1945 Rochester MN Postal Penalty Stamp Fragment - Historical Mail Artifact #3826011 (License: Personal Use)

This artifact is a torn fragment of a U.S. postal penalty stamp used in 1945 to deter private use of official mail services. It bears a circular postmark from Rochester, Minnesota dated July 26, 1945 at 2 PM, alongside printed text warning “PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE” and a wavy-line cancellation pattern typical of mid-20th century mail processing. The orange-brown paper shows age-related wear, adding authenticity and historical texture.

Used on collector websites, philatelic blogs, museum digital archives, or educational pages about U.S. postal history; targets users searching for vintage stamps, WWII-era mail, or local Minnesota history.