Sc#11 With Symbol

I was wondering if anyone had an idea about the symbol in the upper left? It seems embossed into the cover, which is rather glossy itself. Someone suggested it might be a masonic symbol and I did find several that had the same theme, an altar with pillars and a radiant object above.




I've tried to get a better look at the symbol. It's my first attempt with my new scanner, hope it is viewable.




Thanks- Bill

I love these curious enigmas and trying to solve them,
is there an embossed addition to the tongue of the flap
on the reverse? a wax seal of any sort?

The altar is fairly consistant, but the "radiant object"
is quite extraordinary.

Not much Rod, a small raised circular area is all I see.



When I searched masonic symbols this collection got me thinking I might be on the right track.

Back of envelope darkened in exposure to show up relief.
Nothing out standing really.




Perhaps where a glob of sealing wax did reside at one time?

The wax impression did cross my mind...

Anyway, I really like the cover and it's made even better because I'm just learning about scanning, sizing and uploading images. My first attempt is very encouraging.

I would suggest the raised impression
was an original embossed owners seal, you often see
them on british / scottish covers, they do lose their
detail over time.

If it was wax, it would have been in a position to
seal the flap to the body of the cover I would think.

Masonry seems to be on the right track...

"In care of H Thomas"
Being a "Mrs" we can conclude she is frail? elderly?

It is a patent envelop the raised impression was common in the 1850-1860 era. The area under the flap was often embossed with a cross-hatch or linear pattern that was designed to retain the gum for a better seal.
edit Many of these envelops had a gummed wafer affixed in this area

Hi western1688

It is a Catholic Altar old style with a Tabernacle and the object on top is the stylized view of the Cupola over the Tabernacle. Also the top part is often the Paraclete of Holy Ghost, and the "spines' are the radiating Glory of the Paraclete. I have seen this depiction before, and it is definately Catholic and not Masonic,.

Regards
Horamakhet

Thanks Horamkhet. Looking at some old Catholic images it makes sense.

The one thing I can tell you with certainty is that it is NOT MASONIC in nature.


Signed: AF&AM 32nd