2c Black on Light Manila wrapper, Die 4 (W57). Printed "WADE'S/P.O. BOOK./SOUTH BEND,/IND./Dec. 25, 1869" precancellation and postmark in five lines with part-printed "Postmaster" address to Clarion Pa.

EXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLE PRINTED PRECANCEL ON A WRAPPER -- ONE EXAMPLE EACH OF TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS ARE RECORDED, THIS BEING THE FINER OF THE TWO. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT POSTAL STATIONERY AND CANCELLATION-RELATED BLACK JACK ITEMS.

The precancelled wrappers were produced by A. B. Wade, postmaster of South Bend, Indiana. Wade was a publisher of account books for keeping post office records. Two differently worded versions are known, each represented by one recorded example. The other, which is slightly toned, is shown in an exhibit of Black Jack postal stationery available at http://www.upss.org/assets/images/pdf/blackjack%20exhibit.pdf).

Ex Dr. Rorke (not part of the 1988 Christie's auction -- from a group sold later by Dr. Rorke through Siegel) and Faust

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