3c Scarlet (74). Bold strike of "D" oval grid duplex cancel of New York City, brilliant color, nibbed perf at top and slightly scissors-blunted perfs at bottom (not mentioned on certificate), also slightly soiled at top right

FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT SCARLET CANCELLED BY THE NEW YORK CITY OVAL DUPLEX CANCELLATION. ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF THIS ISSUE WERE ACTUALLY SENT THROUGH THE MAILS.

As documented by Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of Chronicle articles (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62), Carl F. Rothfuchs, a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, obtained a supply of the 3c Scarlet in 1893 -- probably from the Post Office Department in exchange for his assistance with the Columbian Exposition -- and sold them with pen marks and original gum. A small number were also used by J. W. Scott, who posted letters with some of his supply to validate his claim that these stamps were legitimate postage. Today, there are perhaps five copies cancelled in this manner.

With 1994 P.F. certificate

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