Dimensions: 4.5 x 5.5A highly compelling, historically significant pair of matching 1919 World War I American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) military postal covers (envelopes only, no internal letters). These items offer outstanding crossover appeal for collectors of military postal history, WWI chemical warfare units, and New Hampshire hometown ephemera.
Both envelopes utilize the iconic red-triangle American YMCA stationery provided to overseas troops and are designated as free-postage \"Soldier\'s Letters.\" They were sent from the Western Front by Private A. J. Thibodeau, explicitly documenting his assignment to the highly specialized \"Anti-Gas Service, Depot No. 2, Amer. Forces.\" The AEF Anti-Gas Service (later becoming part of the Chemical Warfare Service) was responsible for the critical training, supply, and management of chemical defense equipment on the battlefields of France.
The covers are addressed to Miss Delia Bonneville in Claremont, New Hampshire, and showcase wonderful postal markings:1. The first envelope (postmarked U.S. Army Postal Service 713, Jan 5, 1919) is passed by censor and hand-signed by 2nd Lt. P. H. Buckhead (Engineers, U.S.R.).2. The second envelope (postmarked U.S. Army Postal Service, Mar 9, 1919) features a clear duplex cancel and is passed by censor and hand-signed by Lt. H. C. Darling (Engineers, U.S.R.).
An excellent, intact archival pair tracing a New Hampshire soldier\'s post-Armistice service in a rare military specialty.
Item Specifications:- Conflict: World War I (WWI)- Content: Postal Covers Only (Two authentic empty envelopes, no letters)- Military Unit: Anti-Gas Service, Depot No. 2, AEF- Sender: Private A. J. Thibodeau- Destination: Claremont, New Hampshire (NH)- Postmark Dates: January 5, 1919 and March 9, 1919- Stationer: American YMCA (Red Triangle)- Censor Markings: Two distinct circular AEF \"Passed as Censored\" handstamps with officer signatures
Condition Report:This pair of 100+ year old military covers is in good/very good historical condition. The top envelope is fully intact with standard light edge wear and age-toning. The bottom envelope shows heavier wartime wear, including a torn upper-right corner near the postmark and a slightly ragged top edge from being opened by the recipient, which adds to its authentic frontline character. The fountain pen handwriting, officer signatures, and military postal cancellations remain sharp, legible, and dark. The reverse flaps are intact as shown. Please review all high-resolution photos to fully evaluate the condition details prior to purchase.
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