c.1911 Cuba Country Residence Postcard – Rotograph G12081 – Guantanamo Message

Original early 20th-century Cuban postcard depicting a traditional country residence, published by The Rotograph Co. and identified as catalog/image number G 12081.

Captioned bilingually “A Cuban Country Residence – Una casa de campo,” the card presents a striking color view of a rural Cuban home with a red tile roof and a horse-drawn carriage standing prominently in front.

This particular Rotograph image is documented in the Cuban Heritage Collection at the University of Miami, where an example of A Cuban Country Residence = Una casa de campo is dated 1911.

The reverse bears the period imprint:

República de Cuba – Tarjeta Postal – Union Postale Universelle

and identifies The Rotograph Co., N.Y. City (Germany).

An intriguing Guantanamo connection

The postcard was not postally mailed, but its reverse contains an original handwritten message in English:

“We will lay here till after the election and then go to Guantanamo for target practice. Murray.”

The reference to Guantanamo and target practice provides an unusual historical dimension to the card, although the identity and occupation of the writer have not been established.

Details

• Country: Cuba
• Approximate date: c. 1911
• Title: A Cuban Country Residence – Una casa de campo
• Publisher: The Rotograph Co., New York City
• Printing: Germany
• Card number: G 12081
• Subject: Cuban rural architecture / country life
• Image: Country residence with horse-drawn carriage
• Language: Spanish / English
• Reverse: Handwritten English message
• Historical reference in message: Guantanamo / target practice
• Postal status: Unmailed / no stamp or cancellation

Condition

Very good antique condition overall with expected signs of age and handling. The image remains colorful and well defined, with minor edge and corner wear and light age-related surface wear. The reverse shows toning and light staining consistent with age and retains the original handwritten message.

Please examine both photographs carefully for exact condition. The postcard pictured is the exact example offered for sale.