Large Numeral Postage Due Issue Domestic Covers. 73+ covers incl. a few postal stationery items, all bearing Large Numeral Postage Due stamps up to the 30c value, hand-selected for unusual frankings and character including rejected 5c 1888 bisect and attempted illegal use of revenue stamps, advertising and exposition covers, Special Delivery frankings, large Valentine, unusual cancels incl. Heart-punch (Baltimore) and blue New York oval (very rare), the single most valuable item is a Publisher's Weekly package label on front with regular Bank Note issues and 96c postage due paid by 2c, 10c and two 30c No. J19, some minor faults but condition is generally excellent

A WONDERFUL COLLECTION OF DOMESTIC COVERS WITH THE LARGE NUMERAL ISSUE -- THE "BANK NOTES" OF THE POSTAGE DUE ISSUES. PROBABLY THE LARGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT OFFERING OF ITS KIND SINCE THE ARFKEN SALE NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO.

This lot was acquired by the late Steven R. Belasco from our Sale 1016 and remains intact. Prior to that sale, these covers were acquired one at a time over two decades with a total cost of $8,645 (the owner's cost is noted on each cover, but many were acquired more than 10 years ago). We feel our estimate is conservative and does not factor in the enormous labor and transaction costs that would be necessary to build such a collection up from scratch. This lot is worth careful examination and an aggressive bid.

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