3c Scarlet (74). Choice centering, rich color, bold "D" oval grid duplex cancel of New York City Station D

VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FEW POSTALLY CANCELLED EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT SCARLET TRIAL COLOR ON STAMP PAPER. VERY FEW ARE BELIEVED TO EXIST, AND THIS MAY WELL BE THE FINEST.

As documented by Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of Chronicle articles (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62), Carl F. Rothfuchs, a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, obtained a supply of the 3c Scarlet in 1893 -- probably from the Post Office Department in exchange for his assistance with the Columbian Exposition -- and sold them with pen marks and original gum. A small number were also used by J. W. Scott, who posted letters with some of his supply to validate his claim that these stamps were legitimate postage. Today, there are perhaps five or six copies cancelled in this manner. Virtually all of the others have faults.

Ex Dr. Morris. With 1996 P.F. certificate.

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