Sale 1284 — The Yellowstone Collection of 1847 Issue Covers
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 May, 2023
Category — 1847 Issue: Carrier and Local Post Stamps and Markings
10c Black (2). Two large margins, clear to ample at top and bottom, short transfer at top variety, tied by red grid cancel, used with Honour's City Express, Charleston, South Carolina, 2c Black on Brown Rose (4LB1), distinctive bright pink shade of paper, cut to shape slightly impinging on oval frame, slight surface scrapes, tied by red crayon cross strokes, red "Charleston S.C. Jul. 14/10" 10c integral-rate circular datestamp on bluish gray folded cover to New York City, 1849 docketing on back, Honour's stamp has tiny scrapes, addressee's name crossed out, small tear at top of one file fold.FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED 1847 ISSUE COVERS WITH THE HONOUR'S CITY EXPRESS OVAL CARRIER ISSUE AND THE ONLY ONE WITH THE HONOUR'S STAMP ON ROSE PAPER.
This is one of only two recorded covers with a combination of the 1847 Issue and Honour's oval carrier stamp (the other with 4LB2). This is a highly important rarity for both 1847 Issue and Carriers and Locals specialists alike.
Only five examples of Scott 4LB1 are recorded in any format, as follows:
1) Cut rectangular, in at top, used on 8/16/1849 cover, ex Hind, Golden, "D.K." collection
2) Cut to shape (brighter pink paper), used with 10c 1847 on 7/14/1849 cover, ex Ferrary, Waterhouse, Hessel, Golden and Gross, the cover offered here
3) Cut rectangular, in at top, on piece dated 8/19/1849, ex Worthington, Caspary, Boker, Golden and Kuphal
4) Cut to shape, cancelled by red Charleston circular datestamp (June date, no year), ex Middendorf
5) Cut to shape, sealed tear, added to 1851 cover with January 24 datestamp, Siegel Sale 164 and ex Hall
The other Honour's 1849 oval stamp, printed on Yellow paper (Scott 4LB2), is just as rare with five recorded, including one used with the 10c 1847 Issue (ex Caspary and Middendorf).
As a side note, the paper of this stamp is decidedly brighter and more pink than the paper of the four other 4LB1 examples. Given the great rarity of the Honour's oval stamp and the basic differentiation between Brown Rose and Yellow papers, it is only an academic point to separate this Pink shade from the others. However, among other more abundant Carrier Department issues, the paper color would certainly be grounds for a separate catalogue listing.
Ex Ferrary (small trefoil handstamp at lower right), Waterhouse, Hessel, Golden and Gross. Illustrated in Chronicle 151 (p. 162). With 1975 and 1999 P.F. certificates.
