Sale 1188 — United States Stamp Treasures: The William H. Gross Collection
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 October, 2018
Category — The Pony Express, including Russell Free Frank and $2.00 to Prince Edward Island
This “Prince Edward Pony” cover is unique in three important respects--it is the only Pony Express cover to Prince Edward Island, the only $2 Horse & Rider stamp on a cover to a foreign destination, and the only combination of the 5¢ 1860 Issue with a Pony Express stamp--based on these facts, it is rightfully acclaimed one of the most outstanding covers in United States postal historyDESCRIPTION
5¢ Brown, Type II (30A) and 10¢ Green, Type V (35), used with Wells, Fargo & Co., $2.00 Red, Horse & Rider, First Issue (143L1), Position 5, three full to large margins, just barely in along top frameline, all have bright and rich colors, all tied by blue “PONY EXPRESS/ SAN FRANCISCO/MAY 29” (1861) blue Running Pony oval handstamp on yellow cover to Angus McFadyen in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; carried on the eastbound Pony Express trip that left San Francisco on Wednesday, May 29, 1861, and arrived in St. Joseph on Sunday, June 9; entered mails the next day with green “St. Joseph Mo. Jun. 10” circular datestamp struck three times (twice tying stamps), “St. John N.B. JU 14 1861” transit datestamp and “Prince Edward Island JU 17 1861” receiving datestamp struck on back
PROVENANCE
Provenance prior to Lichtenstein’s ownership is unknown
* Alfred F. Lichtenstein, H. R. Harmer sale, 5/13/2004, lot 1511, to William H. Gross
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Frajola-Kramer-Walske census no. E42 (illustrated on p. 77)
* World Stamp Show 2016 Court of Honor (Gross)
CONDITION NOTES
* Very Fine; 10¢ negligible toned spot and tiny perf flaws at top
VIEW PDF OF HISTORY AND COMMENTARY at https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/53.pdf
