Lenoir N.C., 5c Blue & Orange (49X1). Margins showing framelines all around, cancelled by single manuscript stroke, stamp was affixed upside down (lifted and replaced right side up), blue "Lenoir N.C. May 3" circular datestamp on small homemade cover to Greensboro N.C., slightly reduced at left, minor gum staining around stamp

VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE COVER BEARING THE BI-COLORED PROVISIONAL STAMP OF LENOIR, NORTH CAROLINA.

James Harper (1799-1879) served as postmaster of Lenoir from 1841 until sometime in 1862 or 1863. His son, George Washington Finley (G. W. F.) Harper (1834-1921), was the assistant postmaster and, according to the written affidavits, was responsible for carving the woodcut die used to make the provisional stamps and envelopes (see Crown book, pp. 172-178, 651-652). In 1862, G. W. F. Harper enlisted as a private in Co. H, 8th Regiment, N.C. Infantry, and eventually earned the rank of major.

The Lenoir adhesive stamp is one of three bi-colored provisionals issued by Southern postmasters (the others were issued at Baton Rouge La. and Greenville Ala.). Approximately 29 covers bearing the Lenoir adhesive stamp are known. The same woodcut device was applied directly to envelopes, as evidenced by the one recorded cut square with the single 5c impression (Scott 49XU1) and the unique 5c plus 5c entire (Scott 49XU2).

Ex Worthington, Engel and Dr. Brandon. With 1971 C.S.A. certificate

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