They Really Tried - Opening Covers?

You can tell they really tried to deliver this envelope.
To be honest, I have no idea what is in the envelope, as it was never opened. How should covers be opened?

wow, that is really cool..
a Couple of week sago, I would have suggested steaming it open.. you know the old method.. kettle of boiling water, hold back to steam and it softens the glue...
but now.. I don't know what it would do to the stamp... though I have never had an issue with it before.

I presumed you tried, but have you held it up to bright light? I come across this situtation here and there. Sometimes it's just a filler to act as a siffener, but sometimes you get something good and interesting. I pulled an 1870's Japanese cover out a 1950's Turkish cover not along ago.
Will

Well, should I just slit the top open with a razor? Is there a more acceptable way to open it? I have not attempted to open it yet.

It could just be my imagination or poor eyesight, but it looks to me like there are vague lines of print peeking through the envelope. I might be tempted to slice it open at one end, but I'd check with t360 or PhilB or someone else that collects a lot of covers.

If I was opening, it would be at an end with the least risk of damage.
certainly not the top.

I would slit it open at the right end as it is already wrinkled and away from the bulk of the creases. Good luck!

Opening it will NOT decrease the value, but may INCREASE it based on the contents.

Though given the sender and the addressee, the contents might be a bit dry. Still opening carefully down a side won't harm the value of the cover.

Does anyone know if supersafe stamp lift will work on envelopes?

I would also suggest using a razor, letter opener, paper cutter, etc on the very edge of the damaged right hand side. You won't be damaging the stamp, postmarks, auxillary markings, or value by doing so. Nice find!

Zardfan,
Not sure on stamp,lift. Haven't used it.
You possibly could ask a dealer or ask an ebay seller.

I don't actually collect covers, but some professional cover-makers sometimes send me some goodies. They have always told me the accepted practice is to remove the contents is to cut open the envelope at the end OPPOSITE the postage.

I'm only passing along what they told me, and that was for modern covers.

I definitely WOULD NOT use StampLift, or steaming, or a humidity box. All three will leave a tell-tale sign that would be worse than cutting it open (my opinion).

If it were my cover and I was going to keep it, I would leave it as is. I think it's more interesting that way.

Interesting question, interesting cover! Thanks for sharing!

k

No No No JUST OPEN IT< WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS INSIDE!!!

But it's just as much fun to guess. I mean, what if it turns out to be a payment due notice?

You should start a contest -- guess what's inside.

k

Right now I am in the Republic of Panama, so when I get home I will open it at let you know what I find. And yes, I am buying Panama Stamps.