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Post by jimwentzell on May 16, 2018 19:33:51 GMT
 I got this tiny Patriotic Cover (1860-ish) recently. The handwriting and size are what led me to fall in love with it! The stamps are not "tied" as nicely as I'd prefer, and there's always the possibility they were added later. Still I am happy with it....I paid more for my lunch today than I did for this little prize! |
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tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,126 
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on May 17, 2018 12:29:55 GMT
The 2000 Nutmeg Stamp Auctions catalog of Civil War Patriotic Covers (Sale 27) contains two of these patriotic covers described as red & blue S.C. Rickards covers depicting an eagle flying above a shield surrounded by flowers (Walcott 2487).
I'd need a higher resolution scan of the cover's upper right corner before rendering an informed opinion on when the stamps were affixed.
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,340
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on May 20, 2018 22:39:40 GMT
Jim ( jimwentzell), just out of curiosity, why is this called a "lady's" cover? I did not notice a woman depicted in the design, and it does not seem to be addressed to a woman, either. Is it the small size? I did a quick web search on the term, and it did not yield any results that I saw. I agree with tomiseksj that higher resolution images would help on trying to figure out how well tied the stamps are to the cover. Personally, I find it odd that the 1-cent stamp seems to postmarked with a much larger diameter circular cancel than does the 3-cent stamp. I am not sure if I have ever seen that before, but it just looks unusual to me. I don't know enough to know whether that is good or bad with respect to authenticity, but I agree that it is a nice looking piece! |
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Post by jimwentzell on May 25, 2018 2:11:09 GMT
I've always heard the term "Lady's Covers"(or Ladies' Covers) especially in the South (USA) and unofficially I believe the criteria are usually two or more of the following;
SIZE--the covers are generally 3 x 5 inches or smaller (smaller than a standard index card) usually just large enough for a printed invitation or announcement card
PURPOSE--generally for announcements, invitations, or small pre-printed or handwritten notes or letters. I have had a few over the years "with content" (since sold) and they often included flowery thank-you notes as well. Emily Post would be proud!
GENERAL APPEARANCE--I've nearly always seen these addressed with extremely neat, cursive manuscript sometimes with fancy embellished beginning letters (not unlike some of today's handwritten wedding invitations) and, some may say this is sexist in today's social environment, but I believe in the 19th century the majority of "Lady's Covers" were addressed by you guessed it, the ladies of the day.
I will scan a close-up when I get a chance. This was the first Lady-type cover I've seen with a Civil War era preprinted envelope ("Patriotic" Cover) so my cover has a cross-over potential following (another term which invites discussion!)
--Jim Wentzell
stampguyaps177-681
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Post by jimwentzell on May 25, 2018 2:57:45 GMT
Upon closer inspection I also noticed the right side of the envelope was likely cut open, damaging the 3 cent rose (likely Scott #65 as it's the cheapest variety) significantly. I can only assume the recipient had no qualms in mutilating this otherwise adequate 1861 classic! It is also conceivable that the accompanying 1 cent blue Franklin to the left (Scott #62) was added some time later as the Scott catalogue value increases the cover's worth significantly ($75 for the Scott #65 on a Patriotic cover, in undamaged condition). The Scott #63 on a Patriotic cover catalogues (according to my 2017 Classic) for $225.00 verses a mere $50.00 catalogue value a single specimen. I knew the cover wasn't perfect when I bid on it, and it was in a lot of five other fine covers, so I am still very pleased with my first "Lady''s Patriotic Cover! " --Jim Wentzell stampguyaps177-681  |
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Post by jimwentzell on May 25, 2018 3:05:29 GMT
One day philatelic forensic teams (APS?) may be able to ascertain proof of contemporaneous stamp licking (by checking the DNA perhaps, of the reverse of both stamps; I wonder if they match?) Will cover enthusiasts demand saliva-based provenance of pricier items? Updated certs for proper spittle proof--PSP--?
Even though the possibility or likelihood of "enhancement" exists--a fraudulent intent at any rate--I am an eternal optimist, especially if I own the item in question :-)
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