Info On This Envelope+stamp

I must say that cursive writing on the first pic is astounding. Most artful and not something one would find often today I dare say. I could fire off a dozen emails in the time it would take me to copy the first word on that cover. Almost makes me sad that such beauty is so rare (think I will go experiment with fonts in my word processor and try to fool those who will get getting xmas cards from me, hehe).

Also, as a budding geneaologist I would remind you, Tomten, to make sure you scan all your family documents if you must sell them. Amazing how helpful they can be when tracing our roots.

Thanks for all the tips and pointers!

Yes, I have around 60-80 covers. I just took a random cover from the US to show you and get some information about covers. Thanks everyone for the help. I now understand how to value these covers a bit better. The price is always at the mercy of the market demand, and as you said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Actually, when you mention the fonts.. I really have a hard time reading the letters inside (swedish ofcourse), because of the old handwriting. Yes, letters and family documents are mostly to be saved, and if we're going to sell them of course we will save copies.

If I were to sell a cover like this to an American buyer, he/she would want the letter inside as well, yes? But since it's in a language the buyer (probably) won't be able to read, what's the point then? Is it just to have the complete cover? If I want to sell a complete cover, should I send a translation along as well?

Or is it just so simple that people don't buy covers with letters that they don't understand?

I would venture to guess that in the case of these covers, a U.S. buyer
probably would not be heartbroken to not get the contents of the cover.

My opinion is that I would love to have cover like this, but would not
care if the contents (letters) were contained within, nor would I pay
extra for a cover to have the letter inside which is in a language I
cannot read. Even if it was in English, for me to pay more for contents
of a cover, it should be of important or at least very interesting
historical context. So there you have the insights of a potential U.S.
buyer... Keep your family letters and profit from the envelopes.

My .02 cents. Worth what you paid for it!

If you had the time and inclination, we are suckers here for pictures of
nice covers! If you were to glance through the 60-80 covers and pick out
maybe 5 that really stand out from the rest, I think I speak for all of
us here, we'd love to see what you come up with! Just the top 5 that really
jump out at you with eye appeal, cancel oddities, handwriting, evelope
shape/size/color, funny/interesting names of towns/people, or anything
different from the rest. Go with your gut and pick the beauty you eye beholds!

Only if you are so inclined and have time though!

Ofcourse I will save family documents and letters, or at least copy them if they were to be sold. I think there are maybe hundred more covers waiting to be found in my grandparents house. Stashed away inside books and boxes at any corner of the house really. Along with some coins.

Thanks for your opinion and insight!

I sure will take some time to pick out a few of interest. For example, what about some cover from Germany during the inflation? Both sides of the cover is completely covered with stamps. I know I have a few of those. I will pick out the examples and post a new? topic tomorrow.

Are there any of special interest or any criterias that should be fulfilled? Or just go by beauty is in the eye of the beholder? ;)

I would like to see more covers as well. Whatever that's unusual or unique looking would be fine. There is definitely a demand for the German inflation issues. I would think enclosed letters would add to the collectability to American collectors even if it's not in English as some of us do read and/or speak other languages, especially German, French and Spanish. There are also plenty of websites now that can do functional translations for free. Also the letters can give collectors clues to dates, the sender, etc. if they are not clear or present on the envelope.
Will

I'm really glad that some are interested in seeing my covers :)

I'm afraid I only got covers with Swedish letters. Since it's just envelopes that my grandparents saved in their house. My grandpa was a collector of stamps and coins, but not of covers. My grandparents saved everything.. I think we have a calender from each year from early 1900ies.. They saved all bills they ever paid in shoeboxes in the attic. One box for each year.. with the bill in their original envelope..

Most is just junk, but some things may be of worth :)

Some of the old bills might be interesting if they have illustrated letterheads or envelopes. Some old hotels have this too. It's something to look for when you go through the lots. People even collect old advertising/commercial covers related to various topics: automobiles, airlines, telephone, television, popular companies, etc.

Okay, I'll have a look and post a topic within the hour :)

I have another topic for showing some more covers. If you've missed it Battlestamps.