Baltimore, Maryland, 5¢ Blue on Gray Entire, Black Signature Handstamp (3XU1 variety), clear strike of the "5" in oval and "PAID" provisional markings with brownish black "James M. Buchanan" signature handstamp, neat strike of "Baltimore Md. Feb. 27" (1846) circular datestamp on gray envelope to Mrs. G. Rogers Jr. in Washington D.C., blue manuscript check mark, pencil "Feb. 26, 1846" docketing at right, small ink smear

Very Fine and immaculate condition.

The envelopes with the signature handstamp in black and other markings in blue were evidently the earliest of Postmaster James M. Buchanan's provisional issues. This is an early use of the provisional in any form, and of the Blue/Black handstamp combinations, there is one later use, on March 1, before the two-color strikes were superseded by single-color strikes. Twelve examples of the 5¢ Blue/Black combination envelope are recorded in the USPCS census.

Ex Marcus Meyer (Scott Stamp & Coin Co., Sale 121, 3/15/1893), Weill Brothers sale and Dr. Charles E. Test ("Concord" collection). USPCS census no. 20038. Unlisted in the Hayes census.

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