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, New York registry label numbered 22634, G. B. Calman return address, horizontal file fold at bottom well away from stamps, minor edgewear, the 2c and 4c light usage creases, 5c with small scuffs

FINE-VERY FINE CENTERING AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. THE EARLIEST OF FOUR 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.

The Neil-Rosenthal book, The Trans-Mississippi Issue of 1898, notes that four covers are known with complete sets:

1) July 18, 1898, New York Madison Square Branch to Munich, Germany, N.Y. registry no. 22634, G. B. Calman corner card, ex Rosenthal, "World's Fair" and Field, the cover offered here

2) Tied by New York Madison Square Branch registry cancels, to Munich, Germany, N.Y. registry no. 22658, with G. B. Calman corner card

3) Oct. 4, 1898, Exposition Sta. Omaha Neb. datestamp, to St. Johns, Newfoundland, registry no. 11167, ex Saffin, Christie’s Sep. 1982, lot 471

4) Oct. 7, 1898, New York Sta. P to London, England, registry no. 7587, ex McCoy, Dr. Martin and Gross (Sale 1188, lot 100)

Ex Rosenthal, "World's Fair" and Field. Illustrated in the Neil-Rosenthal book (p. 160). With 1986 and 2022 P.F. certificates.

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