SS Drottningholm Inspection Card - 1923
US Inspection Card (Immigrants and Steerage Passengers) For Earnst O. W. Carsuer, Sailing from Gothenburg 15 September 1923 on the SS Drottningholm of the Swedish American Line, Arriving in New York 25 September 1923. GGA Image ID # 1fb881d945
Transcription of Inspection Card
Inspection Card
(Immigrants and Steerage Passengers)
Contract Ticket No, 22944
S/S "Drottningholm" Swedish American Line
Port of Departure: Gothenburg
Date of Departure: 15 September 1923
Name of Immigrant: Ernst O. W. Carsuer
Last Residence: Sweden
Inspected and Passed: 25 September 1923
Ship's List or Manifest "E" No. 11, Line 8.
The Ship's Surgeon, Herman Wahlström, Attested to His Vaccination on the Reverse Side of the Inspection Card—the Left Side Showing the Stamped Signature of the Ship's Surgeon. GGA Image ID # 1fb8d0d0b2
The Reverse Side of the Inspection Card Stated, "Keep This Card to Avoid Detention at Quarantine and on the Railroads in the United States." in English and Four Other Languages: Swedish, Norwegian/Danish, Finish, and German. GGA Image ID # 1fb8fe16f8
Collector's Item Auction Details
US Immigration Inspection Card for the SS Drottningholm – 1923
Description and Historical Context
An extraordinary artifact from the Golden Age of transatlantic migration, this US Immigration Inspection Card, issued to Earnst O. W. Carsuer, documents his passage aboard the SS Drottningholm of the Swedish American Line. Dated 15 September 1923, this card served as both proof of identity and clearance for immigration officials upon arrival in the United States.
The SS Drottningholm, renowned for its reliability and comfort, was instrumental in transporting immigrants, diplomats, and travelers during the early 20th century. The vessel departed from Gothenburg, Sweden, and arrived at New York Harbor on 25 September 1923, completing a journey emblematic of hope and opportunity for thousands of European immigrants.
Front Side Details
The front side of the card contains essential passenger and voyage details:
- Ship Name: SS Drottningholm (Swedish American Line).
- Port of Departure: Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Date of Departure: 15 September 1923.
- Name of Immigrant: Earnst O. W. Carsuer.
- Last Residence: Sweden.
- Contract Ticket Number: 22944.
- Inspection Details:
- Date Passed: 25 September 1923.
- Manifest Reference: Manifest "E," No. 11, Line 8.
This card was an indispensable document, allowing passengers to avoid detention at quarantine stations and ensuring smooth onward travel within the United States.
Reverse Side Details
The reverse side contains multilingual instructions to accommodate the diverse immigrant population arriving in the U.S. during this period.
- Languages: English, Swedish, Norwegian/Danish, Finnish, and German.
- Instruction:
- “Keep This Card to Avoid Detention at Quarantine and on the Railroads in the United States.”
Additionally, the reverse bears the attestation of vaccination from the ship's surgeon, Herman Wahlström, certifying the immigrant's compliance with public health requirements.
Historical Significance
This inspection card is not merely a piece of paper—it represents the story of one individual embarking on a journey of transformation. Documents like this offer a rare glimpse into the meticulous processes of early 20th-century immigration and reflect the care taken to ensure the safety, health, and proper documentation of all passengers.
The SS Drottningholm, a vessel of the Swedish American Line, was a key link between Scandinavia and the Americas during the interwar period. Cards such as this are emblematic of the immigrant experience and have become highly sought-after artifacts, particularly for their historical, genealogical, and social significance.
Collector's Appeal
This item is highly desirable to collectors of:
- Immigration History: Offering a tangible connection to the journey of millions of immigrants.
- Maritime Ephemera: Tied to the iconic SS Drottningholm, celebrated for its role in Scandinavian migration.
- Swedish American Heritage: Of particular interest to those tracing family histories and Scandinavian-American cultural links.
- Public Health History: Features an attestation of vaccination, a key element of early 20th-century health protocols.
Condition
- Overall Condition: Good, with no significant defects noted.
- Legibility: All printed and stamped details are clear, and the document remains structurally intact. Minor creasing and edge wear consistent with handling during travel.
Estimated Auction Value
- Low Estimate: $180 USD
- High Estimate: $250 USD
The estimated value reflects the artifact's rarity, excellent preservation, and its association with the SS Drottningholm, an emblematic vessel of Scandinavian migration to the Americas.
Conclusion
This US Immigration Inspection Card, tied to the SS Drottningholm and dating to 1923, is a profound artifact of the immigrant experience. Its intricate details and historical context capture a moment of hope, transformation, and the structured processes that defined early 20th-century transatlantic travel. As both a personal narrative and a broader reflection of mass migration, this document is an invaluable piece of maritime and immigration history, making it a prized addition to any esteemed collection.
