3c Pale Claret, Ty. I (25). Position 73R7 plating note on back, almost perfectly centered, small margin nick at bottom from separation, tied by clearly-dated strike of "New-York Feb. 28" (1857) circular datestamp on cover to Springfield Mass., backflap with law and collection office's blue cameo return card with eagle and shield design

VERY FINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF A PERFORATED STAMP IN THE UNITED STATES. ONLY THREE ARE RECORDED WITH THE FEBRUARY 28, 1857, DATE -- TWO FROM NEW YORK AND ONE FROM PHILADELPHIA.

The first experimentally perforated stamps were delivered to the U.S. government on February 24, 1857. Seven cities were chosen for distribution. According to the North American and United States Gazette of February 27, "...Ninety thousand were ordered for the cities of Philadelphia and New York, and thirty thousand for New Orleans and other cities of the South and West." The earliest documented use of a perforated stamp is February 28, 1857, based on two covers from New York and one from Philadelphia. The experimental period continued until June 10, 1857, when the original six-year contract with Toppan, Carpenter expired. It was renewed on April 8, 1857, effective June 10, from which point all stamps were perforated as mandated by the new contract terms.

The cover offered here was certified in 1975 by The Philatelic Foundation for Calvet M. Hahn and offered in the Siegel 1976 Rarities sale as a "First Day Cover," based on the belief that Saturday, February 28, is the first day that perforated stamps went on sale at New York and Philadelphia. Approximately 75 covers from the experimental perforation period have been recorded by Hulme, and February 28 stands as the earliest documented use.

Ex Hulme. With 1975 and 1994 P.F. certificates.

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