1861, 24¢ Steel Blue, bright color on fresh paper, tied by brilliant red "3" credit handstamp and also by blue "Batavia N.Y. Nov 14" cds on red and blue "Our Country" Flag and Globe Patriotic cover front only to Brighton, England, matching blue "Paid 24" rating handstamp at left, red London (12.1.184) transit cds, light vertical file fold well away from stamp, Very Fine and exceptionally attractive; with 1997 P.F. Certificate. Scott No. 70b  Estimate $3,000 - 4,000. This is a beautiful usage of the 24¢ steel blue, the stamp being remarkable with red and blue cancellations and choice color. The earliest documented use of the 24¢ steel blue shade is September 21, 1861. $0 (Image)