Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., (3c) Black, Without Shading in Background, Initialed "R & Co." (15L3). Large margins to slightly in at top, corner crease, cancelled by red outline "3", matching faint "Phila. Despatch Post P.M." circular datestamp on Oct. 13, 1843 folded letter to local street address, minor aging and splits along folds

FINE. THIS IS THE RAREST OF THE STRIDING MESSENGER STAMPS, ISSUED BY THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST, PREDECESSOR TO D. O. BLOOD. THIS IS A VERY EARLY USE.

The "R & Co." Striding Messenger stamps without any background shading lines are extremely rare. This stamp shows an extremely worn impression with the buildings at left and right almost completely missing. This was used only three days after the earliest documented use (October 10, 1843, offered in D.K. collection, Sale 862, lot 62). Ex Kuphal.

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