(1c) Dull Blue, Franklin Carrier (LO1). Two large margins, clear at left and just touched at bottom right, rich color, fine impression, small spot at right, tied by clear strike of red "New York" dateless circle on brown cover to Henry Mathews, Union Hotel, New York City, with original enclosure: a printed invitation to "A COMPLIMENTARY BALL, FOR THE BENEFIT OF WILSEY M'GINNISS, Who was unfortunately run over by Engine 46...", the ball to be held on October 28, 1852, at Hebberd & Mathews' Union Hotel, also enclosed is an admission ticket printed on glazed card (glazing is oxidized), light creasing in cover does not affect stamp

VERY FINE. ONLY TWO OF THE THREE RECORDED 1851 FRANKLIN CARRIER COVERS FROM NEW YORK CITY ARE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS. AN IMPORTANT AND HIGHLY EXHIBITABLE RARITY.

Although New York City received the largest number of Franklin Carrier stamps (250,000), they were withheld from use until May 1852, allegedly due to a dispute over "discounting" the sale price (based on Travers papers). Therefore, Franklin Carrier covers from New York City are much rarer than covers from Philadelphia. The Franklin Carrier cover census by Dr. Vernon R. Morris, Jr. (Chronicle 229, February 2011) is the latest and most up-to-date published census. It contains only three Franklin Carrier covers accepted as genuine uses from New York City (two in private hands):

1) Undated buff cover to John J. Latting, 85 Fulton St., tied by red "New York" circle, ex Chase, Miller Collection, The New York Public Library

2) Sep. 15, 1852 folded letter to David Sands, 141 William St., tied by red New York circle, ex Caspary, Middendorf, currently in Mazza collection

3) Oct. 28, 1852 cover to Henry Mathews, Union Hotel, ex Seybold, Golden and Bailar, the cover offered here

The enclosed invitation identifies the addressee, Henry Mathews, as co-proprietor of the Union Hotel at 22nd Street and Third Avenue, where the Complimentary Ball was to be held in memory of Wilsey McGinness, who "was unfortunately run over by Engine 46."

Morris census no. 17. Ex Seybold, Golden and Bailar. Signed Bloch. With 2000 P.F. certificate. Scott value $30,000.00.

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