Please Show Us Your Classic Advertising Covers!

The "Series" is the complete set. It was engraved in 1902, and some values were issued in 1902, and some took a bit longer and were issued at various dates in 1903. This is really not all that unusual in philately; small sets were often issued on the same day, but large sets not always. And rates sometimes changed and created new values added later as well.

Commemoratives were usually issued on the same day, but regular issues did not have to be, and so were usually not.

Thanks revcollector for your expert knowledge and this information that you have provided to me now makes sense.

I think that the stamp issue that is attached to my Sears Roebuck and Company envelope (Scotts #301) was also quickly discontinued in 1903 and replaced with another version of the George Washington 2 cent stamp (Scotts #319 - see attachment below) in 1903 ? Is that correct ?

Yes, the original stamp was not popular; the Shield stamp was created soon after.

"Yes, the original stamp was not popular; the Shield stamp was created soon after." - revcollector

I also heard this same information, but why do you think this particular stamp was so unpopular ? And does that mean that it is considered a scarce stamp, due to it not being printed for very long ?

No, it's a common stamp, although the booklet pane's are less common. And used complete panes are pretty rare. Especially still on cover. I think it was just tastes of the time. The shield stamp is a lot nicer.

I also agree with you that the stamp design of the Scotts #319 was nicer looking than the Scotts #301, but that is just my opinion. Thanks again for all your valuable info.

I have a "silly" question for all the stamp experts. On my 1902-1903 Sears Roebuck and Company envelope with its attached (Scotts #301) stamp, I have noticed that there was no cancellation or dated hand stamped postmark on it ? The stamp only has a very faint black mark on George Washington's forehead ? Could someone please explain why it doesn't have a typical dated hand stamped postmark on it ?

Thanks Rick

It's a return cover, included when Sears sent out advertising. It would have been used if someone placed an order.

I have attached a "closeup" of the stamp (Scotts #301) that is affixed to my Sears Roebuck Company envelope. There is clearly a faint black ink mark on Washington's forehead. Is this still considered a cancellation mark; even though the envelope has no hand stamped dated postmark on it ?

Thanks to all the stamp experts - Rick

Not necessarily. The cover looks like it was prepared but never mailed. If it's 120 years old, and it may be much younger with an out of period stamp applied by who knows who, there's no way to know what caused the mark. It could be errant ink from someone working on other documents and could have occurred decades later.

Thanks cjpalermo1964 for your reply. After reviewing your reply, I also think that the person who received the Sears Roebuck and Company advertisement info. had probably put a stamp on it and was intending to mail back their personal info. or inquiry, but never proceeded. The reason why I agree with you is that there is no hand stamped dated postmark on envelope. Also, the back of the envelope flap is completely sealed with nothing inside, which probably occurred from it being stored where it was hot and humid. And as far as the light small ink stain spot appearing on the Washington 2 cent stamp's forehead, I have no idea.

Thank again for your reply and comments - Rick

Here is a 1911 Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog non-mailed return envelope from my collection, which was originally from my great-grandfather, and has some interesting advertisements on the back of its envelope.

Here is another 1911 Sears Roebuck and Company advertisement on it back of its catalog return mailing envelope that was for clothes, instead of stoves like my prior post.

Another Sears Roebuck and Company non-mailed catalog return envelope with advertising on back, which is from 1896-1906 period and it originally came from my great-grandfather Sears' collection. He had first worked for them starting in 1893 at its Minneapolis, Minnesota location and later moved to Sears' main headquarters and mail order complex on Homan ave in Chicago.