Lot 1288
Postal Reform, Boston, 1856. Book With 195 Pages of Signatures Asking Congress for Specific Reforms. A very attractive folio volume created by the citizens and residents of Massachusetts to gain the attention of the U.S. Congress, with leather-covered boards (scuffed) with decorative design, marbled end-papers, gilt-edged endpages, and spine with five raised bands. There are approximately 195 pages of signatures, many pages with extensions to hold additional signatures; these extensions are folded over. The pages have toning, some soiling, and ink smears from contemporary handling. The first page and a half are printed. A statement under "Circular," dated May 6, 1856 announces that a meeting was held and a committee of 19 men (named) was appointed "to obtain signatures to petitions to Congress for Postal Reform." The U.S. postal service is compared unfavorably to England's and propositions for reform include uniform rate of postage, increased speed in delivering letters, greater facilities for their despatch, and simplification in operations in Post Offices. The petition is printed under "Postal Reform" and addressed "To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in Congress assembled," and the actual signed petitions are gathered together in this book. Signatures include the Governor of Mass., the Lt. Gov., members of the Executive Board, the Mass. Senate, many aldermen, councilmen, and hundreds of citizens; two pages contain names "From the Ladies of Boston." An impressive piece of postal history. Estimated Value $750 - UP
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| Realized $781 |
