An Interesting Postage Due Cover, 1941
Jan 22, 2022 22:42:29 GMT
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Post by JeffS on Jan 22, 2022 22:42:29 GMT
In the US, third class mail items such as greeting cards and printed advertising, to name two, were allowed posting at a 1.5c / 2 ounce rate. Third class matter mailed in envelopes were required to be sent unsealed, or easily examined.
This example, judging from the addressee, likely contained a get-well card to a patient at a hospital. Trouble arose as the envelope shows evidence of being sealed, and as such, became liable to the first class letter rate, 3 cents. The envelope bore no return address and was sent forward postage due to the amount of an additional 1.5c.
The difficulty in paying 1.5c postage due (no half-cent coinage) was accomplished by the affixing 1.5c in postage due stamps, plus an additional half-cent regular postage stamp. These additional half-cents were typically attached only at a corner or in the selvage. The recipient then was required to pay 2 cents to receive the letter, and offered the half-cent postage stamp as "change." Over time this half-cent Hale has become fully stuck to the envelope.