Something Special?

Hi. So I am almost afraid to Show this as I dont know if I can handle the dissapointment of Hearing it is not what I think it is. Bought this in a stamp shop a few weeks ago. I didnt really know what I was buying and he didnt know what he was selling- from all the info. I can find out since.. any Ideas?

Very interesting. I also do not know what it is, but I assume you are referring to the cancels which state simply "Supplementary." I have never seen such cancels before myself.

No- I dont know much about this subject but I was thinking of the envelope itself..

I honestly cant see any reason why it would not be a U170. I also realise that there are People here who know a lot more about this than me.

Close up of Corner.

I don't think it's a U170 as the shape of the top of the head is not egg shaped nor is the knot of the queque well marked. It appears to be Scott U166. Sorry to pop the bubble.

thats ok.. what is the queque?

On the other hand, that is an amazing copy of 185 on cover! The margins, centering, and CDS make this one a keeper!

Brian

I misspelled it. It's correctly spelled queue. It's a pigtail hairstyle at the bottom of the back of the head.

ok.. I can't believe I missed those things now..selective Research I fear. Thank you

That is an awesome cover! I'd certainly give a place of honor and so should you!

Yes your cover is special. Supplementary mail was available at double the regular 5 cent foreign mail rate to France and other countries, hence the 10 rate on your cover. Paying for supplementary mail got your letter on a ship after the regular mails closed. You could take the letter to the main NY Post Office or to the dock before the ship sailed. The service was available on and off between 1853 and 1941. Where the mail was accepted also changed during this period. To confuse the issue not all supplementary mail received a supplementary marking.

The best reference available is:

UNITED STATES SUPPLEMENTARY MAIL by Leonard Piszkiewicz.

To answer your question, it is special. It has appeal on many different levels. I collect (among other things)U.S. covers to foreign destinations. Most of the early stuff is at the five cent rate. The double rate for supplementary mail is uncommon. I have several pieces but only a couple with the supplementary cancel. Most did not get that special cancel. The stamps and cover are attractive. Can you see the date? There were all kinds of things going on in Paris in the 1870's and 1880's that may add further interest to your cover.
Don't be shy to show us things. You obviously have a good eye.

There should be a date from Paris on the back. Like pjsstamps wrote - the postmark with the combination of stamps makes this a nice cover. If you can find more about the history of the sender and/or receiver it can even be better.

Hi.. Thanks for all the Input. No, unfortunatly I cant find a date anywhere on it. But this is on the back, which I find to be a lovely touch.

I also have this.. j30 has been written on the back, and I would tend to agree (but I would want to)and it is on orange buff I think? Not quite as pretty as the other, but interesting None the less I think.