3c Rose (65). Deep rich color, tied by perfect strike of Mortar & Pestle fancy cancel (Type 3, Rohloff O-7), matching "Waterbury Con. Oct. 10, 1867" double-circle datestamp on cover to New York, trivial cover tear at top right and stamp with single minor perf crease

EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB STRIKE OF THE RARE MORTAR & PESTLE FANCY CANCELLATION OF WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT. THIS IS THE FINEST STRIKE WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.

The Waterbury postmaster, John W. Hill, carved three different Mortar & Pestle cancellations. The Rohloff Types 1 and 3 were carved in 1867 and used with the large double-circle datestamp. They are much rarer than the Type 2 Mortar & Pestle that was carved in 1869 and used with the 1868 Grilled and 1869 Pictorial Issues. We know of two other covers with this Type 3 Mortar & Pestle: one is illustrated in Rohloff (p. 181) and the other was in the Houser sale (lot 84). The strike on this cover is superior to those other two examples.

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