The Dr. William A. Litle Collection of United States Encased Postage continued...

EXTREMELY FINE. TRULY OUTSTANDING CONDITION FOR THIS RARE ONE-CENT ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP PRODUCED FOR JOHN W. NORRIS IN CHICAGO.

John W. Norris was employed in the newspaper and book selling business in Chicago as early as 1856. In 1858 Norris and his partner, Amos M. Hyde, opened their own newspaper, book and stationery store. In 1860 Norris & Hyde moved to 102 Madison Street, the address that appears on Norris’ encased postage, but by the time he ordered the encasements from Gault in 1862, Hyde had already left the business, probably to join the Union army.

The 1c Norris is rated R-8 (5-10 known) in the Reed census.

Ex Summit. This example is superior to the Ford specimen, which realized $3,500 hammer. (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com

EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT NORRIS ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.

John W. Norris was employed in the newspaper and book selling business in Chicago as early as 1856. In 1858 Norris and his partner, Amos M. Hyde, opened their own newspaper, book and stationery store. In 1860 Norris & Hyde moved to 102 Madison Street, the address that appears on Norris’ encased postage, but by the time he ordered the encasements from Gault in 1862, Hyde had already left the business, probably to join the Union army.

The Reed book notes that it is likely that five to ten examples exist, and the Stack's catalogue for the Ford sale estimates the number known at the "high side of that range."

Ex Mayer. (Image)

Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com