Civil War Patriotic Cover – Rhode Island State Seal – “The Union Forever” For Sale

Civil War Patriotic Cover – Rhode Island State Seal – “The Union Forever”
Original Civil War-era patriotic envelope featuring an elaborate Rhode Island-themed Union design printed across virtually the entire face of the cover.
The design incorporates the words “RHODE ISLAND” in large star-filled lettering, an allegorical female figure holding an American flag, an eagle, and the Rhode Island state seal with its anchor and “HOPE” motto. Along the left side appears the patriotic declaration “THE UNION FOREVER.”
The envelope is franked with a 3-cent Washington stamp tied by a circular postal cancellation. An especially prominent WASHINGTON, D.C., MAR. 8, 1862 circular date stamp appears across the patriotic design, providing an excellent Civil War-period postal connection.
Addressed to Mrs. Betsey Gurney, East Abington, Massachusetts. A date stamp for East Cambridge, Mass. is also present along with the stamped impression 'MISSENT', apparently the result of a misreading of the addressee's city.
The envelope remains quite presentable for a genuinely used Civil War patriotic. The pale blue overall design remains substantially complete, although the printing has faded somewhat with age. There is general toning, light staining and handling wear, and including hinge remnants on the back. The 3-cent stamp shows some irregular perforations. Please examine the high-resolution scans carefully for exact condition.
An attractive and unusual Rhode Island Civil War patriotic cover, combining the state seal, Hope anchor, eagle, American flag, “Union Forever” inscription, 3-cent Washington franking and a strong 1862 Washington, D.C. postal marking.
From the collection of Dr. Allan C. “Doc” Johnson (1889-1941) of Clinton, Massachusetts, an active stamp collector during the early 20th century. Doc's collection has remained with his family for more than eight decades.
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