10c Green, Ty. IV-IV-II (16-16-14). Positions 54-56L1, horizontal strip of three with two Type IV at left (both recut at bottom) and Type II at right, large to huge margins, spectacular early color and proof-like impression, tied by two clear strikes of "New Orleans La. Sep. 14, 1857" circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Bordeaux, France, sender's blue oval handstamp, red "Boston Paid 24 Sep. 23" credit datestamp, French arrival datestamp (Oct. 5), transit and receiving backstamps, lightly toned along horizontal file fold

EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE 1855 10-CENT IMPERFORATE MULTIPLE CONTAINING TWO TYPE IV POSITIONS, USED TO PAY THE DOUBLE RATE TO FRANCE. MAGNIFICENT QUALITY FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT AND RARE CLASSIC UNITED STATES COVER.

Although several covers are known with strips of three of the 10c 1855, which include one Type IV position, we are aware of only five multiples larger than a pair on cover that contain more than one Type IV (thanks to Michael Perlman for sharing his records). The superb strip on this cover is the finest of the five recorded.

Annotated and signed by Stanley B. Ashbrook in pencil on back: "In My Opinion This Cover is Genuine in Every Respect. Plate Positions 54L1-55L1-56L1. Types IV, IV, II"

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