c1858-61 Williamsburgh NY Mourning Cover Scott 26 3¢ Washington Holmes #1431

c.1858–61 Williamsburgh, New York Mourning Cover – Scott #26 3¢ Washington Original mid-19th-century Victorian mourning cover mailed from Williamsburgh, New York, during the late 1850s or early Civil War era. The envelope is franked with a 3¢ dull red George Washington, 1857 issue, Type III, appearing to be Scott #26, tied by a large WILLIAMSBURGH, N.Y. circular datestamp. This is a particularly attractive mourning cover with a wide black border on the front and a striking reverse design featuring large black crossed mourning bands and an oval cross-and-rays emblem. The elaborate black mourning decoration is much more dramatic than that seen on many ordinary period mourning envelopes. The original address appears to include Holmes and 57 William Street, New York, with a later pencil notation reading “Commercial Insurance Co.” Period New York City directory research places Commercial Mutual Insurance Company at 57 William Street and identifies Adrian B. Holmes as vice president at that address, providing a strong historical connection to the Holmes name on this cover. The exact first addressee is partially obscured by later graphite markings, so no definitive attribution of that individual is claimed. Condition: Genuine period cover with expected age-related toning, staining, handling wear, edge and corner wear, and substantial old pencil/graphite writing on the front. Stamp remains attached and tied by the postmark. Reverse mourning decoration remains bold and visually impressive. Please inspect all photos carefully for exact condition. A desirable piece of pre-Civil War New York postal history, combining a Scott #26 3¢ Washington franking, Williamsburgh town cancel, elaborate Victorian mourning design, and a documented connection to 57 William Street / Commercial Mutual Insurance Company. Note: Scott #26 identification and historical Holmes association are based on visible characteristics and period directory research and have not been professionally certified. Sold exactly as pictured.