1873 Smith Ely Jr. Congressman Free Frank Cover to George B. Vanderpoel # 1224

Original 1873 congressional free-frank postal cover associated with Smith Ely Jr., U.S. Congressman from New York and later Mayor of New York City. The envelope is addressed to Hon. George B. Vanderpoel in New York and bears a handwritten free-frank signature attributed to Smith Ely Jr., together with a New York May 31, 7 A.M. circular postmark and bold “FREE” postal marking. The cover also contains period handwritten docketing, including a reference to September 27, 1873 and a matter “relative to the banks.” An appealing piece of 19th-century New York political, congressional and postal history. Condition shows age-related toning, handling wear, ink marks, light staining and edge/corner wear. Signature attribution has not been independently authenticated. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.