Letter Express (Wells), 10c Black on Pink Glazed (96L3). Horizontal pair, ample margins to barely touched at left, manuscript cancels, file fold thru left stamp ties pair on folded letter to Buffalo N.Y., Sidney Shepard correspondence, datelined "Detroit August 29th, 1844", manuscript "Double" at bottom left

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE COVER BEARING A PAIR OF THE WELLS' LETTER EXPRESS 10-CENT STAMP DEPICTING A MARINE CHARGING ASHORE WITH SWORD AND FLAG.

The stamps issued by Wells' Letter Express are remarkable both for the purpose they served and for their distinctive designs. The oval 96L1-96L2 stamps depict the Goddess of Commerce surrounded by bales and barrels with a merchant vessel in the background -- symbols of private enterprise and the robust economic growth of America during the 1840's. The circular 96L3-96L4 stamps depict an American marine charging ashore with sword raised and Union Flag waving, and a naval vessel in the background. This design, chosen for stamps that would be used in the Great Lakes region, has been described as a commemoration of the Battle of Lake Champlain during the War of 1812, which may or may not be accurate.

This cover, along with the rest of a Wells' Letter Express study collection, was stolen from the residence of noted Buffalo collector Pitt Petri in 1967. It was recently reunited with Mr. Petri's family due to the efforts of a good samaritan. It is now offered to the market for the first time in more than 50 years

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