5c Brown Orange (1d). Three large margins, clear at bottom, notation on back describes shade as "Dr. Carroll Chase's Dark Brownish Orange" (it is an 1851 Brown Orange), tied by black "New-York Sep. 25" (1851) circular datestamp on buff envelope to Chillicothe O., backflap with beautiful Howard Hotel blue cameo corner card with embossed view of hotel building, Clark & Bailey imprint, pressed fold in cover clear of stamp

VERY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY USE OF THE DEMONETIZED 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE TO PAY THE 3-CENT RATE FROM NEW YORK TO OHIO ON A HOTEL ADVERTISING COVER.

The Alexander census of post-demonetization 1847 covers (Chronicle 174) lists another cover with the same hotel design and same addressee, dated October 2, 1851. It is interesting that the sender knew enough about the new postage rates to use a 5c stamp rather than 10c stamp for the old over-300 miles rate, and successfully used the worthless 5c stamp to evade paying 3c postage.

Signed Ashbrook. Ex Hart, Boker and Gross

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