1897 - Complete, unsevered paid-reply postal card set with a multi-color advertisement for Appleton's Military Library Great Commanders Series

This example of the first U.S. paid-reply postal card set (Scott #UY1) is unsevered; the postal message card (Scott #PM1) remains attached to its postal reply card (Scott #PR1). The indicia on both one-cent cards feature a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant as President. The postal message card was sent from D. Appleton and Company to Lieutenant J. C. Bush, U.S. Army at New York City's Governor's Island. It bears a duplex New York City postmark dated October 2, 1897. The postal reply card is uncancelled; it features an illustration in gold, blue-black, and gilt of a set of Appleton's Military Library Great Commanders Series. There is a near invisible two-inch mended split along the right edge of the message. Still in nice shape with little other wear; displays well from either side.

The text accompanying the illustration of the book set reads in part:

"Miniature Reproduction of "The Army and Navy" Artistic Edition of / Appleton's Military Library Great Commanders Series / Twelve Volumes, Half Morocco, Basket-linen Sides. Magnificent Illustration: A Gallery of Portraits, Maps, Military Diagrams, etc. "

At the time this classic set sold for the "special price of $18.00 as follows: $1.50 after delivery of complete set and $1.50 monthly until full-paid."