1c Blue, Types II-IIIa-IIIa-II-IIIa-II (7-8A-8A-7-8A-7). Positions 31-36R1E, horizontal strip of six, Positions 32, 33 and 35 are Type IIIa, large to huge margins except barely touched at bottom of right stamp, with left interpane margin and centerline, wonderful bright early color and impression, tied by neat strikes of "Sacramento City Cal. 1 Mar." (circa 1852) circular datestamp on buff cover to Bloomville Ill., Position 35 natural pre-printing paperfold, cover expertly mended

VERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL STRIP OF SIX OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT FROM PLATE ONE EARLY CONTAINING THREE TYPE IIIa AND THREE TYPE II STAMPS, USED TO PAY THE 6-CENT TRANSCONTINENTAL RATE FROM CALIFORNIA. THIS 1852 USE IS EARLY AND RARE.

The 6c transcontinental rate was effective from July 1, 1851, to March 31, 1855. This use of the 1c stamp from Plate 1 Early probably dates to 1852. Approximately seven such West Coast Plate 1 Early multiples are known to us, this being among the most attractive.

The Neinken book notes (p. 81) "I have a very incomplete record of early uses of the one cent stamps in California, but I have observed very few uses in 1851. Supplies of the three cents were not received at the San Francisco Post Office until late in September of 1851, and it is doubtful if any one cents were sent out there so early. Covers from California to Eastern states showing the single 6c rate paid by a block of six, or a strip of six Plate IE stamps are scarce items." This cover is illustrated on the same page in the Neinken book, where he notes this is an 1852 use.

Illustrated in the Neinken book (p. 81). Ex Dr. Chase, Caspary, Fortgang, Dr. Kapiloff and Bailar.

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