1880s Chicago to Momence Illinois Cover – Clarence W. Low – 2¢ Washington #1446

Original 1880s U.S. postal history cover mailed from Chicago, Illinois to Momence, Illinois and franked with a 2¢ red-brown George Washington stamp, believed to be Scott #210 from the 1883 American Bank Note Company issue. The envelope is addressed to Mr. Clarence W. Low, Momence, Illinois, Kankakee County. Period records indicate a Clarence W. Low of Momence was killed in a railroad engine explosion in February 1887, making this cover especially interesting from a local and railroad-history standpoint. Because the year in the postmark is faint, this connection should be considered a strong historical attribution rather than absolute proof. The front bears a faint Chicago circular date stamp dated April 19, along with a heavy black duplex-style killer cancellation over the stamp. The reverse shows a Momence, Illinois APR 20 receiving postmark. The cover shows expected age and handling, including edge wear, toning, creasing, and roughness along the opening, all visible in the photographs. A desirable 19th-century Illinois postal-history piece with possible ties to Clarence W. Low and early Momence railroad history. The stamp remains intact on the original envelope. Authentic period item. Please review all photographs carefully for condition and details.