5c Red Brown (1). Large margins, worn-plate impression, right side creased from file fold, tied by blue grid cancel, matching "Philada. Pa. 5 cts. Aug. 28" (1850) integral-rate circular datestamp and used with U.S.P.O., Philadelphia Pa., 1c Black on Rose, "J J" (7LB5), large top margin, traces of two other framelines, faint gum soaks, uncancelled on greenish blue folded letter to West Chester Pa., sender's endorsement "Paid"

VERY FINE. THE ONLY COMPLETE COVER BEARING ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE "J J" PHILADELPHIA CARRIER STAMP AND THE ONLY COMBINATION USE WITH THE 1847 ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CARRIER COVERS IN EXISTENCE, AS WELL AS AN OUTSTANDING 1847 ISSUE USE.

The "J J" stamp is the only one of the Philadelphia U.S.P.O. stamps with initials that precisely match the name of a carrier, John Johnson. Existence of the "J J" stamp was first reported by Eugene Klein in 1911, when the other known example was discovered used on a cover-front dated June 17, 1849. This 1847 combination cover with the "J J" stamp has a cost notation on back "Power. Cost $1150.00", believed to be in Caspary's hand and referring to the dealer, Eustace Power. The two "J J" items made their first auction appearance in the 1957 Caspary sale. The June 17 front was later acquired by Ambassador J. William Middendorf II for his famous Carriers & Locals collection, and the 1847 combination cover was later sold to Josiah K. Lilly, whose collection of Carriers & Locals was sold through the Siegel firm in 1967 (Sale 321). The 1847 cover was acquired by John R. Boker Jr. and then by David Golden. It was last offered at auction in our 1999 sale of the Golden collection, where it was acquired by Dr. Vernon R. Morris, Jr.

USPCS census no. 11037. Ex Caspary, Lilly, Boker, Golden and Dr. Morris. Backstamped "RHW Co." (Raymond H. Weill Co.) With 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott value (stating "unique") $60,000.00

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