Description
Wonderful 1895 illustrated advertising cover from the Imperiale Building Company, Secretary’s Office, Union Trust Building, St. Louis, Missouri, addressed to B. F. Colby, Esq. of the Merrimack Croquet Co. in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The printed corner illustration shows the Union Trust Building, an important early St. Louis skyscraper associated with Adler & Sullivan / Louis Sullivan architecture. This gives the cover strong crossover appeal for collectors of postal history, St. Louis history, architectural history, early skyscrapers, and Sullivan-related material.
Highlights:
* Mailed from St. Louis, Missouri to Lowell, Massachusetts in November 1895
* Illustrated advertising corner card for the Imperiale Building Company
* Features the Union Trust Building, a significant St. Louis architectural landmark
* 2¢ Washington First Bureau Issue stamp, likely Scott #265, tied by St. Louis cancel
* Backstamped Lowell, Mass., showing next-day arrival
* Addressed to B. F. Colby of Merrimack Croquet Co., adding an interesting business-history connection
Condition: original used cover with age toning, soiling, edge and corner wear, handling creases, back-flap disturbance/paper loss, and a visible vertical crease/tear from the top edge area. The building illustration remains clear and attractive, the address is readable, and the stamp and postal markings are present. Please view all the photos for the best understanding of condition.
Single cover ships via USPS Ground Advantage (tracked). I’ll combine shipping on multiple covers/postcards whenever possible.
#839 BK
