In the Weiss catalog, this cover is rated a "C" on the rarity scale, meaning it's quite uncommon. It may be awhile before another one -- especially one this perfect -- is made available.

The cover has absolutely no damage and retains the back flap and gum. It was printed by "Carpenter & Allen" of Boston. That is printed in very small lettering right below the engraving of Presidential Candidate Stephen Douglas. The cover is absolutely original to the Civil War period...and most likely...early war, given Douglas' unfortunate death shortly after hostilities began.

Douglas may be best known for defeating Abraham Lincoln in the 1858 Senate race in Illinois. This is when the famed "Lincoln-Douglas" debate took place. Despite their differences, Douglas was an ardent opponent of secession and lent enthusiastic support to the Union cause.

This envelope would make a wonderful accent to any Illinois collection or to a grouping of items pertaining to Lincoln and/or the great debate.

A very scarce cover!

All firearms sold are pre-1898 and historic collectibles. They are not meant to be fired. Jim Stanley & Associates (cwartifax.com) will not be liable for injury incurred due to any weapon or artifact purchased from this site. All artillery projectiles sold by Jim Stanley & Associates are absolutely safe and have been professionally and safely de-activated.