1830's Stampless Letters - How To Determine Value?

Good evening,

I have 6-7 stampless envelopes - some with letters - that I would like to find out how to determine their value.

What about them would make them worth more or less? Or give then any value at all? Length of journey? Locations/destinations? One was written by Daniel Webster to Sarah Goodrich (his handwriting would add to it, I suppose) - do ordinary folks make a difference in the value?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

The postal rate, sender, recipient & contents will usually have the largest impact on any kind of value, and of course the covers' condition. Can you scan it for us?

The postal markings themselves (and condition) have the most impact. Rates may have an impact; senders and recipients rarely do unless there is a case of specific local historical interest or a famous person.

Good morning paperhistory and I_Love_Stamps,

This is the Webster. 'Fraid no postage or stamps, though just 'Free' because of the franking perc that goes with being in the Senate. It is still in the protective holder in the book because I think the owner attached it to the page so that the wax seal shows on the other side of the page and I've been afraid to try to take things apart/open it up/whatever you want to call it.

The letter is missing and a note with the envelope says that it was sold long ago. It also says that it was written Jan. 5, 1831.

Nice. Webster franks usually sell for $150 and up - it is a shame the content isn't there (with a famous sender like this, signed letter content is certainly a plus).

The addressee, Sarah Goodrich (Goodridge), is notable, too, as she was known to have painted portraits for her "close friend" and "correspondent", Daniel Webster:




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Goodridge

Paperhistory - Not sure if this is off-topic or not, but would a deed or contract with recording payment 'attached' - a seal or sliver of metal/coin or what not - come under coins or stamps? Or either, even? (The gentleman had some of those, too)

wt1, yes I saw that 'wiki'. Today, it would have made all of the tabloids.

This is a letter and envelope all in one. Addressed 'Dear Sister', dated June 17, 1836, postmark (I think) the 24th, Hartford Ct to NY. This is the only example of the letter and envelope not being separate pieces of paper.

Another unusual one. This would be a common stampless of the era (worth maybe $5) but for the rate - 19 3/4 instead of 18 3/4. This is a "way" use (there is a manuscript "way" on the cover) - picked up by a mail carrier along his route between post offices and entering the mails at the next post office. Still not particularly valuable (maybe $20-25) but certainly out of the ordinary.

paperhistory, Thank you. And, here I thought that starting out with the stampless would be a good way to ease into this. That is very interesting, but if you stop and think about it, I suppose they had to do something back then since they didn't have little blue boxes all over the place.

Kidding aside, though, I was aware that I didn't know much about stamps and the history of mail however, lurking, reading and starting to ask questions, I'm finding out that I know a lot less that I was afraid of and finding it much more interesting than I had imagined.

Well, stick around here a while and you will learn a lot. There are some extremely knowledgable collectors from a variety of specializations here who add a lot to quality of SCF, especially for "noobs."

Hello blcjr, Thank you, I do believe I will. I have already seen some of the folks here in action and I do like and appreciate their style. The knowledge base of this forum is something to be treasured and those coming through and asking questions aren't dummies, either. I just hope I can keep up.

No worries walkabout, I've helped set the bar very low...

stampcrow - Ah, but I've been lurking so I know better than that. Pleased to meet you.