3c Dull Red, Ty. II, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (11A var). Positions 86-87L3, horizontal pair, choice centering, tied by "Chicago Ill. Jan. 22, 1857" circular datestamp on yellow cover to New York, contemporary math notations on front, repair at top does not affect the stamps, light soiling

VERY FINE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF A 3-CENT CHICAGO PERF MULTIPLE. AN IMPORTANT ARTIFACT OF EARLY PERFORATION OF UNITED STATES STAMPS.

The origin of this experiment was revealed in an article published by Jerome S. Wagshal in Chronicle 130 (May 1986). The inventor of the machine used to create the Chicago Perf stamps was Dr. Elijah W. Hadley, a Chicago dentist. He probably constructed the machine in 1854. Over a two-year period, beginning in November 1854, Dr. Hadley's device was offered for sale to the Post Office Department thru R. K. Swift, a prominent Chicago banker and businessman.

There is one strip of three of the 1c 1851 issue recorded with Chicago perfs. There is also a 3c cover with two singles of the Chicago perf, but only this pair is known as a multiple.

Ex Wagshal. With 1971 P.F. certificate. Signed Ashbrook. Discussed in Wilson Hulme's article in Chronicle 175, p. 160

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