Sale 1284 — The Yellowstone Collection of 1847 Issue Covers
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 May, 2023
Category — 1847 Issue: Post-Demonetized Use
5c Brown Orange (1d). Three large margins, clear at bottom, notation on back describes shade as "Dr. Carroll Chase's Dark Brownish Orange" (it is an 1851 Brown Orange), tied by black "New-York Sep. 25" (1851) circular datestamp on buff envelope to Chillicothe O., backflap with beautiful Howard Hotel blue cameo corner card with embossed view of hotel building, Clark & Bailey imprint, pressed fold in cover clear of stampVERY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY USE OF THE DEMONETIZED 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE TO PAY THE 3-CENT RATE FROM NEW YORK TO OHIO ON A HOTEL ADVERTISING COVER.
The Alexander census of post-demonetization 1847 covers (Chronicle 174) lists another cover with the same hotel design and same addressee, dated October 2, 1851. It is interesting that the sender knew enough about the new postage rates to use a 5c stamp rather than 10c stamp for the old over-300 miles rate, and successfully used the worthless 5c stamp to evade paying 3c postage.
Signed Ashbrook. Ex Hart, Boker and Gross
5c Red Brown (1). Huge top margin showing frameline of adjoining stamp, full to large on other sides, intermediate impression, tied by bold black "Philadelphia Pa. Oct. 22" (ca. 1852) post-demonetization circular datestamp on blue envelope to New York City, large part of top backflap removed, light staining and small cover tear at top, stamp has tiny tear in top margin at rightVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE DEMONETIZED USE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 FROM PHILADELPHIA.
The 1847 Issue was demonetized when the new 1851 Issue was released on July 1; however, based on surviving examples, major post offices evidently tolerated sporadic late use of 1847 stamps, at least for a period of time. This cover shows the 5c cancelled by the Philadelphia datestamp in black, a color of ink used only after 1851. The earliest possible date of use is October 22, 1852, long after demonetization. The Alexander census of post-demonetization 1847 covers (Chronicle 174) lists 69 examples, including four from Philadelphia.
Illustrated in U.S. Classics Society Silver Anniversary Booklet (p. 30) and Baker's U.S. Classics (p. 180). Ex Gibson, Hart, Boker and Gross.