This compelling real photo postcard presents a formal studio portrait of a young United States Army soldier photographed during the World War I era. The subject is shown from the chest up, wearing a regulation U.S. Army service uniform and campaign hat, with a calm, direct gaze that reflects the seriousness of military service during this period. The image is sharply focused and well lit, allowing uniform details to be clearly observed. Of particular interest are the collar insignia visible on the soldier’s tunic. The crossed symbols on the collar appear consistent with insignia associated with the U.S. Army Medical Department, suggesting that this soldier may have served in a medical or support role rather than in a front-line combat unit. While the precise branch cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty from the photograph alone, the presence of medical-style insignia strongly supports an association with the Army Medical Corps or related service during World War I. The reverse of the postcard provides valuable identifying information. Written in blue ink is the name Elmer A. Martz, along with Lafayette, Indiana, and the notation “Route D.” In this context, “Route D” refers to a rural mail route designation and indicates the mailing address rather than the photographer or studio. Based on standard postcard practices of the era, it is most likely that Elmer A. Martz was the recipient of the postcard, not necessarily the soldier depicted in the photograph. There is no message present, suggesting the card may have been sent as a keepsake or identification portrait. The postcard features an AZO stamp box, a commonly used photographic paper mark. The specific AZO configuration visible on this card dates its production to approximately 1907–1918, which aligns perfectly with the World War I timeframe and further supports the military context of the image. Real photo postcards of identified World War I servicemen—particularly those associated with medical units—are not common. The postcard is in very good vintage condition for its age. The photograph retains strong contrast and clarity, with no creases or tears. There is light, even toning consistent with early 20th-century photographic paper, along with minor edge and corner wear. The reverse remains clean and fully legible. Overall, this is a well-preserved example of a World War I era real photo postcard (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $32.00 at auction
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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