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In philately, an refers to a design for a postage stamp or postal stationery that was submitted to the authorities for consideration but was not officially adopted for use in that exact form.

These items are highly collectible because they represent the creative and developmental stages of postal history. They often feature unique variations in color, layout, or advertising "collars" that never made it to the general public. Key Characteristics of Essay Envelopes envelope1.jpg

They can include airmail designs, different color proofs (such as purple or red), and various paper types. In philately, an refers to a design for

They are test concepts submitted by companies like the International Envelope Co. or Nesbitt. Key Characteristics of Essay Envelopes They can include

Some historical essays included "advertising collars"—decorative or promotional borders around the stamp area.

Collectors use catalogs like the United Postal Stationery Society (UPSS) to identify and grade these rare pieces.