Scott 2c (?) On Cover - Opinions Please

I recently acquired this #2 on cover. Not being a collector of covers I thought I would ask for opinions....

Specifically the edges seem very toned, does that detract much from value? Can it be cleaned or removed?
The back flap of the cover is highlighted/edged in black ink. Is this a mourning cover?
The seal on the back of the cover is interesting - Is this unique or desirable?
The stamp itself is not tied to the cover - How does that impact the desirability?
And lastly - This appears to be a 2C (double transfer in lower "X" at right) - Should I send in for a cert. and who would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
Harry

That is one of the double transfers on the #2. It's noticeable in other areas of the stamp as well, such as the N of cents, the you and S, and some of post office at the top.

This post is driving me nuts. I keep writing the "U and S" and it keeps posting the "you and S".

Getting a certificate is a good idea.

I question whether the stamp actually originated on this cover. One good reason to add stamps to a cover is to hide serious defects. You should probably get a cert if you have a lot of money in it or if you plan to sell it.

Would that have been the correct postal rate form Ohio to Auburn New York?

Not to be negative but that looks off to me, I'm not convinced the stamp originated (although the distance between those two locales IS greater than 300 miles) as I'd expect one of those manuscript strokes to tie the stamp to the cover at the left center.

I'd also send it in for a cert.

The heavy toning seriously detracts from the value. It might be able to be partially cleaned by a professional but it would depend on the type of paper and the condition of the paper and it would be fairly expensive to have done. And in the end it would only lighten, not totally clean it. Also you would have a serious risk to the stamp and also to the design on the back.

I suppose the back design could be mourning, but if it is it is not all typical. Mourning covers typically have black borders around all four edges that can be seen from the front and the back. I think that this is more likely just a frilly design that would appeal to a woman writer. I do not see any added value from it.

The back seal is interesting but I doubt anyone would pay extra for its presence.

As others have said, the fact that the stamp is not tied to the cover is a serious issue and calls into question if it was added later. I think another feature that leads me to think it could have been added later is that it extends beyond the edge of the envelope and there is no folding or damage from the past 150 years of this cover being knocked around - and the heavy toning shows it was poorly cared for during that time. My guess is that Sinclair is correct that adding it to this cover was meant not only to try to get some extra value of it being on cover, but also to cover up some damage to the back.

How much did you pay for this thing?

Kimo and everyone else thanks so much for your insight.

I acquired this cover in a U.S. collection - It was the only cover in the collection. I figured this to be a bonus that came with because I do not collect covers (yet )and cant really put a "cost paid" on it.

After holding the stamp/envelope to a bright light (the envelope is loose, no longer glued together) It appears that the toning around the edges carries through pretty evenly behind the stamp. Thus making this cover seem more dubious.
I am going to send it in for an opinion.

If the opinion comes back negative (as suspected) my next dilemma will be to leave the stamp on the cover or soak it off?

Harry

Listen to me here- No-matter weather its 100% legit or not just LEAVE IT WELL ALONE! I would gladly give my other lung to have it so you have a treasure there regardless! I wish to god I could come into something even close to that so you have something to behold!! PLEASE send it to Bill Weis for an authentication! I'm in total awes right now! You may - or may not understand exactly what you have there! To put it in lehmans terms you have a basically the Holy Grail of covers. Beautiful no-matter what the origin!
-Jeff