PUERTO RICO, Utuado Provisional, 1898, (5c) Violet Handstamp. Clearly struck mayoralty "Alcaldia Municipal De Utuado" with star handstamp used as a provisional marking, "Utuado Prto. Rico 7 Set. 98" double-circle datestamp on cover to San Juan, violet "N. CANALS Y Ca" straightline at top, bit of ink erosion in address but overall fresh with very clear markings

VERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE UTUADO MAYORALTY HANDSTAMP USED AS A PROVISIONAL AND SENT THROUGH THE LINES TO SPANISH-CONTROLLED SAN JUAN.

It is believed that in Utuado at this time, the mayor's office had control of the mail service, received payment for letters and struck the office's seal as evidence of the 5c prepayment. In the mayor's seal the coat of arms of Spain has been replaced with a star. This is also known to have been done in the towns of Camuy and Quebradillas upon arrival of American forces. When this cover was mailed in September 1898, Spanish troops still controlled San Juan. They did not complete their withdrawal until Oct. 18

Ex Junghaans, Scalley and Gallagher. Illustrated in Stamp Specialist (Chartreuse Book, p. 81)

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