Beautiful Mexican Passport 1917 Issued In New York
This document is a Mexican passport issued in New York City in 1917. Here is the translation of the key information: Citizen Juan T. Burns, Consul General of Mexico in New York, N.Y., U.S.A., grants free and safe passport to Mrs. Concepcion Aponte Viuda de Rossell (Widow of Rossell), to travel to EUROPE. And requests the civil and military authorities of the countries through which she travels not to place obstacles in her way and to provide her with help and protection in case of necessity. Given in New York, on the thirty-first day of the month of August, nineteen hundred and seventeen (August 31, 1917).
Personal Description (Filiación)
- Parentage: Daughter of Francisco Aponte and Mrs. Soledad Rios de A.
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 60 years old
- Civil Status: Widow
- Stature: Regular
- Complexion/Color: White
- Eyes: Brown
- Hair: White
The document lists that she is accompanied by her grandson, Ernesto Nevi, 6 years of age and her daughter, Guadalupe Rossell de Nevi and contains several specific stamps and signatures that provide a fascinating window into the diplomatic administration of the Mexican Consulate in New York during the First World War.
The Signatures
Juan T. Burns (Center Bottom): This is the official signature of the Consul General of Mexico in New York. Burns was a notable figure during the Mexican Revolution era; earlier in 1917, he was famously involved in legal and diplomatic tensions in New York regarding the “de facto” Mexican government. His signature here authenticates the document’s validity.
C. A. Vi. Rossell (Bottom Left): This is the handwritten signature of the passport holder, Concepción Aponte Viuda de Rossell. The “Vi.” stands for Viuda (Widow), which was the standard naming convention for widows in Spanish-speaking countries at the time.
The Official Stamps
There are three primary stamps on the document:
- The Mexican National Emblem (Top Center): A large, detailed engraving of the Mexican Coat of Arms (the eagle perched on a cactus devouring a serpent). This symbolizes the sovereign authority of the Republic.
- Consulado General de México en Nueva York (Circular Red/Purple Stamps):
- One is placed over the photos on the left, “canceling” them to prevent tampering.
- Another is placed next to the “Gratis” (Free) notation on the right.
- A third is located at the bottom right.
- Text within the circle: It reads “Consulado General de México en Nueva York” around the border, with the national seal in the center.
- The “Gratis” (Free) Notation (Top Right):
- Handwritten as No. 569, this indicates the document was issued without a fee. During this period, Mexican consulates often issued “Gratis” passports to citizens who were being repatriated or were in financial need, especially given the global instability of 1917.
The Photographs
- Left Oval: Contains two women. The woman on the far left is the primary holder, Concepción Aponte (60 years old). The woman next to her is her daughter, Guadalupe Rossell de Nevi.
- Right Oval: Contains the 6-year-old grandson, Ernesto Nevi, dressed in what appears to be a traditional sailor-style suit, which was common children’s attire in the early 20th century.
This document is particularly interesting because it was issued during the Mexican Revolution and while World War I was active in Europe. Consul General Juan T. Burns served as the Mexican consul in New York during this era.
Tom Topol | Passport History Expert & Author.
Featured in media incl. CNN, BBC, Newsweek. Awarded by the U.S. Department of State.
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