AI Appraisal Estimate

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.

Having personally examined the provided image of this 1885 U.S. Postal Service Registry Bill, I find it to be an authentic document from the period. The pre-printed form, handwritten entries, and the 'Altamont, Denel, Co. S. Dak.' origin, 'Washington D. C.' destination, and 'H. H. Guernsey, P. M.' signature all align with known postal procedures and officials of late 19th-century America. The date '11/23, 1885' is clearly legible. The most intriguing feature is the 'Received 1889 JOHN W. ROSS P. M.' red hand stamp, indicating its retention and processing as a record four years later, adding an interesting layer to its history. The purple-blue swirling cancellation mark further authenticates it as a genuine postal artifact. Condition-wise, the paper shows expected signs of age—minor creasing, foxing, and discoloration—but no major tears or repairs, suggesting careful preservation. The clarity of the printing and handwriting is excellent. In terms of market conditions, similar historical postal forms, especially those with multiple postmarks or intriguing administrative details, have a steady but niche demand among philatelic and postal history collectors. While not excessively rare, the combination of origin, destination, specific dates, and the later 'Received' mark elevates its appeal. Factors impacting value include the clear legibility, the two distinct postmarks (date stamp and receipt stamp), and the fact it's a first-class registered package form. Limitations in authenticity verification from an image alone include the inability to feel paper texture, examine watermarks, or detect any potential modern alterations or repairs that might not be visible digitally. A full in-person examination, including blacklight testing for repairs or alterations, and comparison with known archival exemplars, would be ideal for absolute certainty. Provenance documentation could further enhance value, but this piece appears genuinely old and untouched.