(Route 5032) Louisville & Cincinnati Mail Line, July 1, route agent's cds on large part of folded letter to Miss A. C. Hulme in Philadelphia Pa. bearing 3¢ orange brown (10), position 11R1E, large margins to slightly in with rich color, tied by blue 13-bar grid, upper left corner of stamp torn off and reattached, a Very Fine appearing use, Referenced in Mekeel's Oct. 1956 and Chronicle numbers 15, 21, 29., ex-Gerald B. Smith.; Accompanied by two letters from Tracy W. Simpson discussing the cover. Scott $12,500. Towle No. O-21-d  Estimate $5,000 - 7,500. THE ONLY RECORDED FIRST DAY COVER OF THE 1851 3¢ ORANGE BROWN WITH A ROUTE AGENT MARKING. In his census in the 1851 Sesquicentennial book, Wilson Hulme records a total of 43 covers used on the July 1st 1851 first day of use. This is the only on-cover example recorded with a route agent marking, with all other examples originating in cities. This Cincinnati & Louisville Mail Line marking is scarce in itself, and its use was discontinued shortly after July 1851. The sender likely purchased the stamp at the Cincinnati post office and posted the letter on board the boat. $0 (Image)