This is a stamp story that has it all- rarity, history, romance, and money. Recently, the "Alexandria Blue Boy" went up for auction. It was last made available in 1981 and is one of the most highly sought-after covers in philately. (A "cover" is a philatelic term for an envelope that has been sent through the mail.) The "Blue Boy" is a Postmaster's Provisional stamp and is so called because of its blue color. All the other remaining Postmaster's Provisionals, of which there are very few, are in a buff color. All of this is remarkable, that such a slim scrap survived so long. What adds to the tale is that the letter inside the envelope survives as well.
The letter is between two young courting people. Their's is a forbidden love! She's an Episcopalian! He's a Presbyterian! This will never work! But they had a secret courtship via letters, and this one remains, even though James told Jannett to “Burn as Usual”. Here's an excerpt from the letter:
"Mother laughingly remarked ‘That if there was any love going on Aunt Julia was sure to find it out,’ and while making that remark, I think, looked at me, but I continued reading, as if what she said did not apply to me in the least.”
So romantic. It's made a nicer story to know that they did eventually get married and have a presumably happy and fruitful union. And to think, this letter, because of its stamp, is now worth in the million, if not multi-million dollar range. Bidding opens at one million on June 22 if you'd like to add it to your collection.
Aww. Thank you, Jannett, for not listening to James. ;)
Posted by: TB | May 17, 2019 at 09:31 AM