Apr 13, 2023 - Sale 2633

Sale 2633 - Lot 245

Price Realized: $ 688
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(MEXICO--REVOLUTION.) Group of 11 postcards from the Decena Tragica coup which overthrew President Madero. 10 unused Real Photo postcards, most by Miret of Mexico, most captioned, plus one unillustrated postcard with an American's account of the coup; minimal wear. Mexico, February 1913
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Additional Details

"La Decena Tragica" (Ten Tragic Days) was a coup with overthrew moderate revolutionary president Francisco Madero from 9 to 18 February 1913. After his capture, he was executed on 22 February. These illustrated Real Photo postcards show "muertos frente al Palacio Nacional," coup leader General Victoriano Huerta with admirers, the futile makeshift artillery defenses against the attack, damaged buildings including Madero's presidential palace, the site of Madero's impromptu execution, and an interior shot of soldiers firing from the window of the Y.M.C.A. building.

Also included is an unillustrated postcard which was sent from Mexico City by American Albert W. Heydtmann to his wife in Schenectady, NY two days after the completion of the coup--and two days before Madero was executed. "Since the 9th there was no mail service with the U.S. and no cable service for private people, besides both places were in direct fire line. . . . I am safe and well now. Saw the Y.M.C.A. today the first time again. It is ruined, the rooms uninhabitable for a good while to come, if ever again. All quarters looted and I have once more lost everything except what I now stand in. Am hunting now for a room, which are scarce and dear." Pre-paid postcard dated 20 February 1913 with inked postmark of same date.