Dave Jarrett, our speaker on May 10, presented his fabulous collection of cameo building corner cards. Dave is well known for developing exceptional postal history collections, so it was not surprising to see cover after cover in extremely fine condition, despite their rarity. It should be noted that illustrated cameo advertising covers are relatively scarce and highly desirable. To see over 100 of these covers in very fine to immaculate condition was just awesome!
Dave showed us covers from many different cities, all used within the 1850 – 1870 time frame. While the main focus was buildings (architecture), the topics included: hotels, tea dealers, manufacturers, wine merchants, stables and many others. Many of the designs were rather large and spectacular, included a fair number of embossed designs. In some cases, Dave showed us matched pairs or sets of covers, in varying colors. Unusual uses included: cover with pair of CSA #11; use from St. Paul, Minnesota Territory; and foreign uses. In a few cases, the cover was accompanied by a matching letter sheet, also in cameo design (extremely rare). Other highlights: Ophelton Female Seminary in gold; Crystal Palace Mills (in red and green); and a very rare cover with two cameo designs in different colors!