Lot
4597 
(Propaganda) Cheap Inland and Ocean Postage, illustrated Barnabas Bates Postage Reform Propaganda cover showing Steamship, Eagle with Shield & Steam Engine, manuscript "Flushing, Mich., July 9th" postmark with "Paid 3" rating crossed out and updated to unpaid "5" cents to Sherfall N.Y., ornate imprint of "D. Felt & Hosford, Stationers" on reverse; faulty and flaps mostly separated, Fine and scarce design. Estimate $400 - 600.
In the 1850s, Bates adopted the Elihu Blurritt practice of using illustrated envelopes to further his reform proposals for America. Paradoxically, this cover was sent to a member of House of Representatives under the Congressman's franking privilege to receive his mail free of postage.