Alexandria, District of Columbia (or Virginia), 5c Black on Buff, Type I with 40 Ornaments (1X1). Cut to circular shape as are all recorded examples of the Alexandria provisional stamp, rosette ornaments complete, manuscript "No. 45" at bottom (indicating post office box to which stamp was charged), rim of red circular datestamp at right leaves entire design clearly visible, minor natural pre-printing paperfold at left does not detract

VERY FINE. ONE OF SIX RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE ALEXANDRIA POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON BUFF PAPER, OF WHICH THREE ARE TYPE I (SCOTT 1X1) AND THREE ARE TYPE II (SCOTT 1X1a). THIS IS THE FAMOUS WORTHINGTON-CASPARY-PHILLIPS-LILLY COPY, WHICH WAS DISCOVERED IN 1894. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY AND OFFERED AT AUCTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 36 YEARS.

Census No. 1X1-CAN-03. With 1971 P.F. certificate. Discovered by W. F. Lambert, a partner of J. Murray Bartels, in 1894. Ex Shryock, Worthington, Caspary, B.D. Phillips and Lilly. Accompanied by July 26, 1846 stampless cover from Alexandria.

History of the Alexandria provisional: http://siegelauctions.com/enc/pdf/Alexandria.pdf

Census of Alexandria provisionals: http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/1X1-1X2/1X1-1X2.pdf

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables