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19th-Century Cover to Daniel Seagrave — Worcester Spy Printer & Antiquarian
Interesting Massachusetts postal-history cover addressed to:
Mr. Daniel SeagraveWorcesterMass.(Spy Office)
Daniel Seagrave (1831–1902) was a Worcester printer, publisher, antiquarian and genealogist. In 1861, Seagrave and Rev. Albert Tyler acquired the book and job-printing department associated with the Worcester Spy, operating for many years as Tyler & Seagrave. Period Worcester history specifically identifies Seagrave as a printer and antiquarian associated with the Spy office.
Seagrave later became one of the small group of Worcester history enthusiasts who founded the Worcester Society of Antiquity in 1875, predecessor of today's Museum of Worcester, and served as the Society's first secretary.
The handwritten notation “(Spy Office)” at lower left appears to direct the letter specifically to Seagrave at his Worcester workplace, providing an especially appealing connection between the surviving cover and his printing career.
The cover bears a 3¢ rose Washington of the 1861 issue, with a bold black circular/target-style cancellation. The circular date stamp appears to read STURBRIDGE, MASS., DEC 13, although portions of the town name are faint and the identification is therefore offered as a probable reading rather than a certainty.
The year is not visible in the postmark, so no specific year is attributed to the cover.
Condition is quite attractive for its age, with expected toning, light staining and handling wear. The stamp has strong color and is somewhat off-center, with the cancellation prominently struck across Washington's portrait. Please examine all photographs, including the reverse and close-up images, for condition and details.
A particularly interesting piece for collectors of Worcester postal history, Massachusetts postal history, Worcester Spy material, American printing history, Daniel Seagrave, the Worcester Society of Antiquity, genealogy, or 3¢ Washington covers.
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