New York, N.Y., 1845, 5¢ black on bluish. Large margins to just in, tied by red grid cancel with matching "Boston, 5 cts, 12 Aug" integral-rate cds on gray folded cover from the Howland & Aspinwall correspondence to New York N.Y., manuscript "Post Paid" at bottom left; address cut out and replaced as often seen by this correspondence, Very Fine appearance and scarce use cancelled by the Boston grid cancel.
Scott No. 9X1; Estimate $400 - 600. Est. $400-600 (Image)

Est. $400-600

New York, N.Y., 1845, 5¢ black on bluish, without signature. Position 24, margins ample to slightly in at top right, tied by file fold crease and two strokes of black pen, red "New-York, 5 cts., 16 Jul" integral-rate cds with matching "Paid" arc handstamp on gray folded letter datelined "New York July 16, 1845" to Hartford Conn., manuscript "Paid", Fine appearance.
Scott No. 9X1e; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

A scarce July 16th 1845 use which is the second earliest date known, fewer than five are recorded from this date. This cover is interesting as the red curved "Paid" handstamp was used to cancel most of the first day July 15th 1845 usages. This second day usage has the stamp cancelled by manuscript even though the "Paid" handstamp is present. It suggests that there was no decided upon approach to cancel the New York provisional stamp at this point. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

St. Louis, Mo., 1845, 10¢ black on greenish. Type III, Position 6, large margins all around, intense early shade and impression showing every detail with perfect clarity, tied solely by red "St. Louis Mo., Feb 21" cds, matching red "Paid" handstamp and manuscript "10" rating on 1846 gray folded letter from the Charnley & Whelen correspondence to Philadelphia Pa., Extremely Fine, A Stunning Gem.
Scott No. 11X2; $14,000.

A BEAUTIFUL AND CHOICE 10¢ ST. LOUIS "BEAR" PROVISIONAL COVER FROM THE FAMOUS CHARNLEY & WHELEN CORRESPONDENCE, RARELY SEEN TIED SOLELY BY THE RED CDS.

St. Louis Postmaster John M. Wimer issued the St. Louis "Bears" Provisionals from November 1845 until the first United States General Issue became available in July 1847, in denominations of 5¢ and 10¢ first, followed by a 20¢ value later. Scott $14,000
(Image)

Scott $14,000