10¢ Black (2), large margins all around, beautiful deep shade and proof-like early impression, tied by bold strike of red square grid cancel, matching "New-York 10cts. 17 Jul." (1847) integral-rate circular datestamp on bluish folded cover to Agent of Bank of Montreal at Belleville, Canada West, red "Montreal L.C. JY 20 1847" circular datestamp, manuscript "1/5-1/2" Canadian rate, backstamped Kingston and Belleville (both July 21), vertical file fold well away from stamp

Extremely Fine. This July 17, 1847, cover is the earliest recorded use of the United States first general issue to or from Canada.

The earliest recorded use of the 1847 Issue is the 10¢ cover from New York City to Indianapolis, postmarked July 2, 1847. The earliest use of the 1847 Issue to a foreign destination is the 10¢ cover from Philadelphia to London, postmarked July 14, 1847 (offered as lot 148). Next in line is this July 17 cover to Canada, which is the earliest use of the 1847 Issue on a cover to any location in British North America.

The 10¢ 1847 stamp paid the single-rate postage to the U.S.-Canada border. From there to Belleville, the rate was calculated at 1 shilling 5-1/2 pence, approximately 18 pence, which corresponds to the 9p rate for distance (about 250 miles), doubled for weight over a half ounce.

Ex Jonathan W. Rose and Joseph Hackmey.

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