Description:

THE WORLD'S FIRST PAID POSTAL STATIONERY
From 1609 through 1797, the Republic of Venice required that all notaries, scribes, and public agents sending letters to government agencies had to pay four soldi per letter. The funds were turned over to the office of water commissioners to control tidal flooding. Accordingly, the sheets bore the letters AQ (Acque or waters) along with the lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice. The AQ sheets could be used as a wrapper enclosing the letter, or the message could be written directly on the sheet. Many consider these to be the first examples of postage-paid stationery. Scarce example of an AQ lettersheet, 1p. oblong 4to., Venice, 1658, with red wax seal at right which caused some paper loss from opening at left, with a brief ink message penned within. Near fine.

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September 11, 2013 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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