This is a neat, uncommon cover sent in 1885 between two, historical figures, and members of the well-known, Lyman Family of Northampton, Massachusetts! The sender, an Edward Hutchinson Robbins Lyman(note his initials in the top, left corner of the envelope), worked for A. A. Low and Brothers, based in New York City. Founded by Abiel Abbot Low (1811-1893), the company was New York’s most successful firm in the China trade importing cinnamon, pepper, silks, porcelain, firecrackers, and tea. E. H. R. Lyman spent a considerable time abroad on business, including trips to Germany. He was also a major philanthropist, and founded the Academy of Music in Northampton! This mail was sent to one his nephews, a Benjamin Smith Lyman, of Northampton, while he was abroad, the mail needing to be forwarded by the forwarding agency of A. A. Low & Brothers in New York(note the nifty, company cachet at the back!). Benjamin Smith Lyman was a fascinating man of many talents and interests, too! He was a mining engineer, surveyor, and an amateur linguist and anthropologist! He travelled, and lived in numerous parts of the U.S., and abroad, as well, including Germany, India, Japan, and The Philippines! He authored numerous books on a wide variety of topics!
To continue, the brown, 2-Cent, "Washington," issue is in very fine condition! The duplex cancel(2/24/85) from a New York City Sub P.O. is superb!
Lastly, as for the envelope, itself, it's in amazing condition for something so old! It's quite clean. The back flap is intact, but does have a large tear in it from being opened there. Noted imperfections aside, this remains a really nifty piece of postal history related to the well-known, Lymans of Northampton, Massachusetts, and use of private, forwarding agent, too!