tariff Fees: Buyers are responsible for any applicable customs, duty or tariff fees.
• International Shipping:
  Shipping duration can vary, typically ranging from 14 to 60 business
  days for standard delivery. Please be aware that these shipping times
  are estimates and depend on the operational efficiencies of the shipping
  companies, which we cannot control.
• Postage Costs:
  Please note that international shipping via Australia Post is not
  cheap. We strive to keep the shipping costs as low as possible,
  sometimes even absorbing a portion of the costs. All orders are sent
  with end-to-end tracking for safety and reliability.
• Untracked Shipping Requests:
  If a buyer insists on requesting an untracked, cheaper shipping option,
  we reserve the right to grant or refuse the request. If untracked
  shipping is granted, please be aware that we have no way of tracking the
  mail, and the buyer is strictly responsible for any losses in transit.
• Tracking and Logistics:
  Please check Australia Post for tracking status. Since we do not own
  Australia Post, we have absolutely no control over their handling times
  and methods. Australia is a huge continent, and logistics are
  challenging, coupled with one of the highest minimum wages in the world,
  making costs and operations tough. Please check with your postal
  service or local post offices if any unattended mail notes are left, as
  we absolutely can’t control that remotely.

Customer Conduct

• Please be respectful when communicating with us. We do not tolerate abusive behaviour from buyers.
• If you do not agree with the postage cost or any other terms, please refrain from making a purchase.