1930 QSL from Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania
This striking early 1930s QSL card from W8AJQ captures the technical elegance of amateur radio’s golden age. Created by Frank Dreistadt of 154 Holland Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the card features a structured signal report template and is signed “RADIO PRESS,” suggesting Dreistadt was a serious operator, possibly even a writer or contributor in the ham radio world. This particular card is unposted, meaning it was never mailed or exchanged, making it a pristine example of early radio correspondence.
The card invites the recipient to report on signal quality using classic Q-code shorthand: QSA (signal strength), QRI (tone quality), and QRM (interference), among others. Spaces are provided to record key specs like kilocycle band, transmitter/receiver types, tube configurations, power supply voltage, and the number of R.F. and A.F. stages in the operator’s setup. These details reflect the DIY spirit of Depression-era ham radio, when operators built and fine-tuned their own equipment from scratch.
A request at the bottom reads: “Pse QSL Tnx CU Agn, Vy 73”, an old-school ham sign-off meaning “Please send your card, thanks, see you again, best regards.” Typed call sign W8AJQ sits prominently in the center, accompanied by the abbreviation (R&R), possibly referencing “Receive and Report” or a station category.
In the early 20th century, QSL cards were essential tools of communication among amateur radio operators, serving as mailed confirmations of contact. The name comes from the Q-code “QSL,” which means “I acknowledge receipt.” These cards combined technical data with personal flair, often exchanged between total strangers united by curiosity and radio waves. Today, QSLs like this one offer a glimpse into a world where global connections were forged one frequency at a time, with handwritten notes, hand-built radios, and a whole lot of ingenuity.
This postcard would look great framed, make a wonderful host or hostess gift, or make an excellent addition to any collection.
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