3c Dull Red, Ty. I, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (11 var). Position 76R7, perfs all around, tied by light strike of "Chicago Ill. May ?" (1856) circular datestamp on cover to Albany N.Y., small cover repair at top

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A BRIGHT AND DESIRABLE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT CHICAGO PERFORATION ON COVER AND A VERY EARLY USE.

The date in the handstamp is not clear but it is two digits and may read "15". As such it would be the second earliest known use after the Swift corner card of May 3, 1856.

With 1987 P.F. certificate. In his census in Chronicle 175, Wilson Hulme quotes the P.F. certificate for this cover as stating "not the genuine unofficial Chicago perfs." This is in error as the certificate states "It is a genuine usage stamp with unofficial Chicago perfs." Accompanied by second cover addressed to Miss Witten with a small valentine and note. Scott value $8,000.00

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