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Nine Civil War Patriotic Illustrated Covers – 1928 Postal Usage – Walter B. Arno Correspondence
An attractive and unusual collection of nine illustrated Civil War patriotic envelopes, each postally used in May 1928 and addressed to Walter B. Arno of Clinton, Massachusetts. The envelopes feature an appealing assortment of Union patriotic artwork, military subjects, political satire, and Civil War-era cartoons, reproduced in red, blue, black, and multicolor designs.
These nine covers present exceptionally well together, offering a fascinating combination of 19th-century Civil War imagery and early 20th-century commemorative postal history.
The collection includes:
1. Confederate Devil – “The Innocent Cause of All Our Trouble”
A dramatic satirical illustration depicting a winged devil seated beside a Confederate flag, originally designed and published by Shuman & Co. of Cedar Street, New York. Postmarked Bonsall, California, May 1928, with an additional Massachusetts receiving marking.
2. “Cotton Is King!”
A political cartoon depicting cotton bales, a Confederate figure, and an exchange of dialogue satirizing the Confederacy's dependence upon cotton. A particularly interesting example of Civil War economic and political propaganda.
3. General Ambrose Burnside
An engraved-style portrait of Union General Ambrose E. Burnside, identified beneath the illustration as commanding the Burnside Expedition. Postmarked San Marcos, California, May 28, 1928.
4. “VICTORY” – Union Soldier and American Flag
A colorful patriotic illustration showing a Union soldier triumphantly raising the American flag, with the word VICTORY prominently printed above. An especially attractive design in red and blue.
5. Federal Cavalry
A detailed red illustration of a mounted Union cavalryman, complete with uniform, sword, and military equipment. An appealing example of military-themed patriotic stationery.
6. “STAND TO YOUR GUNS”
A distinctive red corner illustration featuring two field artillery pieces and the patriotic exhortation STAND TO YOUR GUNS. A compact but visually striking design.
7. “WHY DON'T YOU TAKE IT?” – Scott and Jeff Davis [FAIR CONDITION, DAMAGED]
A political cartoon depicting a large dog identified as SCOTT, confronting a smaller figure representing Confederate President Jefferson Davis. The illustration satirizes the military confrontation between Union and Confederate forces. The cover is printed on distinctive buff-colored paper.
8. Rebel Army “Rations”
A humorous black-printed illustration portraying Confederate soldiers gathered around barrels, one prominently labeled “N. O. MOLASSES.” The caption reads Rebel Army “Rations.” A classic example of wartime satire aimed at the Confederacy. Some loss over the image occurred during 98 years in storage.
9. Patriotic Military Encampment – Edward Cogan, Philadelphia
A beautifully detailed blue illustration incorporating military tents, soldiers, American flags, and large decorative U.S. lettering. The reverse bears the printed identification: Edward Cogan, 48 North Tenth Street, Philadelphia. Cogan was a pioneering American coin and stamp dealer associated with the production and sale of Civil War patriotic envelopes. This publisher identification adds particular historical interest to the cover.
Postal HistoryAll nine envelopes were mailed during May 1928, primarily from California communities, to the same recipient:Walter B. Arno, Clinton, Massachusetts
The covers bear a variety of contemporary United States commemorative postage stamps, including issues honoring the Norwegian-American centennial, Vermont's sesquicentennial, the 1909 Lincoln centennial, and other historical anniversaries.
Postmarks include Bonsall, San Marcos, Vista, and other California locations. Several covers feature clear circular date stamps, machine cancellations, or auxiliary postal markings.
The combination of identical recipient, similar mailing dates, and varied patriotic designs suggests an intentionally assembled group of collectible envelopes, rather than ordinary commercial correspondence.
Historical SignificanceCivil War patriotic envelopes were an important form of popular political expression during the American Civil War. Thousands of designs were produced, featuring Union generals, military scenes, flags, eagles, political cartoons, and satirical attacks upon Confederate leaders.
These envelopes helped express public sentiment, encourage patriotism, and promote the Union cause.
Although the present covers were postally used in 1928 rather than during the Civil War, their illustrations preserve the imagery, humor, and political messages associated with that conflict.
The nine examples form a particularly appealing display of different artistic styles and subjects, united by their common recipient and period of postal usage.
Condition and DimensionsEach envelope measures approximately 5⅜ × 3⅛ inches.
Overall, the collection presents very attractively, with strong illustrations and generally pleasing fronts. There is expected age toning and handling wear. Five covers have some storage-related adhesive residue or paper disturbance, principally on the reverses. Cover #7 has minor surface loss affecting a portion of its illustration.
Please examine the photographs, including the reverse scans, for a complete assessment of condition.
All nine original envelopes are included and will be sold together as one lot.
From the collection of Dr. Allan C. “Doc” Johnson (1889–1941) of Clinton, Massachusetts, an active stamp collector during the early 20th century. Doc's collection has remained with his family for more than eight decades.
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