Unknown

#6-3/4 (6-1/2" x 3-3/4") unaddressed envelope stained dark blue with block of 4 stamps and white crocheted motif. Plain white with a blue crocheted motif. “First Day of Issue” cancellation and postmark. Number 29 out of 54 issued (mark is on the back).

There is no makers name on this envelope, but it is highly unusual because the 'cartouche' is an actual crocheted motif. The entire front of the top envelope is hand-painted blue, obviously done before the stamps were affixed - it is the 4-stamp version. The second example is obviously by the same maker, but now with a blue motif on a white envelope and a single stamp. There are probably 3 more white ones showing the other 3 stamps.

Note how the cancellation is well away from the crocheted motif. Perhaps these are later "add-ons"? That might account for the lack of a signature.

first posted 5/1/2009