Limestone Springs, South Carolina, 5c Black on Light Blue (121X1). Two, each cut to square shape, left stamp slightly larger, each with bold black rate handstamp on cover with elaborate seven-line military address to "Mr. Edwd J. Dean, `Spartan Rifles', 5th Regt. So. Car. Volunteers, Col. M. Jenkins Commander, Tudor Hall, Near Manassas Junction, Virginia" and endorsed in corner "Care Capt. Jos. Walker," no postmark as always, cover has been extensively and expertly restored around edges and staining removed, left stamp with nick at upper left corner and right stamp with repair at upper right corner, the restoration is so well done that it is barely noticeable

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF SIX RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE LIMESTONE SPRINGS POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL STAMP, AND ONE OF ONLY THREE BEARING TWO EXAMPLES OF THIS RARE PROVISIONAL.

Five of the six known Limestone Springs covers come from the Dean correspondence, including one addressed to Lucy E. Simpson (in the handwriting of Lizzie Dean), rather than Corporal Edward J. Dean. Two covers bear single circular die-cut stamps. Three covers, including the example offered here, bear two rectangular-cut singles each, paying the 10c rate. The sixth cover bears a rectangular-cut single.

This rare cover was discovered in the 1990s in a New Zealand estate. It is known that the deceased--a long-time collector--visited the United States in the early part of the 20th century.

Ex Hill and Haub. Scott value $15,000.00.

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