5c Red Brown (1). Deep shade, cleaned-plate impression, three margins, roughly separated into design at right, tied by perfect strike of black "New-York Oct. 2" (1851) circular datestamp on brown envelope to Chillicothe O., backflap with beautiful Howard Hotel blue cameo design with embossed view of hotel building, Clark & Bailey imprint, pressed fold in cover clear of stamp, small piece out of flap

VERY FINE COVER. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE USE OF THE DEMONETIZED 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE ON A HOTEL CAMEO ADVERTISING COVER -- THE STAMP WAS ACCEPTED AS PAYMENT FOR THE 3-CENT RATE. THE "NEW-YORK" CIRCULAR DATESTAMP WAS NEVER STRUCK IN BLACK DURING THE PERIOD WHEN THE 1847 ISSUE WAS VALID.

The Alexander census (Chronicle 174) lists another cover with the same hotel design and same addressee, dated Sept. 25, 1851 (offered in our William H. Gross Sale 1041, lot 322). It is interesting that the sender knew enough about the new postage rates to use a 5c stamp rather than 10c stamp for the old over-300 miles rate, and successfully used the demonetized 5c stamp to evade paying 3c postage.

Signed Ashbrook. Dr. Chase notes on back. With 2017 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables