12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Tied by cork cancel, red "New York Pkt. Paid Feb. 12" circular datestamp on 1868 cover to London, England, clear strike of red "London AM Feb. 24, 1868" receiving datestamp, cover with small tear at left

FINE. FROM A RECENT DISCOVERY, THIS IS THE NEW EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL.

According to our research as published in the Zoellner catalogue and available at our website at http://siegelauctions.com/enc/zgrill.htm, the 12c Z Grill probably went into production during the first few days of February. By March, the F Grill replaced the Z Grill on the grilling machine.

The Scott Catalogue lists the earliest documented use of Scott 85E as February 15, which is three days after this was sent. The previous EDU -- a patriotic cover to Scotland -- is offered in the following lot.

With 2006 P.F. certificate

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