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Step back into Edwardian-era San Francisco with this rare and evocative original 1905 Chief of Police reward notice postcard. Issued by Geo. W. Wittman, then Chief of Police, it offers a $50 reward (over $1,600 today) for the return of Star, a white and brown setter beloved by owner J. Brown of Silver Street.
Featuring four real photo images of Star, this notice meticulously lists his identifying marks: brown ears, a spot behind the right shoulder, another near the tail, and even a scar on his neck. It notes that Star was “very fond of water” — a detail that makes the century-old story instantly human and relatable.
Postmarked January 31, 1905, and addressed to the Sheriff of Ventura County, this piece is more than just lost dog ephemera — it’s an insight into how police and sheriffs coordinated across California in the days before modern communication.
Chief Wittman’s tenure was short-lived but historically significant, ending in controversy after the 1906 earthquake. Surviving police-issued ephemera from his office is scarce, and this example combines law enforcement history, San Francisco heritage, and early animal rescue efforts in one remarkable piece.
Dimensions: Approx. 7.5”x4.5”
Condition: Light age toning, minor edge wear, strong print and photos, original postmark and stamp intact.
Keywords for collectors: San Francisco Police, Geo W Wittman, lost dog poster, reward notice, real photo postcard, RPPC, Edwardian, early California law enforcement, Setter dog, antique animal ephemera, pre-earthquake San Francisco, postal history.
