1900 Jan 2 Cover and Stamps Paris, Venice France

Updated August 7, 2026

This is a vintage U.S. international postal cover (envelope) from January 2, 1900, mailed from Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Katherine B. Card (or similar spelling) c/o Maurice Her. Bantiers (possibly "Maurice Herz Bantiers" or a hotel/agent name), Grand Hotel, Paris, Venice, France (likely the Grand Hôtel in Paris, with "Venise" as a forwarding note to Venice, Italy—common for travelers in Europe at the turn of the century). Identification of the StampsThe franking consists of:One 1¢ green Benjamin Franklin — Scott #279 (1898 Bureau Issue, Type I or II; green color, double-line USPS watermark, perf 12). A pair of 2¢ carmine George Washington — Scott #279B (1897-1898 Bureau Issue, Type III; carmine rose/reddish, double-line watermark, perf 12). These are from the First Bureau Issue series (1898-1902), printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on flat plates. The 1¢ Franklin features a left-facing profile in an oval frame; the 2¢ Washington shows a right-facing profile. Both are very common definitives of the era, with billions printed overall.Here are close-up examples of the stamps for visual comparison (matching the design, color, and perforations in your photos): Origin/Postmark: Chicago, Ill., JAN 2 1900 (clear circular datestamp with time code 12-30A). Addressee/Usage: Addressed to Miss Katherine B. Card in care of what appears to be a Paris hotel/agent, with forwarding instructions to Venice (likely Italy, as "Venise" is French for Venice; "Grand Hotel" was a common luxury spot in Paris around 1900). This reflects typical American tourist/Grand Tour travel in Europe at the century's turn. Postage: Total 5¢ (1¢ + 2×2¢), paying the standard U.S. international letter rate to France/Europe in 1900 (5¢ per ½ oz under UPU agreements; no extra for registration or special services visible). Condition: Aged paper with tears (notably top left), creases, and minor faults common for 125+ year-old transatlantic mail; stamps sound, lightly canceled, and well-tied. Back/Receivers: Partial blue French transit/receiver marks (e.g., "A5" or similar octagonal, typical for incoming foreign mail in Paris ca. 1900). The Bureau Issues (#279 and #279B) are extremely common as singles (used catalog value $0.20–$1 each; multiples modest premium). No scarce shades (e.g., #279Bc rose carmine Type IV is higher but doesn't match here), varieties, or errors present.Individual stamps (used): $0.50–$2 total retail. The cover as postal history: Desirable for:Early 1900 international usage from Chicago to France (with forwarding to Venice/Italy). Mixed franking of 1¢ + pair of 2¢ Bureau definitives on transatlantic mail. Tourist/Grand Tour theme (popular among collectors of outgoing U.S. mail to Europe 1890s–1910s). Clear postmark tie and dated usage. Comparable covers (1900-era Bureau Issues to France/Europe, similar frankings) sell for $30–$100 in average condition on eBay/auctions (e.g., simple 5¢ usages often $40–$80; better eye appeal or multiples push higher). Y

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