Postcards from the American Export Lines

American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines, New York, was the leading US-flag shipping company between the U.S. east coast and the Mediterranean from 1919 to 1977, offering both cargo ship services and passenger ship services, until it declared bankruptcy and was acquired by Farrell Lines, New York.

Our AEL Postcard Collection features the sister ships Constitution and Independence -- very popular ships and successful on their "Sunlane" route between New York, Algeciras, Cannes, Genoa, and Naples.

Front Side of a Color Postcard of the Sister Ships SS Independence and the SS Constitution of the American Export Line. nd circa 1950.

Front Side of a Color Postcard of the Sister Ships SS Independence and the SS Constitution of the American Export Line. Statue of Liberty is Visible in Front of the Ship in the Far Left of this Image. 1929 American Folkard Corporation, New Rochelle, NY. GGA Image ID # 15ee283bb5

Back Side of a Color Postcard of the Sister Ships SS Independence and the SS Constitution of the American Export Line.

Back Side of a Color Postcard of the Sister Ships SS Independence and the SS Constitution of the American Export Line. GGA Image ID # 15ee489fd6

S.S. INDEPENDENCE AND HER SISTER - SHIP S.S. CONSTITUTION
Tonnage 29,500 tons Length 683 feet
Record Speed 26.1 knots
Capacity 1,000 passengers

Modern American Living At Sea is yours aboard the S.S. INDEPENDENCE . . . and her sister ship, S.S. CONSTITUTION. First completely air-conditioned transatlantic luxury liners, these great ships provide frequent, rapid service to All Europe via the Mediterranean. Sailing the pleasant Sun-Lane Route to Europe with 87% rain-free days . . . provides a wonderful introduction to your trip. American designs, American fabrics . . . even an American soda fountain . . . and true American hospitality characterize the friendly informality and fine service on the S.S. INDEPENDENCE and the CONSTITUTION. The stunning Sea Island Club . . . charming Independence (or Constitution) Lounge .. . the gay Boat 'n Bottle Bar . . . set the scene for many good times. All staterooms in First and Cabin Class have their own private bathrooms and are completely convertible from restful bedrooms at night to spacious living rooms by day.

  • Title: Postcard:S.S. Independence ... American Export Lines ... S.S. Constitution
  • Creator: American Folkard Corporation
  • Date Created: 1929
  • Location: New Rochelle, NY
  • Subject Keywords: Steamships, American Export Lines, SS Independence, SS Constitution, Statue of Liberty
  • Type: Steamship Travel & Souvenirs
  • Medium: cardstock, photomechanical reproduction, Intended to be used as a Postcard letter with Glue on the perimeter of the Stationery on the back side. The full front side has the ship image and typical postcard back side.

Front Side of a Postcard of the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Postally Used 26 August 1958.

Front Side of a Postcard of the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Postally Used 26 August 1958. GGA Image ID# 15eeac8fc1

Back Side of a Postcard of the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Postally Used 26 August 1958.

Back Side of a Postcard of the SS Constitution of the American Export Lines, Postally Used 26 August 1958. Postage stamps from Portugal and postmarked Lisboa (Lisbon). GGA Image ID # 15eecfb02c

S. S. CONSTITUTION
AMERICAN EXPORT LINES

1000 passengers - 23 knots cruising speed, 29,500 tons. She and her sister, SS Independence, are the first completely air-conditioned transatlantic liners. These thoroughly modern ships exemplify Modern American Living at Sea. They are in regular transatlantic service between New York, Algeciras, Cannes, Genoa, and Naples.

Front Side of Color Postcard of the SS Independence of the American Export Lines. nd circa 1951.

Front Side of Color Postcard of the SS Independence of the American Export Lines. nd circa 1951. GGA Image ID # 15eee83039

Back Side of Color Postcard of the SS Independence of the American Export Lines. nd circa 1951.

Back Side of Color Postcard of the SS Independence of the American Export Lines. nd circa 1951. GGA Image ID # 15ef5e5284

S.S. INDEPENDENCE
AMERICAN EXPORT LINES
The beautiful Sunliners . . . S. S. INDEPENDENCE and her sister ship S. S. CONSTITUTION provide regular service between New York and Mediterranean ports along the Sunlane. 1,088 passengers ... 23 knots cruising speed . . . 683 feet long . . . 30,090 tons.

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