I have been randomly picking up older US stamp dealer covers when I find them--I posted a few here earlier. I suppose I would be hard pressed to give an explanation for my latest interest other than I think they are cool, have some historical relevance regarding philately and possibly the most important reason: They can be found with ease and they are typically inexpensive.
This cover was mailed during the period of the Spanish American War with Spain. The stamp dealer, H.F. Dunkhorst of Washington D.C. illustrated his stamp dealer envelopes with the American eagle and crossed flags above his triangular logo with Egyptian motif; The US Flag and that of Cuba were added during this time period--I have seen others without the Spanish American War theme that depict his logo alone. Patriotic covers of all styles were created during this jingoistic period of US history. I haven't seen any other stamp dealer covers with the addition of patriotic themes for this war but it is likely they are out there.
The franking is the 10c green Webster to make the registered mail rate to Denver Colorado. There is a violet Denver received hand stamp on the back.
re: A Washington D.C. Stamp Dealer Sphinx Great Pyramid Spanish American War Connection
Imagine being a dealer in the 1850s! Collecting stamps back then was probably akin to collecting matchbook covers a century later. The net market value of any collection--and, by extension, any dealer's stock--must have been negligible. But if stamp dealers were in business, there must have been money to be made.
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"All hobbies are absurd to those on the outside, and a joy to those within."
re: A Washington D.C. Stamp Dealer Sphinx Great Pyramid Spanish American War Connection
The topic which I've superficially explored is very interesting. Around the dawn of stamp collecting there were all sorts of dealers including numerous instances of dealer fraud and fake stamps aplenty.
Bruce
re: A Washington D.C. Stamp Dealer Sphinx Great Pyramid Spanish American War Connection
I will take a look for the issue numbers: There are two installments regarding early American Stamp dealers in the Classics Stamp Society magazine from awhile back.
Bruce