3c Dull Red, Ty. I, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (11 var). Position 78R6, perfs intact on three sides, roughly separated at left, tied by "Chicago Ill. Aug. 4, 1856" circular datestamp on cover to Skaneateles N.Y., manuscript "R. K. Swift Bro & Johnston" return address across top, with original printed enclosure from the Swift Brothers' banking firm

VERY FINE COVER AND AN IMPORTANT POSTAL HISTORY ARTIFACT SHOWING USE OF THE 3-CENT CHICAGO PERF BY R. K. SWIFT, THE PROMOTER OF THE HADLEY PERFORATING MACHINE.

Wilson Hulme speculates in his article in Chronicle 175 that R. K. Swift distributed Chicago Perf stamps to various businesses as a trial or to strengthen the possibility of selling the perforating machine to the post office. Many of the businesses were in a straight path between Swift's bank and Elijah Hadley's (inventor of the machine) office (p. 167). Hulme recorded two covers with an R. K. Swift printed corner card and this cover with the firm's printed enclosure (there are others with signatures or writing that can be tied to Swift). This cover and enclosure are illustrated in Chronicle 175, page 162, where described as having "the highest degree of desirability".

Ex Hulme.

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