Civil War Patriotic Cover Winfield Scott Jefferson Davis Dogs Washington 1861 For Sale

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Civil War Patriotic Cover Winfield Scott Jefferson Davis Dogs Washington 1861:
$45.00

Civil War Patriotic Envelope — Winfield Scott vs. Jefferson Davis — “Why Don't You Take It?”
CONDITION: Original and unused. requires us to post an item as either NEW or USED; this item is neither. As the piece is likely more than 160 years old, we can't call it 'New,' so went with 'Used', even though the gum on the flap appears to be intact and there are no signs that the envelope has been mailed, written on, or otherwise used.
Civil War-era patriotic envelope, circa 1861–1865, featuring a political caricature of Union General Winfield Scott and Confederate president Jefferson Davis.
The large dog at left wears a collar marked “SCOTT,” while the smaller dog at right is identified as “JEFF.” Between them is a piece of meat marked “WASHINGTON,” positioned in what resembles a trap. Scott challenges his opponent with the caption:
“WHY DON'T YOU TAKE IT?”
The imagery represents Washington, D.C., with the formidable Scott daring Jefferson Davis and the Confederacy to attempt its capture.
The design is documented in institutional Civil War collections, including the Library of Congress, which identifies the two dogs as Winfield Scott and Jefferson Davis and the object between them as Washington, D.C. The small notation “Copyright Secured.” appears beneath the illustration.
This example is especially attractive because it is unused and intact, leaving the entire patriotic design unobstructed by an address, postage stamp or postal cancellation. There are age-related marks, toning and handling consistent with an original Civil War-era paper item. The reverse is unremarkable. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition.
Civil War patriotic envelopes were produced in numerous political, military and satirical designs and were an important form of popular wartime imagery. This is a particularly direct and humorous Union design featuring two of the best-known figures from the opening period of the war.
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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