Sale 1230 — U.S. and Hawaii Stamps and Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 15-18 December, 2020
Category — Carriers and Local Posts
Northern Liberties News Rooms, Sub Post Office. Type I circular mark, bold and incredibly detailed perfectly impressed at bottom left on folded letter datelined "Philadelphia Oct. 23, 1835" to Reverend Alexander McGill at Carlisle Penn., church business contents, red "Phila 25 Oct." in octagonal frame, matching red "PAID" in octagon handstamp, manuscript "Paid 12-1/2" rate marking crossed outEXTREMELY FINE. BELIEVED TO BE THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF THE NORTHERN LIBERTIES NEWS ROOM MARKING, WHICH WAS APPLIED TO MAIL HANDLED BY THE SUB POST OFFICE OPERATED BY ANDREW McMAKIN.
Prior to 1854, the Northern Liberties area (north of Vine Street) was outside Philadelphia's city limits. Carriers were used to transport mail between outlying areas and the main post office in Philadelphia. The term Sub Post Office refers to a location where letters could be deposited for delivery to the main post office. The Northern Liberties News Rooms, which advertised its services as early as 1833, established a Sub Post Office in 1835. The proprietor at this time was Andrew McMakin. A news item appearing in the October 10, 1835, edition of the Philadelphia Saturday Courier states: "The enterprising, attentive and indefatigable proprietor of that popular establishment, the Northern Liberties Free Admission News Room, has found the business of his Sub Post Office so much on the increase, as to induce him to prepare a new and appropriate stamp, which we perceive is now imprinted upon all letters deposited at his office." (from research by Elliott Perry and J. William Middendorf). Later advertisements link the Sub Post Office in Northern Liberties with the main Philadelphia post office, which reinforces its status as an authorized drop point for mail.
Debate among postal historians (Perry, Hahn et al) has focused on when the distinctive marking (Type I or II) was applied to letters. Some have argued that it is a press-printed impression applied to lettersheets prior to use and is, therefore, a carrier stamp. In support of the press-printed argument is the consistent orientation of the marking at the left side and at the same degree relative to the paper upon which it is impressed; it would be impossible to apply a hand-held striking device so consistently. Arguing against this press-printed theory are those who cite the effects of folds on the markings and impressions thru the paper, physical evidence that proves the marking was applied after the lettersheet had been folded. Our opinion is that the markings were applied after the letter was folded and given to the Sub Post Office, but that a mechanical device -- similar to a corporate seal -- was used to make the impression. Each letter, when inserted into the device along the guides, would receive the impression in the same relative position and orientation, not unlike a three-hole paper-punch device commonly used today.
In summary, historical evidence supports the status of the Northern Liberties News Rooms Sub Post Office as an official carrier drop point for mail to the main Philadelphia post office. However, physical evidence refutes the claim that these lettersheets were sold to patrons as stamped stationery to indicate prepayment of the carrier fee; the marking is better classified as an elaborate and mechanically-applied indication of letter handling.
Calvet M. Hahn recorded between 12 and 14 examples of Type I (some duplication of items is possible). Offered to the market for the first time since 1991. Ex J. William Middendorf II. With 1991 P.F. certificate
Northern Liberties News Rooms, Sub Post Office. Very clear impression of Type II mark with a vertical line indicating presence of fold paper beneath at the time of application, the Type II shows portions of the design removed at center and around rim, red "Phila. 4 May" octagonal datestamp on Apr. 23, 1836, folded letter from Bethany to Philadelphia street address, no rate indicated, splits along file folds repaired and the entire inside of letter has been silkedVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE FINEST OF THE FOUR RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE TYPE II NORTHERN LIBERTIES NEWS ROOMS MARKING.
Although silked to repair splits, the condition of this cover is superior to that of the two other full covers; the earliest of the four recorded is a front only. This letter is also the only known example addressed to Philadelphia, where it received the datestamp, but was not rated.
Ex Middendorf and Golden. With 2000 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Eagle Carrier (LO2). Block of eight, original gum, lightly hinged, rich color, Very Fine, with 2002 P.F. certificate, Scott value as two blocks of four
U.S. City Despatch Post, New York N.Y., 3c Black on Blue Green Glazed (6LB5). Large margins, few tiny cracks in enamel, tied by red "U.S." in frame, matching "U.S. City Despatch Post Sep. 9, 9 O'Clock" Type I double-line circular datestamp on 1843 blue folded letter to local street address, addressed in blue, file fold, otherwise Very Fine, ex Caspary and Hall
U.S. Penny Post, St. Louis Mo., 2c Blue (8LB3). Large margins to just in at bottom, cancelled by bold strike of "1 ct" in frame, faults including creases and hinge-sealed tearsFINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF ONLY TWO OFF-COVER STAMPS AMONG THE SIX RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE ST. LOUIS 2-CENT BLUE CARRIER (8LB3). A REMARKABLE CARRIER STAMP THAT WAS MODELED UPON THE ONE-CENT 1851 FRANKLIN DESIGN AND THE 3-CENT SILVER "TRIME".
Elliott Perry theorized that the design of this stamp was a cross between the 1851 1c stamp (ornamental border) and the 1852 3c silver coin known as a "fish-scale" or "trime", which had the shield in six-point star design (see Pat Paragraphs, reprint, pp. 263-264). The concept was "something between" 1c and 3c. Although previous reports date the stamp and covers to 1857, one of the Valentine covers has an enclosure that appears to have originated with the cover and is clearly dated 1853 (Siegel Sale 920).
Our records contain just six examples of 8LB3:
1) "1 ct" cancel, off cover, ex Golden, Kuphal and various Rarities sales, (Kuphal Sale 925, lot 1261)
2) tied by "1 ct" in frame on cover to Edwin Harrison, ex Middendorf
3) used on large Valentine cover to Mrs. Scoot, dated Feb. 13, 1857, manuscript "X" cancel (not tied) and "Paid" straightline, ex Bulger, Siegel Sale 846, lot 2403
4) tied by "1 ct" in frame on cover to Miss St. Denis, Siegel Sale 846, lot 2404
5) cut to oval shape, tied by "Paid" in arc on large Valentine cover to Mrs. Scoot, Siegel Sale 920, lot 273.
6) "1 ct" cancel, boldly struck, off cover, the stamp offered here and previously unrecorded in our census.
Scott value $22,500.00
Williams' City Post, Cincinnati O., 2c Brown (9LB1). Large margins to clear at bottom, no apparent cancel, hinge remnant at top covers a tiny thin spot, Fine appearance and nearly Very Fine, a choice example of this rare Carrier issue, which normally comes with faults, only one unused pair and fewer than ten singles are known off cover (or added to covers), just six are recorded genuinely used on cover, unlisted as a single unused, Scott value as used
Adams & Co.'s Express, Cal., 25c Black on Blue (1L1). Unused (no gum), full to ample margins with side imprints completeFINE AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ADAMS & COMPANY EXPRESS 25-CENT ON BLUE PAPER.
Ex H. T. Richardson
Adams & Co.'s Express, Cal., 25c Black, "Rate 25c Per 1-2 Oz.", Black Overprint (1L5). Unused (no gum), "LR" (L. Reed) initials, large marginsEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE ADAMS & CO.'S EXPRESS STAMP WITH BLACK OVERPRINT.
Ex Boker, Golden and Kuphal
Adams & Co.'s Express, Cal., 25c Black (1L6). Vertical pair, unused (no gum), three huge margins, probably from the upper right corner of sheet, frameline just touched at leftVERY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED MULTIPLE OF THE ADAMS & CO. 1L6 STAMP.
Ex Boker, Golden and Kuphal
Adams' City Express Post, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Buff (2L2). Unused, large margins to just touched at top, affixed to 1844 folded letter on which it does not belong, Fine and extremely rare stamp either on or off-cover, a survey of auction catalogues produced no more than a half-dozen examples of this stamp, including four or five covers bearing uncancelled stamps, ex H. T. Richardson, Scott value as unused
American Letter Mail Co., 5c Black (5L1). Horizontal pair, large margins to in at bottom, tied by red brush strokes on double-rate folded cover to Philadelphia Pa., Feb. 16, 1844 docketing on flap as well as more of the red ink used to cancel the stamp, vertical file fold creases the right stamp, appears Fine, a very rare use of a pair of the American Letter Mail Co. Small Eagle, our records contain just six Small Eagle pairs used on five covers and one front
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Black (15L2). Cut to shape clear of circle all around, every letter of "Phila. Despatch Post" unusually well-defined, black "Paid" handstamp struck twice and "R & Co." manuscript control, affixed with wax seal, cancelled by red "3" handstamp, matching partly struck "Phila. Despatch Post" circular timestamp on folded cover dated "1842" on back (must be December) to the Treaurer of the American Sunday School Union at 146 Chesnut StreetEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE TWO FINEST OF THE SIX RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST CIRCULAR BLACK STAMP. BASED ON THE 1842 DOCKETING, THIS IS THE EARLIEST EXAMPLE OF A UNITED STATES ADHESIVE STAMP USED OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY.
The Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger (Dec. 8, 1842) and in an expanded version with some differences. In the later ad, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4c and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either special service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chestnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement.
Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. has recently published his own comprehensive census, which updates and expands the census previously published by our firm.
Ex Caspary, Hollowbush, Schwartz and "Gordon N. John"
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., (3c) Black, Without Shading in Background, Initialed "R & Co." (15L3). Thick coated paper with impression showing almost no background shading lines, three large margins, slightly in at left, cancelled by red outline "3" handstamp, impression ties stamp thru paper, on folded letter datelined "Philada. Jany. 9th 1844" to New York City, no Philadelphia Despatch Post handstamp or government handstamp, manuscript "12-1/2" rate probably applied in PhiladelphiaVERY FINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF THIS STAMP "TO THE MAILS" AND THEREFORE THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF A PICTORIAL STAMP OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF ISSUE.
Ex Ferrary, Hall and Dr. Morris. With 2001 P.F. certificate
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., (3c) Black, Without Shading in Background, Initialed "R & Co." (15L3). Large margins to slightly in at top, corner crease, cancelled by red outline "3", matching faint "Phila. Despatch Post P.M." circular datestamp on Oct. 13, 1843 folded letter to local street address, minor aging and splits along foldsFINE. THIS IS THE RAREST OF THE STRIDING MESSENGER STAMPS, ISSUED BY THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST, PREDECESSOR TO D. O. BLOOD. THIS IS A VERY EARLY USE.
The "R & Co." Striding Messenger stamps without any background shading lines are extremely rare. This stamp shows an extremely worn impression with the buildings at left and right almost completely missing. This was used only three days after the earliest documented use (October 10, 1843, offered in D.K. collection, Sale 862, lot 62). Ex Kuphal.
D. O. Blood & Co., Philadelphia Pa., (1c) Black, "For the Post Office" (15L8). Square margins which are completely clear all around, tied by two strikes of red "PHILADA. RAIL ROAD" straightline handstamp with matching "New-York 5 cts. 5 Nov." integral-rate circular datestamp on lady's small border-embossed cover to Middletown Conn., Extremely Fine, a beautiful cover in every respect, ex Ayer (Siegel Sale 252)
Blood's City Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., 1c Bronze on Black Glazed (15L13). Complete sheet of four panes of 24, unused (no gum), vivid bronze color, horizontal crease thru bottom two panes, top left pane with some typical minor wrinkling and tiny cracking, still Very Fine, a visually striking and extremely rare complete sheet, we are aware of four or five panes of 24 but this is the first sheet of 96 we have ever encountered, Scott value as four panes
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"POST". One word contained in broken circle applied by stencil in red, matching "PAID" straightline on folded Valentine's Day poem dated Feb. 14, 1848, to Miss Cadwalader, 7 Vine Street in Philadelphia, yellow Blood's advertising label at upper right (slight discoloration), Extremely Fine, Hahn records only two examples of this enigmatic "Post" marking, the advertising label ties it to Blood's post, but the style of the marking is atypical of Blood's in this period and the stencil application is more suggestive of Spence & Brown in Baltimore -- in any case, an important Local Post rarity and certainly open to further research -- ex Hollowbush, Hahn and Dr. Morris, with 2010 P.F. certificate
B. Post/5. Large dark blue stencil-applied rate handstamp on cover to William Stewart, a Baltimore attorney, with hand-colored comic Valentine entitled "A Lawyer", the poetic assault reads (in part) "As tough as your parchment, as black as your heart, Made up of lies that would fill an ox cart...To wed with all these, I'm not such a dunce, I'd prefer the old Devil, your daddy, at once", almost certainly original to cover, Very Fine, the better of only two recorded examples of this enigmatic local-post handstamp, this post is discussed in Kelly's CCP series (Vol. 50, Bo. 4, p. 220), but virtually nothing is known about its operation, ex Hahn and Dr. Morris, with 2010 P.F. certificate
POST. Stencil arc and "Paid" straightline both applied in greasy red ink on brown cover to local Philadelphia street address, manuscript "1849 from E. P. Jacobs" at lower left, "Compliments of the Season" label on backflap, slight age toning, resealed at sides and flap reattached, otherwise Fine, this rare marking is similar to the "B. POST" stencil, ex Hahn and Dr. Morris, with 2011 P.F. certificate
Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Gold on Cream (20L5). Cut to shape with margins to in at bottom, cancelled by manuscript "C" on lady's cover with embossed border to local street address, fresh and Very Fine, the Boyd's 2c "social" stamp is very scarce on cover, we have offered only two others since keeping computerized records, ex Geisler, Scott value $1,750.00
Boyd's City Dispatch, New York N.Y., 2c Red on Amber Laid Entire, Second State (20LU26). Unused with small printed address label, slightly reduced at left and torn at upper left, Very Fine appearance and rare example of the Boyd's erased-address stamp from the second die state, Scott value $1,250.00
Brady & Co., New York N.Y., 1c Red on Yellow (22L1). Unused, part original gum called "traces" on accompanying certificate, full margins to just clear, some slight gum soaks, appears Very Fine, with 2004 P.F. certificate
Brady & Co., New York N.Y., 1c Red on Yellow (22L1). Clear to large margins, bold strike of blue Brady & Co. oval cancel, light horizontal crease at top, appears Fine, desirable with the clear company cancel
Brainard & Co., (5c) Black (24L1). Unused (no gum), large margins to ample at right, Very Fine
Broadway Post Office, New York N.Y., (1c) Black (26L2). Original gum, hinge remnant, large margins, Very Fine example of this beautiful design, with 2001 P.F. certificate
Brooklyn City Express Post, Brooklyn N.Y., 2c Black on Pink (28L4, 28L4a). Sheet of 48, includes six tete-beche pairs in middle, unused (no gum), few edge faults and color a bit faded along one edge, otherwise Very Fine and rare
Browne's Easton Despatch, Easton Pa., 2c Black (30L3). Block of six comprising four stamps at right and the pair at lower left, separate horizontal sheet-margin pair affixed at upper left (slightly overlapping margins), original gum, bright and fresh paper, creases with a few tiny breaks in paperVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED BLOCK OF THE RARE BROWNE'S EASTON DESPATCH ENGRAVED STAMP.
The engraved stamp with a portrait of Washington, 30L3, was the subject of a study by Larry Lyons (The Penny Post, April 2006). In his article, he documents at least 37 examples and reconstructs the original plate layout using the multiple offered here. This block of six and pair, and three or four additional pairs, are the only known multiples. Lyons assigns Positions 2-3, 4-5/7-10 to this block and pair.
Ex Weekes, Souren, Boker, Lilly, Golden and Kuphal. Scott value as block of six and pair.
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Brown's City Post, New York N.Y., 1c Colored Glazed Paper (31L1-31L5). Complete set of colors, each with paper adherence and pencil "OK J. W. Scott", Red has a small edge tear, overall Very Fine, this 1876 local post was operated by the stamp dealer William P. Brown for philatelic purposes, ex Kuphal
Brown's City Post, New York N.Y., 1c Black on Yellow (31L2). Large margins to full, tied by "Brown's Despatch Paid" circular handstamp on buff cover with "Short-Hand Writing" advertising corner card, addressed locally, Very Fine
Brown's City Post, New York N.Y., 1c Black on Violet (31L4). Intense shade and impression, tied by "Brown's Despatch Paid" circular handstamp on buff cover to local street address, red on white paste-on label of William Brown at top left, fresh and Very Fine, the Brown's 31L4 stamp is extremely rare on cover (two reported), ex Geisler
Brown's City Post, New York N.Y., 1c Black on Vermilion (31L5). Large margins, tied by "Brown's Despatch Paid" circular handstamp on cover addressed to Evanston Ill., crossed out and replaced with "NY City", red on white paste-on label of William Brown at top left, Very Fine
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 2c Blue (34L1). Vertical pair with huge right sheet margin and large margins all around, unused (no gum), faint horizontal crease in top stamp, diagonal crease and thin in sheet margin, bottom stamp is sound, Extremely Fine appearance, we know of one other multiple of this rare stamp -- the block of six from the Golden collection and our 2012 Rarities sale, which at one point was joined to this pair -- ex Kuphal, signed Sloane
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 3c Blue (34L1A). Large even margins, couple tiny toned spots, affixed to 10c Nesbittt entire on which it does not belong, Downieville Cal. to New York with fancy star cancel, the stamp has Very Fine appearance, the rarest stamp of the California Penny Post with only three examples known on cover, plus a small handful of others off-cover (a couple are possibly proofs)
California Penny Post Co., San Francisco, 5c Blue (34L2). Top right corner sheet margin block of six, unused (no gum), large margins all around, rich color, some light surface stains on back only, Extremely Fine appearance, very few blocks known, signed Sloane, Scott value as block of four and two singles
G. Carter's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Blue on Buff, Cut Square (36LU1). Embossed in upper right corner of 75 x 60mm buff piece of envelope, Very Fine, extremely rare as a full entire with only a half-dozen known and also scarce as this large cut square
Chicago Penny Post, Chicago Ill., (1c) Orange Brown (38L1). Large margins, cancelled by "Chicago Ill. Jan. 2, 1863" double-circle datestamp, tiny tear at top, appears Extremely Fine, a choice used example of the Chicago Penny Post "Beehive" stamp and rare with the post office cancel, ex Golden, with 2000 P.S.E. certificate
Clark & Co., New York N.Y., 1c Red on Yellow (48L1). Unused (no gum), bright color, full margins to ample at top left, pencil notation on back, Very Fine
Clarke's Centennial Express to the Black Hills (Thomas CLA-011). On 3c Green entire (U221), unused, pristine condition, Very Fine and choice, Henry Tefft Clarke (1834-1913) was a pioneer legislator, builder and freight operator, he ran his Centennial Express from July 1876 to July 1878, carrying mail between the Union Pacific depot in Sidney and Deadwood, Dakota (via Custer City)
(Cole's) Post Office City Despatch, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed, "CC" at Sides (40L4). Brownish original gum, large margins to into outer framelines at top right and lower left, couple tiny thin spots and horizontal crease, otherwise Fine and extremely rare, this is one of only two original-gum examples of No. 40L4 we record
East River Post Office, New York N.Y., (1c) Black on Green Glazed (62L3). Rectangular margins clear of design all around, small stains and surface scrapes, uncancelled but "tied" by gum staining around edges, "East River/Post Office/23 Avenue D" three-line handstamp on buff cover with faded address, manuscript notation at top of indeterminate date, minor edgewear, otherwise Very Fine, an extremely rare example of the East River Post Office "23 Av. D." stamp on cover, with 2006 P.F. certificate, listed but unpriced in Scott
Floyd's Penny Post, Chicago Ill., (1c) Blue (68L1). Large to huge margins, tied by blue "Floyd's Penny Post Chicago" double-oval handstamp on buff cover with illustrated hotel corner card, to local street address, most of backflap removed, some erased pencil notes, otherwise Very Fine, ex Mason and Hall
Floyd's Penny Post, Chicago Ill., (1c) Green (68L3). Unused (no gum) on thick paper normally associated with the Blue printing, large margins, lightly soiled and small thin spot at top, appears Extremely Fine, pencil "OK WH" on back (probably Warren Hale), the Brown and Blue stamps were the first Floyd stamps issued, and the Blue continued to be issued from 1860 through 1862, the Green stamps are known used only in October and November 1862, thus they appear to be the last printing, probably by Kimball & Waterman before the post was closed -- the Green is by far the rarest, with only two recorded covers, six or seven used stamps off cover, and three or four unused stamps (three with original gum) known to us
Friend's Boarding School, Barnesville O., (1c) Black (151L1). Type I, margins all around, uncancelled as usual, neatly affixed just below 3c Green (158) which is tied by cork, "Barnesville O. May 12" circular datestamp on cover to Quaker City O., 3c stamp with tiny tear at bottom, still Very Fine, these locals are normally affixed to the back of the cover, the placement next to the 3c stamp is desirable
Glen Haven Daily Mail, Glen Haven N.Y., 1c Black on Dark Green, "Gien" for "Glen" (71L1a). Unused (no gum), ample margins to touched at right, fine clear impression showing the "Gien" error variety, slight gum soaks along edges and a miniscule paper split on back at bottom edge that is not evident on front, Fine appearance, for a detailed discussion of the Glen Haven Daily Mail operation, the typeset stamps and the "Gien" error, see Siegel Sale 1063, lot 1770 -- there are two other examples of the "Gien" stamp known to us, one affixed to the back of a cover (ex Golden and "D.K." collection) and one uncancelled on piece (ex Hollowbush and Hall), to the best of our knowledge, these are the only three examples of 71L1a extant -- accompanied by a normal Scott 71L1, which is scarce in its own right
Guy's City Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (1c) Pink (74L1). Tied by clear strike of purple "Guy's City Dispatch 1123 Chestnut St." double-line oval handstamp on cover to local street address, couple small faint stains, Very Fine, scarce, ex Worthington, Golden and Kuphal
Hale & Co., 5c Dark Blue on Pelure (75L1a). Positions 3/8/13, vertical strip of three, deep color, pen "X" cancels, faults including tears and backed with Japanese paper, appears Fine, a rare Hale & Co. First Issue strip on pelure, accompanied by Elliott Perry card to which this was originally attached
T. A. Hampton City Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black (77L1). Cut to shape as always, frameline almost complete, uncancelled, used on folded letter on blue-line paper to Easton Pa., blue "Philada. Pa. 5 cts. Oct. 5" integral-rate circular datestampVERY FINE. ONE OF SEVEN RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE HAMPTON 77L1 STAMP, OF WHICH ALL BUT ONE HAVE UNCANCELLED STAMPS. ONE OF THE GREAT LOCAL POST RARITIES.
Very little information about the T. A. Hampton post is known. Different students have located the same 1852-53 city directory listing for Thomas A. Hampton, a printer located at Marshall and 5th, but nothing earlier. In his CCP article on Philadelphia locals (Nov.-Dec. 1994), Calvet M. Hahn attached special significance to the fact that tobacconists named Gilbert Harris and Benjamin Hampton occupied the same address at 11 North 10th Street during the relevant years. Although the first names do not match the local-post proprietors' names, Hahn believed that a family connection might exist that would link the two local posts. Steven M. Roth also noted the possibility of an association, based on the sequence of dated covers (Penny Post, Oct. 1993). Given the similarity of the stamps and the association of names and addresses, another possibility is that the Despatch Post was neither Harris's nor Hampton's individually, but that they were partners -- the stamps with each partner's name could have been a convenient accounting method. Nothing is impossible, given the paucity of documentation.
This cover is the third of seven 77L1 covers recorded (see Siegel Sale 1025, lot 270 for a listing). One other off-cover stamp is also known.
Ex Gibson, Boker, Golden and Kuphal. With 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott value for uncancelled stamp on cover (with a P.F. certificate) is $5,000.00
Hartford Conn. Mail Route, (5c) Black on Yellow Glazed (80L1). Position 3, full to large margins all around showing part of adjoining stamp at right, bright color without any oxidation, manuscript "South" precancel, used on Feb. 27, 1845 folded letter from Hartford to New York City street address, Goddard correspondence, sender's note "Hale's Express paid feb. 27", a few letters of address changed in ink, some paper erosion on back and very slightly worn along file fold, certificate mentions small tear at bottom right of stampVERY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE SOUTHBOUND COVER CARRIED BY THE HARTFORD MAIL ROUTE.
The relationship between the Hartford Mail Route and Hale & Co. was extremely close; however, to the best of our knowledge, no one has been able to establish whether Hale had an ownership interest. The sender's notation on this cover demonstrates how the public perceived the Hartford Mail Route.
Ex C. E. Chapman with his handstamp struck over "h" of "Joseph" in address; also ex Ackerman, Hall and Dr. Puliafito. With 2001 P.F. certificate
A. M. Hinckley's Express Co., New York N.Y., 1c Red on Bluish (82L1). Original gum, large to ample margins, Very Fine and extremely scarce, with copy of 1976 P.F. certificate for a block of four
Humboldt Express (Langton's), Nevada, 25c Brown (86L1). Unused (no gum), large margins to clear at lower right, rich color, Fine
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Blue (87L1). Large margins, tied by "FREE" handstamp on front only to local street address, "Notice & Circular Distributing Office, 82 Broadway Upstairs" oval handstamp, docketed May 21, 1856, stain spot and creases not affecting stamp, which is Extremely Fine, exceedingly rare use of Hussey's First Issue (three genuine examples recorded), ex Hollowbush, Golden and Hahn, Scott value $2,750.00
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Blue (87L1). Large margins to clear, tied by "PAID" handstamp, used with 3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11), huge margins to in at bottom where separated a bit roughly, tied by bold strike of "New-York Feb. 3" circular datestamp on cover, address partly obliterated, local stamp with small faults, cover with few edge tears at top, still Very Fine, very rare with both stamps used together and tied, with 2001 P.F. certificate, listed but unpriced in Scott
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Black (87L2). Three large margins, clear at bottom, tied by "FREE" handstamp on June 1857 folded life insurance notice to local street address, file fold and pinholes clear of stamp, Very Fine, extremely rare, signed Sloane, ex Hollowbush, Golden, Kuphal and Geisler, Scott value $1,850.00
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Red (87L3). Large margins all around, tied by "FREE" handstamp on wrapper to local street address, fresh and Very Fine, Scott value $750.00
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 1c Brown Red (87L4). Large margins to touched or slightly in on sides, tied by extremely bold strike of "Hussey 50 Wm. St. 1ct Paid May 3" circular datestamp on printed circular, equally bold strike of "Direction/Corrected/by G. Hussey/50 Wm. St." four-line handstamp, Very Fine
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 1c Brown Red (87L4). Full margins to clear, tied by bold strike of "Hussey 50 Wm. St. 1ct Paid Jan. 21" (1859) circular datestamp on printed insurance circular, Very Fine
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Red (87L8). Complete sheet of 46 showing sideways arrangement of bottom row, unused (without gum as issued), fresh, pinhole in one stamp, otherwise Extremely Fine, a note from Elliott Perry stating "Complete sheet of 87L8. Believed to be unique" no longer accompanies, Scott value for 46 singles is $2,760.00
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 1c Lake (87L11). Three large margins, touched at top, tied by "1 Ct. Paid Hussey 50 Wm. St. Oct. 3" circular datestamp on yellow cover to local street address, opening tear at upper left corner, otherwise Very Fine, scarce, ex Golden, with 2000 P.F. certificate
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 1c Black (87L26 var, Lyons Design Type L180A). Unused (no gum), large margins to just in at bottom, small extraneous blue ink spots at top right, a Fine and fascinating genuine stamp, this stamp shares nearly the same design as the listed 87L26 issue, but is printed in Black instead of Brown Red, it was the subject of a years-long expertization process at the Philatelic Foundation (first called a fake and then finally genuine in 2010) and was discussed in great detail by William W. Steele in Penny Post (No. 59, April 2007, copy accompanies), Mr. Steele maintained, and the P.F. finally agreed, that this is a printing from J. W. Scott in 1875-76 and was available and accepted for postage at Hussey's Post, with 2010 P.F. certificate (issued after Penny Post article was published)
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 1c Blue, Dated 1863 (87L27). Three large margins, touched at right, tied by "2 ct. Paid, Hussey 50 Wm. t. Jan. 18" circular datestamp on insurance company corner card cover to local street address, small stain at bottom left, Very Fine, ex Chapman and Schwartz, signed Sloane
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., 2c Brown, Dated 1863 (87L35). Two huge margins showing trace of adjoining stamp at right, other sides clear, tied by "2 Ct. Paid Hussey 50 Wm. St. Nov. 29" circular datestamp on insurance co. corner card cover to local street address, 1864 docketing, Very Fine and extremely scarce, signed Sloane, ex Hollowbush, Boker and Golden
Hussey's Post, New York N.Y., (unstated value), Rose (87L58). Large margins, small corner crease, tied by violet "Hussey's Special Messenger Express Paid, 54 Pine St." double-line oval handstamp on cover to William Street address in New York City, Very Fine, illustrated in Byways of Philately (p. 157), with 2004 P.F. certificate
Jordan's White Sulphur Springs, Frederick County, Va. Rectangular label with fancy border, tied by manuscript "Pd 5" on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10) to Baltimore Md., embossed stamp cancelled by "Stephenson Va. Aug. 19" circular datestamp, label with wrinkles, we are not convinced this is genuine or a local post stamp (pencil note on back indicates it was acquired from Herman Herst if that sheds any light), offered "as is"
Kellogg's Penny Post & City Despatch, Cleveland O., (1c) Vermilion (92L1). Full margins to touched at right, bright color, light manuscript "X" cancel, couple small thin spots and tiny corner crease, Very Fine appearance and rare with fewer than 10 known off-cover (six covers recorded)
Menant & Co. Express Post, New Orleans La., 2c Dark Red (104L1). Unused (no gum), large margins to ample at top right, nicked at top right and vertical crease, faint soilingONE OF FIVE EXAMPLES OF THE MENANT & CO. LOCAL POST STAMP AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. A GREAT PHILATELIC RARITY.
According to The Great Mail, Menant & Co.'s Express Post commenced operations in 1853 at 21 Conti Street and were still in business as late as 1856, although at a different address, 118 Exchange Place, near the post office.
The six examples of 104L1 in our records (all unused) are: 1) ex Souren and Hall, illustrated in The Great Mail (p. 133), 2012 Rarities sale, lot 273; 2) ex Middendorf, faults including hole at top right; 3) ex Caspary, thin and pinhole; 4) ex Kuphal and from our 1999 Rarities sale, vertical crease; 5) the copy in the British Library, Tapling Collection; and 6) the example offered here, which was not previously recorded in our census.
Scott value $15,000.00
Pomeroy's Letter Express, 5c Lake on Thin Bond (117L6). Positions 14-15/18-19, block of four, original gum, large margins to touched at top, exceptional color in the distinctive Lake shade, manuscript "1844" on backVERY FINE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE UNUSED MULTIPLE OF THE POMEROY'S LETTER EXPRESS 5-CENT LAKE. AN IMPORTANT RARITY OF THE INDEPENDENT MAILS AND CARRIERS AND LOCALS OVERALL.
Despite the abundance of multiples of remaindered Pomeroy stamps in different colors on bond paper or in similar colors on medium fibrous paper, this original printing in Lake on bond paper is extremely scarce. This is the only unused 117L6 multiple we record, and there is only one pair known, used on cover.
Ex Sloane (Fox sale 11/11/59, lot 683) and Chapin. With 1961 P.F. certificate stating "without plate bruise in the margin"
Pacific Express Co. Horse and rider frank in blue on 3c Red on Buff Nesbitt entire (U10), light strike of blue "Pacific Express Co., Sacramento(?) Oct. 4" oval datestamp, to Todd's Valley Cal., Very Fine, this frank is scarce struck in blue, less than five are known
Staten Island Express Post, Staten Island N.Y., 3c Vermilion (133L1). Clear even margins, brilliant color, cancelled by pen lines, file fold lightly creases the stamp effectively tying it to small Oct. 10, 1850 folded letter to blotted-out address in New York City, handed over to Boyd's and struck with their black "Boyd's City Express Post Oct. 10 4" oval datestamp and "PAID" handstamp, some of the ink blotting at top of cover as well, still Fine and extremely rare, only seven covers are recorded (five used in conjunction with Boyd's), for a detailed description of the Staten Island Express Post, the stamps and the connection to Boyd's, see Siegel Sale 965, lot 1248, with 1973 P.F. certificate, Scott value as untied on cover
Swarts' City Dispatch Post, New York N.Y., (2c) Black on Light Green Glazed (136L1). Ample to large margins, tied by red "Paid" cancel, matching faint "Post Office, Swarts, Chatham Square" oval handstamp, another different style of "Paid" on folded letter dated May 16 (no year, ca. 1849) to local street address, complaining about a "Nuisance constantly running from your privy into my basement" (use your imagination), file folds, Very Fine, ex German Sale, Brown and Hall
Swarts' City Dispatch Post, New York N.Y., (1c) Pink on Wove (136L10). Large margins including huge bottom sheet margin, tied by perfect strike of "Swarts' Post Office Chatham Square Dec. 20" oval datestamp, "Paid/Swarts" in frame on lady's embossed cover addressed in blue to Herald Office, Extremely Fine Gem, perfection, ex Brown and Hall
Union Despatch, Chicago Ill., 5c Brownish Red, Rough Perf 12-1/2--15 (170L1). Two, margins showing complete perfs all around, first is lightly cancelled and the other without apparent cancel, faults as always including thin spots, Fine appearance and rare, for background on this local see our Golden sale, lot 1553 (Siegel Sale 817) and Gordon Stimmell's article in Penny Post (July, 1995), this was unlisted in Scott until after 2015, now listed but unpriced
Wells, Fargo & Co. Pony Express, $1.00-$4.00, 10c-25c Horse & Rider Issues (143L1-143L9). Complete sets of the Transcontinental and Virginia City Pony Express stamps, including the $1.00 Garter stamp, unused (no gum), margins full to clear, rich colors, few with small faults (mostly light creases and small thin spots) but in better condition than normally seen, Fine-Very Fine appearing set, Nos. 143L3-143L6 were issued under the terms of a government mail contract; therefore, they have semi-official status
Wells, Fargo & Co. Pony Express, $1.00-$4.00 Horse & Rider Issues (143L1-143L5). $2.00 Green original gum, others unused (no gum), mostly ample to large margins, $2.00 Green just clear at one spot, $4.00 Black with thin spot and diagonal crease, Fine-Very Fine group
Wells, Fargo & Co. Pony Express, $1.00 Red, Broken Leg (143L3 var). Positions 9-10/19-20R, block of four, top left stamp (9R) the variety, unused (no gum), ample to large margins, couple faint wrinkles in left margin barely touch top left stamp, Very Fine appearance, a rare block with the "broken leg" variety, we record only approximately ten examples of this rare variety, including three used
Wells Fargo & Co. Virginia City Pony Express, 25c Blue (143L8). Large margins to clear, tied by blue “Wells, Fargo & Cos. Express 26 Feb” double-circle datestamp on 3c Pink on Buff entire (U35) with Bamber & Cos. Express printed frank to Virginia City N.T., stamp affixed over red Bamber & Co. circular datestamp, reduced at left into printed frankVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE CONJUNCTIVE USE OF BAMBER & COMPANY’S EXPRESS AND WELLS FARGO & COMPANY’S 1862-65 PONY EXPRESS TO NEVADA.
With 2010 P.F. certificate
Balance of the William W. Steele Collection of Carriers and Locals. Two thick volumes filled with scores of genuine stamps and covers arranged together with counterfeits and fantasy issues (those acquired by Mr. Steele from the Sir Nicholas Waterhouse reference collection), all carefully annotated including the names of counterfeiters (Scott, Taylor, etc.), the genuine items cover a wide range of posts, but there are extensive sections of Blood’s, Boyd’s and Hussey’s Posts with many scarce issues and desirable multiples and covers -- the following is a Scott number list of the genuine stamps we surveyed: LO6 (2), 3LB2 cover with 3c 1851, 5LB1 (2), 5LB2, 6LB5, 6LB5d, 1L2 block, 1L3 block, 1L4, 2L3, 5L1, 9L1 cover, 9LU1 unused entire, 12L1-12L2 panes (a few), 15L14 and 15L15 blocks (several), Blood’s entires, 20L2 tied on Christmas Day cover (a beauty), numerous Boyd’s covers and blocks, 20L13 tied, 20L15 and 20L16 sheets of 100, 20L43A, Boyd’s entires, 23L1, 27L1, 30L3, 35L1, 35L2, 40L1 (2 unused and a Sperati), 60L2, 62L4 (2), 66L1, 73L1, 74L2 cover, 74L1-74L2 sheets, 78L1, 87L1 (2), 87L2, Hussey’s in great depth including 87L56, 87LUP1-4, Special Delivery covers, 89L1, 91L1, 98L1, 107L1 cover (2, both tied), 108L3, 112L1, 112L2, 121L7, 132L2, 141L3 blocks of 26 and 18, 143L1-5 Pony Express, Pomeroy sheets, 144L1 and 144L9 sheets of 6 -- apart from the considerable value in genuine material, there are many hundreds of counterfeits and fantasies that have a market of their own, which we have not factored into our estimated value, there are also two fat albums of more modern “local post” creations (not counted in our estimate), condition is typical for this collecting area, and faults should be expected in the scarcer items, but overall this is a true collector’s collection, which would take years to recreate -- it offers the philatelist an opportunity to launch into a new specialized area or to augment an existing collection, and for the dealer or eBay reseller, there is great profit potential, even without the criminal mentality of selling the counterfeits and fakes as genuine
