Can Anyone Confirm The Year Of This Old USA Cover?

1855 or 1885 or another year? Its not clear. Thanks

duncanvr,

I am a true novice in this area as I do not collect stamped envelopes but in my short review of the Scott Catalogue I would think this was a "Washington U21" type which was not yet issued in 1855 so we can likely rule that one out. It does look like 1885 but I guess it could also be 1865. (Or then again maybe that last number is not a 5 - could it be a poorly inked Zero?).

Not a lot of help but I do think we can eliminate 1855. Anyone else please correct me if I am incorrect.

Hobsun

Could it be 1865? The 1/2 ounce rate at that time was 3 cents. In 1885 it was only 2 cents.

I would go with 1865. I've had similar covers from Baltimore with the same style handstamp from the 1860's - same color too.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say 1683

Mike33....must be a typo.
or....you already fell of the limb?

I think it must be 1865 as per battlestamps comment he has had similar covers from Baltimore with the same style handstamp. Also KGB mentions the rate.

Definitely 1860s.

1863-5. Can't be earlier, as the envelope wasn't issued until 1863. Typical of the Civil War period of Baltimore blue duplex datestamps with that target obliterator.