#279B, fine, sound, tied by XF strike of PHILADELPHIA & MANAYUNK R.P.O. FEB 25 1898 machine flag cancel (Towle PH-2-C), VF intact cover to Buffalo, NY, receivers on reverse.  What makes this item so interesting is the enclosed letter reflecting the social and political attitudes leading to the Spanish American War.  On February 15, 1898, an explosion of unknown origin sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. The sinking of the Maine incited United States' passions against Spain, eventually leading to a naval blockade of Cuba and a declaration of war. On March 28, 1898, the United States Naval Court of Inquiry found that the Maine was destroyed by a submerged mine. Although blame was never formally placed on the Spanish, implication was clear. This letter from a mother to her daughter almost two weeks after the Maine’s destruction reflects the revenge and war inclined sentiments of the American public that was being fomented by the “yellow press” journalism of the day. In addition, many viewed war with Spain as an opportunity to acquire Cuba and supported anything that made Spain look like the bad guy or evil.

#319, SE, tied by light ellipse killer with JUNEAU, AK SEP 4, 1906 postmark on blue cover addressed in white ink to Didsbury, Alberta, Canada (SEP 10 receiver on back).  The cover is immaculate and intact with white piping and a comical hand-drawn and painted illustration of a coated and caned man in top hat chasing after a puppy running away with a letter envelope in its mouth. A wonderful and very attractive item.

Guatemala, VF intact 5 centavo post horn entire plus 5 centavo Scott #33 paying postage to Germany, purple OCT 23, 1890 postmark, two strikes of black 12-bar numeral 1 ellipse killer.  This simplex commercial hard rubber ellipse is quite scarce on Guatemala mail of this period.  (Shaded star is the most common; Wheel of Fortune killers also were used and are very scarce.)  Berlin 11/18/90 receiver on reverse.