Lot #853: 1955 USA Commercial Cover - J.F. Droucette Dias (Bombay Philatelic Co., Nassau Street, New York) - Two USA 3¢ Land-Grant Colleges (Scott #1066)

1955 USA Commercial Cover - Stamped with two 1955 USA Three Cent ""First of the Land-Grant Colleges" Stamps (Scott #1066). (Total 6). Postmarked April 18, 1955 at New York, New York. Letterhead Envelope from "J.F. Droucette Dias, Bombay Philatelic Co., 65 Nassau Street, Suite 905, New York 38, New York, USA" Addressed to Rev. A.H. Burdick, Box 85, Newport Rhode Island. This 1955 Commercial Cover is a significant piece of Postal History, documenting the operations of a prominent mid-century philatelic dealer. It represents a "Business-to-Collector" interaction, mailed during the first day of issue for a stamp celebrating the centennial of the American land-grant college system. The 3 Land-Grant Colleges stamp (Scott #1066) was issued on February 12, 1955 (though this cover is postmarked April 18, 1955), this stamp commemorates the 100th anniversary of Michigan State College and Pennsylvania State University. It features a stylized open book and an academic lamp of knowledge, symbolizing the "Modern" education movement of the mid-19th century. These stamps were printed on the Rotary Press. The letterhead provides a detailed snapshot of the Nassau Street era of stamp collecting. 65 Nassau Street was in the heart of New York’s "Stamp Row." In the 1950s, this area was the global epicenter for the philatelic trade. J.F. Droucette Dias, the Proprietor of Bombay Philatelic Co.,. was a known dealer specializing in British Empire and international issues (The "Bombay" in the firm's name reflects a specialty in Indian and Commonwealth philately.) Dimensions: 10 mm x 17 mm Pickup category timeslot {A}