Mounting Double Sided Covers

Thanks for the information. I think I will try this and hang it on the wall at home!

Russ, those are some great pages. I like how they are laid out, very nicely done!

As others have already said I typically use a high res scan of the reverse but I have to say that is a fantastic page. Would you prepare a different page if you were going to exhibit that cover since naturally turning the page over wouldn't be an option in an exhibit frame?

Exhibiting would probably require "exploding" the cover or a hign resolution scan. The great thing about not having exhibition quality items is not having to worry about that.

Some of you might look at postcard-collecting supplies, and especially the holders for jumbo cards; might see some new products or ideas.

Just saw this thread (and the invite about 6 weeks ago to stir the pot).

First thing to ask: What is the number 1 thing you want to show? Is it the pointing hand? The label? The machine cancellation? If you're exhibiting, the subject of the exhibit would dictate that. Reason I say this is that this is the side you'll want to show.

The other side can be scanned and either displayed the same size in B/W or 75% (or smaller) in color. I would not use the same border for the real cover and the scan (I usually don't use a border when I show a scan, just a black line around the scan).

Another thing - if you can read the thing on the cover or scan, you don't need to show it isolated or as a tracing. You can add something to the descriptive text that notes it. (e.g. "returned cover with label designating failed delivery attempt. Boston March 12, 1888 receiving datestamp and April 12, 1888 American Ethridge machine datestamps."

Attached are some examples of how I've dealt with showing both sides or the contents (pardon the large number of images):

I'm working on an exhibit of early labels. Some were applied to the backs of envelopes. Even though the stamp is on the other side, since it's a label exhibit, I show the label "real" and the face scanned. This one has the face shown in color at 75% actual size:


And this one has the face shown actual size, but grayscale (it's a pretty monochrome front). I'll probably end up reducing it and showing it in color for consistency).


On the bottom cover, I reduced the scan, but put in a "tracing" of the relevant handstamp:


Scan of interior of lettersheet:


Two turned covers made from old maps (another strange collection of mine). The scans are to show the interiors:


This one violates the "reduce the scan" rule, but I just love this page so much.....


Hope this gives you some ideas.
Chip

Sorry, can't help myself.

This one has a label applied over the face, which I folded back to scan. Apparently, it's a scarce label (no one I know has ever seen one before):


This one has the same type of "returned by carrier" label. Not finished with this page yet - there is so much going on that I'm still trying to figure out what to call out in the description or tracings:


Another fun label covering the address side of a picture post card. The picture image is not really of importance to the story of the card - and its travails through the pneumatic tube system in Boston:

Chip, that is an interesting Post card with the Pneumatic mail message. Did you recently purchase that ? The reason I ask is that I used to be the owner of that card.

Stazllzer:
I think it traveled from you, to Ohio, to Arizona, to me. I remember when you first discussed it.
C.

I did not know of the last 2 hops. I know who purchased it from me and after that I lost it. Nice to see it properly displayed.