Philatelic Document Appraisal

1885 U.S. Postal Registry Bill with Multiple Postmarks

This item is an authentic United States Postal Service Registry Bill, dating from 1885. It is a rectangular piece of off-white or light tan paper, exhibiting clear signs of age and handling, consistent with its vintage. The document features pre-printed fields with black ink, typical of official forms from the era. Key information filled in includes the date '11/23, 1885', indicating a November 23rd, 1885, transaction. The origin post office is 'Altamont, Denel, Co. S. Dak.' (South Dakota), and the destination is 'Washington D. C.' The bill specifies 'REGISTERED LETTERS, etc.' and mentions 'Reg. P'kge No. 23'. The 'REG. NO.' is '23', and the 'CLASS' is 'First'. The recipient is addressed as 'Supt. M. O. S. P. O. D.', which likely refers to a Superintendent of Mails or a similar postal authority. The sender is listed as 'H. H. Guernsey', P. M. (Postmaster). A prominent feature is a red rectangular hand stamp that reads 'Received 1889 JOHN W. ROSS P. M.', with 'Received' in an arch above the date, indicating it was received by Postmaster John W. Ross in 1889, four years after its original issue. This suggests the bill was retained and processed as a record. Overlying the form's center is a distinctive, swirling cancellation mark in purple-blue ink, which is likely a postal cancel or an accounting mark, adding to its historical authenticity. The paper appears to have minor creasing and some foxing or discoloration associated with age, but no major tears or repairs are visible. The overall condition suggests careful preservation, possibly held in a protective sleeve as seen in the image. The craftsmanship is that of a standard government-issued form, with clear printing and legible handwritten entries, indicative of the bureaucratic processes of the late 19th century.