Highlights & Collector Appeal

• Iconic All-Over Newspaper Graphic: Features a massive, full-face illustrated grey halftone advertising graphic for Joseph Pulitzer's famous The World (New York). Displays dual eastern/western hemispheric globes flanked by radiant sunbursts, with the Statue of Liberty standing prominently in the center, captioned: "SUNDAY WORLD HAS THE LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY NEWSPAPER IN AMERICA / CIRCULATION OVER ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION A WEEK / 10 PAGES 2 CENTS."

• Historic Statue of Liberty Campaign Connection: In 1885, Joseph Pulitzer launched his legendary fundraising drive through the pages of The World, raising over $100,000 from small donors to construct the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. This cover, mailed in December 1886—just two months after the Statue’s official dedication on October 28, 1886—celebrates Pulitzer’s triumph and cements the monument as the paper's primary visual identity.

• Biographical Connection: Addressed in clear pen to Terrence Devlin, Esq. in Millburn, Lake County, Illinois. Terrence Devlin was a well-known 19th-century Lake County landowner, farmer, and prominent local citizen in Millburn/Antioch, Illinois, reflecting the nationwide rural circulation reach of Pulitzer's metropolitan daily.

• Documented Transit & Octagonal Backstamp: Canceled in New York on DEC 24 1886 (Christmas Eve) and backstamped on arrival with a crisp, scarce octagonal town receiver from MILLBURN, ILL. / DEC 27 1886.

Why This Cover Stands Out: All-over illustrated advertising covers are among the most coveted formats in American postal history, and The World Statue of Liberty design is a landmark of American journalism. Mailed in late 1886 immediately following the monument's dedication, and paired with an uncommon octagonal Illinois receiving mark and documented recipient, this cover is a trophy piece for Statue of Liberty thematic collectors, journalism historians, and classic advertising specialists.