Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green, Diagonal Half Used as 1c (20L4 var). Top right diagonal half, large margins, cancelled by "Free", well-tied across the cut by red "New-York 5 cts. 8 Sep." integral-rate circular datestamp on 1845 folded letter to Wilbraham Mass., stamp with small tear in top right corner margin

VERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED BOYD'S BISECTS -- THE OTHER BEING A 20L3 CUT HORIZONTALLY -- APPARENTLY ACCEPTED AS PREPAYMENT FOR DELIVERY TO THE POST OFFICE.

This cover was discovered in an original correspondence by H. W. K. Hale in the 1930s. Hale later sold it to Frank A. Hollowbush. Only one other bisected Boyd's usage is recorded -- a 20L3 horizontal bisect -- which is used (but not tied) on a cover brought into New York City by Hale & Co.'s express. Boyd's rate of 2c per letter was maintained throughout the 1844-59 period, and the bisect on this 1845 cover did not meet any legitimate 1c rate, as far as is known. It was probably accepted by Boyd's as an accommodation.

Ex Hollowbush and Golden. With 1999 P.F. certificate

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