1831 stampless cover from Westfield, MA (in Hampden County) to Hanover, NH. The paper has been folded upon itself to form a cover for mailing purposes. At the top left of the cover, it shows a reddish-brown ink handstamp reading "Westfield MSS." with a handwritten "March 8" at the center, which is presumably when and from where it was sent. ("MSS" seems a bit unusual.) On the reverse, there is a notation made by the recipient as to who sent the letter (J.M. Smith) and the date of the letter (March 8, 1831). The cover also has a reddish-brown ink "PAID" and handwritten 12 1/2 in the top right corner, which relates to the delivery fee. It appears this cover was sealed to enclose a separate letter, rather than simply writing on the inside of the cover (as was customary at the time). However, the letter itself is no longer present.
The cover is in overall excellent, clean condition, with just a tear from where the wax seal was opened. It is a Very Fine piece ready to enhance any collection of early American postal history, particularly of Massachusetts, Hampden County, or New Hampshire.
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Item #ES-G151