US Stamped Envelope with Barry Cancellation

United States · 1899 · 2 cents

A U.S. stamped envelope featuring an embossed indicium with a portrait, likely George Washington. It bears a distinctive 'Barry cancellation' applied at Madison Square Station, New York City.

This item dates to the late 19th century, a period of significant postal development in the United States. The 'Barry cancellation' represents an early form of machine cancellation, indicating the increasing mechanization of mail processing.