Just Big Enough

I only got this cover because of the cache. Its a First Flight cover from St. Lewis to Omaha. The bottom of the cache duplicates the scene of the #286 "Farming In the West" stamp in the Trans-Mississippi series. The envelope only measures 125mm by 72mm and is cancelled May 1, 1929.

Nice cover! Must be from CAM-28 as described at this link:

http://www.aerodacious.com/ccCAM028.HTM

nicer little find there art - jeff

I also had to do a double-take on that embossed envelope. After looking at the catalog listings, I realized that it is a 1-1/2 cent black overprint surcharge on a 1 cent embossed envelope (Scott U509). According to my 2002 Scott Specialized, that embossed envelope entire has a catalog value of $15; the block of 4 of the stamps (Scott 286) another $12.50; not to mention the enhanced value of both of the items being tied to a First Flight Cover.

Absolutely gorgeous!

Just curious ... since the "cache" is used as a cancellation on the block of 4, is it actually considered a cache? Caches are a relatively new topic for me, so I'd like an education!

I am just guessing but, as long as the stamps has been defaced so they can't be used again I should think that it would be enough.

Great cover Art.

Sure it is still considered a cachet, which in the above example served as a dual use as a cachet and also effectively cancelled the stamps to avoid re-use. Oftentimes cover collectors get creative and intentionally affix stamps to the area where a cachet is normally applied to enhance the look of the cover.

By the way, the correct term is "cachet" with a 't' at the end. It can be rubber stamped (as in the example above) or computer printed or engraved or even handpainted, depending on the talent and interest of the collector.

Since today's desktop publishing software allows for all kinds of "cachets" to be applied to covers even after they are posted, the number of different cachets for a particular subject are limited only by the creativity and artistic talent of a collector.

Very interesting cover. There are no known envelope sizes that match the numbers you quote. Could you post a scan of the back side? Also, scanners aren't always reliable wrt colors - can you tell if it is white or amber paper?

The UPSS catalog has only a size 13 (172mm x 95mm) amber, and used it cats $70.00. There are known white U508A's, only mint, and they cat for $7,000.

If there is any chance its white, might want to get this one in for certification . . . .

And there is an oriental buff, U509B, $50 used.

Back Side scan.
Its not white, a buff white perhaps, amber... I bought my daughter some amber years ago and it doesn't look like they did but I suppose that would be a lot closer than white.

After further examination, I think its a home made cover from something larger, if that's possible. The reason I now think this is due to the glue and the way it was applied. The flaps are not stuck together so I unfolded it and perhaps you can see what I mean. So, unless the manufacturer was making up some prototypes or something, I think its a reuse of an cover that was not canceled.
JMO (Just My Opinion).

I believe you are correct. In fact, wouldn't that fold mark on the bottom flap be the original envelope's bottom edge? And the fold on the right flap the original envelope's right edge. Measure those two and we can get the original size of the guy.

The glue was clearly applied manually, and not in a manner to deceive. Someone was just having fun.

If you ever decide to part with it, I know an EFO guy who would take it off your hands.

One lst thing, it has been suggested that this cover being either a U508 or U509. Looking at the surcharge it indicate "1 1/2". I don't see the "1/2" as part of the surcharge. What am I missing?

Do you mean you can't see it on the envelope?

Now that is an intriguing cover to ponder.