12c Black, Diagonal Half Used as 6c (17a). Bottom right diagonal half, ample margin to just touching frameline, well-tied across the cut by "STEAM/SHIP" two-line handstamp, clear strike of red "VIA NICARAGUA/AHEAD OF THE MAILS." octagonal handstamp on blue linen-lined cover to D. & A. Kingsland & Sutton in New York City, sender's route directive "Via San wan de Niceragua" (sic), no dated markings

VERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING BISECTED USE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE WITH A REMARKABLY CLEAR STRIKE OF THE "VIA NICARAGUA/AHEAD OF THE MAILS" LETTER BAG OPERATOR HANDSTAMP.

According to research by James Allen, the 1st Assistant PMG's first official notice to postmasters that bisected stamps were invalid was published on September 12, 1853 (Chronicle 239). Therefore, this almost certainly originated in San Francisco prior to the official POD announcement. A similar letter from California, arriving in New York on September 25, was treated as unpaid and marked postage due (Siegel Sale 1041, lot 340).

Ex Dr. Robertson. With 2014 P.F. certificate

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