Baltimore Md., 5c Black (3X1). Position 6, large margins to just in, cancelled by three neat manuscript X's, blue "Baltimore Md. May 10" (1846) circular datestamp with matching "Paid" and "5" in circle handstamp on buff cover to "Messrs. Colt & Robinson, New York & Offing Telegraph Office, New York City", most of address crossed out and directed to "S Colt", docketed "Rogers & Black", accompanying certificate notes stamp has been removed and replaced on this cover of origin which has been cleaned, the only "cleaning" was the removal of mucilage around the stamp

VERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 5-CENT POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON WHITE PAPER USED ON COVER.

The addressees were Colt & Robinson, who formed the New York & Offing Telegraph Company in 1845 ("Offing" is not a location, but is the furthest point on the Atlantic horizon visible with a telescope). Samuel Colt, to whom the cover is redirected, was an inventor who became famous for his small arms manufacturing firm, which produced the legendary Colt 45.

For a history of the Baltimore provisionals: http://siegelauctions.com/enc/pdf/Baltimore.pdf

No. 7 in Hayes census. With 1986 P.F. certificate.

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