New York N.Y., 5c Black, "RHM" Initials (9X1d). Position 39, large margins to just clear at upper left, tied by unusually thick pen strokes, red "New-York 5cts. 18 Jul." (1845) integral-rate circular datestamp with matching "Paid" in arc handstamp on folded letter to Providence R.I.

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE COVER AND VERY EARLY USE OF THE 5-CENT NEW YORK POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL WITH "RHM" SIGNATURE.

Shortly after the first day of issue, Postmaster Robert H. Morris decided to begin initialing the provisional stamps. July 17, 1845, is the earliest recorded date of use for a New York Postmaster Provisional with validating initials (see Piller book, p. 61). This cover is dated one day later. The "RHM" initialed stamp is extremely rare on cover. Because of the New Hamburgh find, it is as rare or even rarer used from New York City than used to New York City. Wall recorded only six "RHM" covers used from New York in his Chronicle series.

Ex Norvin Green. Illustrated in Chronicle No. 97 (p. 11). With 1977 P.F. certificate

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