Hi Everyone,
I was delighted recently to find and buy this cover with a wonderful and very small example of early Spencerian writing on it. It was probably written in the late 1850's based on the stamp (a Scott #25, for those collectors among you, which was issued in the 1857-61 series). Postage rates were based on both weight and distance to destination then, and the rate was 3 cents for up to 1/2 ounce and less than 3000 miles for a letter. Pretty expensive at that time, so often envelopes were quite small and the writing would be small as well and generally letters were written on both sides of the paper. This fine writing (x-height about 1/32 inch) was probably done with a quill (although there are nibs that would allow this size writing) based on the date. It also has an interesting closure on the back. It's not wax, as it is very thin and precisely defined. It looks like a stamped metallic foil. Very dainty (and light), and is in the shape of a little padlock.
I've photographed it on top of a number 10 envelope and next to a pen to give you an idea of it's size. Such fun.