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Civil War Patriotic Eagle & Union Shield Cover – C. Richards & Co. – Two Covers to Abigail Coleman, Wachusettville, Massachusetts
An attractive and historically interesting pair of original Civil War-era postal-history covers, both addressed to Mrs. Abigail Coleman of Wachusettville, Massachusetts, a former village that is part of modern-dayWestminster.
The highlight is a colorful illustrated Union patriotic envelope featuring an American eagle, a radiant star inscribed UNION, a red, white, and blue patriotic shield, floral decorations, and the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The illustration is printed in red and blue, with the publisher's imprint along the left edge:
C. Richards & Co., Stationers, 102 Nassau St., N.Y.
Cover 1 – Illustrated Union Patriotic
Elaborate multicolor eagle, shield, and Union design
Red BOSTON, MASS., APR 3 circular date stamp
Bold boxed PAID cancellation
3¢ rose Washington postage stamp, likely Scott #65
Addressed to Mrs. Abigail Coleman, Wachusett Ville, pencil notation indicating 1862
Cover 2 – Companion Correspondence Cover
Addressed to the same Mrs. Abigail Coleman at Wachusett Ville
3¢ rose Washington postage stamp, likely Scott #65
Black circular date stamp, OLD POINT COMFORT, VA., JUL 16;
Pencil notation reading July 13, 1862
Manuscript-style address and ordinary nineteenth-century envelope
Historical Interest
Civil War patriotic envelopes were produced in numerous designs to express support for the Union cause. This example combines several popular patriotic symbols in a particularly elaborate red-and-blue composition.
The two covers have been preserved together because they share the same recipient and destination, providing an interesting connection to Civil War-era correspondence in central envelopes are empty. The plain cover is reasonably presentable, with age toning and minor edge wear.
The illustrated patriotic cover has significant condition issues, including creases, tears, irregular edges, and paper losses, particularly along the bottom and right side. The colorful patriotic design remains largely intact and visually appealing.
Please examine the photographs carefully. The covers are offered together in their existing condition, without restoration.
From the collection of Dr. Allan C. “Doc” Johnson (1889-1941) of Clinton, Massachusetts, an active stamp collector during the early 20th century. Doc's collection has remained with his family for more than eight decades.
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