1c-$2.00 Trans-Mississippi (285-293). Complete set, rich colors, tied by "Madison Square Branch" registry oval, purple "Registered, Jul. 18, 1898 Madison Square Branch, New York P.O." five-line boxed datestamp on back of registered cover to Munich, Germany, G. B. Calman return address, horizontal file fold at bottom well away from stamps, minor edgewear, the 1c, 4c and 5c with negligible creases during use

FINE-VERY FINE CENTERING AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE EARLIEST OF THREE RECORDED COVERS BEARING A COMPLETE SET OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. A SPECTACULAR EXHIBITION ITEM AND ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT UNITED STATES COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE COVERS EXTANT.

Although it has been reported that four covers exist with all nine values of the Trans-Mississippi Issue, we have been able to locate only three covers. The Neil-Rosenthal book, The Trans-Mississippi Issue of 1898, states more than once that four covers are known, but the census on page 167 lists the October 7 cover to London twice among the four entries. While it is possible that a fourth cover exists, we do not have any record of it. The three we record are:

1) July 18, 1898, New York Madison Square Branch to Munich, Germany, G. B. Calman corner card, ex Rosenthal and "World's Fair", the cover offered here

2) Oct. 4, 1898, Exposition Sta. Omaha Neb. datestamp, to St. Johns, Newfoundland, ex Saffin, Christie’s Sep. 1982

3) Oct. 7, 1898, New York Sta. P to London, England, ex McCoy, Dr. Martin and Gross (Sale 1188, lot 100)

Ex Rosenthal and "World's Fair". Illustrated in the Neil-Rosenthal book (p. 160). With 1986 P.F. certificate.

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