UNITED STATES LOCALS continued...

FINE. THE BROWNE & COMPANY 2-CENT IS A GREAT RARITY ON COVER, ESPECIALLY TIED IN COMBINATION WITH THE 3-CENT 1851 ISSUE.

The 1c stamp, 29L1, was designed with the "Brown & Co." spelling error. The correct spelling, Browne (with an "e"), appears on the 2c stamp and the markings used by the post. If the spurious Cincinnati "Dec. 7" carrier and local covers are disregarded, this is believed to be the only known combination tied in this manner.

Ex Piller. With 1959 P.F. certificate (Image)

ONE OF FIVE OR SIX KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE BROWN'S EASTON DESPATCH POST 2-CENT ON VERMILION, SCOTT 30L1.

The Easton Whig newspaper announced the establishment of Browne's Easton Despatch by William J. Browne, located at 4 North Third Street in Easton, on October 7, 1857. The announcement reads, in part: "...letters, notes, circulars, bank notices, invacations of whatever nature etc. Letters etc. may be left at the letter box and prepaid stamps can be obtained at the office at the rate of 2 cents per every distance not over two miles from the Courthouse, either in this state or in New Jersey." A later notice (Feb. 10, 1858) advertised Browne's post in connection with sending Valentines and mentioned service to Easton, South Easton and Philipsburg -- the latter a violation of the laws governing post roads.

Of the six 30L1 stamps located in our records, there is some doubt about the genuineness of an uncancelled stamp affixed to a cover, leaving four pen-cancelled stamps and one uncancelled stamp. (Image)

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED BLOCK OF THE RARE BROWNE'S EASTON DESPATCH ENGRAVED STAMP.

The engraved stamp with a portrait of Washington, 30L3, was the subject of recent scholarly study by Larry Lyons (The Penny Post, April 2006). In his article, he documents at least 37 examples and reconstructs the original plate layout using the multiple offered here. This block of six and pair, and three or four additional pairs, are the only known multiples. Lyons assigns Positions 2-3, 4-5/7-10 to this block and pair.

Ex Weekes, Souren, Boker, Lilly and Golden (Siegel Sale 817, lot 850, realized $5,500 hammer). Scott Retail as block of six and pair. (Image)