5c Brown Orange (1d). Horizontal strip of four, large margins to barely in, bright color and worn-plate impression--we think this very bright orange shade is more accurately described as Orange Brown, but the P.F. certificate states Brown Orange, Scott 1d--tied by red square grid cancels, matching "New-York Apl. 8" (ca. 1850) circular datestamp at right, on legal-size brown envelope to an attorney in Albany, New York, cover refolded all around to a more exhibitable size, third stamp small internal crease

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE USE OF A STRIP OF FOUR OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE IN THE BROWN ORANGE (OR ORANGE BROWN) SHADE, PAYING THE QUADRUPLE 5-CENT UNDER-300 MILES RATE FROM NEW YORK CITY TO ALBANY.

The USPCS census records eight covers with a 5c 1847 strip of four, of which two or three are the Brown Orange or Orange Brown shade (Scott 1b or 1d). In addition, there are two covers with blocks of four in shades of Orange Brown or Brown Orange: one is ex Gross (Sale 1211, lot 34, as Brown Orange), and the other is also ex Gross (Sale 1228, lot 92, classified as Red Brown for certification purposes, but which we think is Orange Brown).

Among the covers with four or more 5c 1847 stamps in the USPCS census, only one other is a quadruple under-300 miles rate. Considering the volume of mail originating at the New York City post office, this is a remarkably small survival number.

Ex Craveri, Hackmey, Gross and from our 1996 Rarities sale. With 2005 P.F. certificate

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