Two sadistically addressed letters, from the Strand, August 1897:

“The accompanying envelope looks hopeless at first glance. It is a fair sample of the kind of thing which is specially invented to try the patience of the splendid staff of officials at the G.P.O. Hold it horizontally, on a level with the eyes, and you will read the address: ‘Miss J. M. Holland, Albion House, Alcester, Warwickshire.'”

“The next reproduction, specially photographed from the Curious Address Books at the G.P.O. Museum, is even more typical of mis-directed ingenuity. This is a picture-puzzle, the address being: ‘Miss L.J. Gardner, Woodlands, West End, Southampton.'”