Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Blue on Grayish White entire, Black Signature Handstamp (3XU1 var). Clearly struck provisional markings with "James M. Buchanan" struck in brownish black, blue "PAID" handstamp and two strikes of "5" in oval handstamp, blue "Baltimore Md. Jan. 3" (1846) circular datestamp on grayish white envelope to Miss Delia M. Rogers, in care of Capt. F. Black, Washington D.C., two blue manuscript check marks at top center

VERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT BLUE BALTIMORE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON WHITE ENTIRE WITH THE SIGNATURE IN BLACK.

The Baltimore provisional envelopes with the signature handstamp in black and other markings in blue were evidently the earliest of Postmaster Buchanan's issues. Twelve examples of the 5c Blue/Black combination envelope were recorded by Don Shearer as of June 1996 (plus two 10c Blue/Black envelopes). Another Blue/Black on white envelope, postmarked January 2 (1846) and not listed by Hayes or Shearer, was sold in our Frelinghuysen auction (Sale 1020, lot 8). Both are addressed to Delia M. Rogers, and they are the only Blue/Black combinations on white envelopes.

Some students believe that the presence of the two "5" handstamps on this cover indicates that it was a double rate, a theory potentially strengthened by the two blue manuscript marks.

Hayes Census No. 11. Ex Ferrary, Hind, T. Cullen Davis ("Texas Collector", Siegel Sale 278), Weill, Hill and Dr. Berlin. With 2008 P.F. certificate. The Scott U.S. Specialized mentions that entires with the black signature handstamp were issued first and "sell for more," but this handstamp color combination is not given its own major listing. Scott value for blue signature handstamp is $6,500.00.

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