United States Stamps continued...

(8A) 1¢ blue Franklin Type IIIa, Relief D from Plate 4 used by manuscript pen cancel, fine.

Mr. Boyd plated this stamp as 79R4 and stated "a good Type IIIa becoming a poor Type III with tiny break at bottom" - the PF declined to verify position and certified as Type IIIa, sold as such here.

With 2025 Philatelic Foundation certificate, cat. value $375.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV used group of seven stamps representing each of the seven recut varieties listed in the Scott catalogue, all mounted on an explanatory exhibit page and each with its plate position identified. Includes: Position 65L1L, recut once at top and once at bottom (113 on Plate 1L), with light cancel and margins showing parts of adjacent stamps; Position 100L1L, recut once at top (40 on Plate 1L), with sheet margin at bottom, a prominent double transfer, black cds cancel, and 2005 PFC noting a thin spot at left; Position 26R1L, recut once at top and twice at bottom (21 on Plate 1L), pen cancel; Position 10L1L, recut twice at bottom (11 on Plate 1L), with sheet margin at right and black grid cancel; Position 9R1L, recut once at bottom (8 on Plate 1L), with black cds; Position 51L1L, recut twice at top and once at bottom (4 on Plate 1L), black cds cancel and 2025 PFC; and Position 52L1L, recut twice at top and bottom (2 on Plate 1L), bold Boston large "PAID" cancel and accompanied by 1985, 2008, and 2025 PFCs. A fine-v.f. and complete Scott-listed recut variety group, ideal for students of plating and recut studies of the 1¢ 1851 Issue.

Cat. value $960.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV used bearing a full strike of the scarce lowercase printed “paid” precancel in black, nice margins at top and right while in at left and bottom. The stamp has a small tear at top right and a horizontal crease at bottom right, though neither detracts from the overall visual appeal and boldly struck "paid" precancel.

Stanley Ashbrook in his book dedicated to the 1851-57 1¢ Issue believed these markings were likely produced from standard newspaper type and likely “the overprinting was done in a newspaper printing plant, and the stamps were used on wrappers enclosing newspapers or more than probable, on the newspapers themselves.” Even with small faults, this remains a scarce and desirable example of the printed “paid” precancel on a 1¢ Type IV stamp.

With 2014 Philatelic Foundation certificate, cat. value $2,600.

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(9) Two 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin used singles, positions 91L1L and 7R1L, each showing rare residual characteristics from Transfer Roll Zero—the earliest used roll in the production of the 1¢ 1851 issue. 

Position 7R1L – Recut Once at Bottom: Features clear traces of complete bottom ornaments from Transfer Roll Zero, as seen in the circled comparison detail. These ornaments were incompletely erased when the original entry at 10-30R1 was repositioned and reversed, ultimately becoming positions 71–91L1. Single used with manuscript pen cancel, with corner crease at top left.

Position 91L1L – Recut Once at Top, Triple Transfer, One Inverted: Displays prominent traces of the inverted “ONE CENT” label, a striking visual artifact from the original die entry attempt. This position provides a key visual link to the abandoned die entry and recut process. Single used by black New York datestamp, corner crease at top right.

Position 91L1L with 2025 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin, position 41R1L, used left margin single with guideline at left and margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, showing cracked plate variety with a line through the bust, one of the first to occur. A very fine positional piece for Plate 1L.

With 2002 Philatelic Foundation and 2008 PSE certificates.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV, position 71L1, with triple transfer, one inverted, left sheet margin single tied by bold strike of large Boston "PAID" in grid cancel on locally addressed cover to 29 Lewis Wharf, Boston, Mass. A very fine example of one of the most dramatic and desirable transfer varieties from Plate 1L, made even more visually stunning by the presence of the stamp's large sheet margin used on a drop cover sent within Boston. 

With 2025 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

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(9) Two 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV singles tied by red "U.S. Mail City Delivery 2 Jul 28" cds cancels on locally addressed cover to 111 Broadway, New York City, with bold black "U.S. MAIL 1 P.M. DELIVERY" octagonal carrier marking at center. Stamps originally affixed overlapping the top edge, now folded down and pressed flat for display. A nice example of New York City local drop letter service, with a 1¢ Franklin paying the drop rate and an additional 1¢ Franklin paying for carrier delivery to a street address alongside both red and black New York carrier department markings. Light wear at corners, otherwise a very fine and visually striking carrier usage mounted on exhibit page. 

Ex. Middledorf, cat. value $320 for two 1¢ Franklin Type IV singles with red carrrier cancels.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV tied by black "East Greenwich, R.I. Feb 14" cds on large embossed Valentine drop rate cover addressed to Miss Mary Sherman. An extraordinary example of a locally delivered drop letter, franked with the 1851 1¢ Issue stamp. The envelope measures an impressive 8¼ × 10¼ inches and is elaborately embossed with floral and scrollwork border designs, housing a lavishly decorated original enclosure. The Valentine enclosure features gold foil accents, hand-colored floral elements, and a printed central message titled “I’ll Love Thee Ever Dearly,” flanked by embossed Cupids and doves.

A beautiful and very fine example of an oversized romantic enclosure, carried as a drop letter within the same town for a penny—an exceptional value for such a grand Valentine even in the 1850s.

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(9) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV tied by bold "Lockport N.Y. May 17" cds on brown circular-rate cover addressed to Mr. Spencer Merchant, Mutual, Champaign Co., Ohio featuring an affixed "Circular, Paid." black-on-white label at upper center. Enclosed is the original 1850s printed circular from George W. Merchant promoting his "celebrated gargling oil." The circular promotes the product’s distribution through country merchants and druggists, marking the early days of national medicinal marketing.

Very Fine and appealing, this example combines classic circular-rate postal history with the roots of a business that would later issue its own Private Die Proprietary stamps in the 1860s (see Scott RS178–RS179). 

Ex. Kramer.

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(9/11) 1851-57 1¢ blue Franklin Type IV and 3¢ dull red Washington Type I horizontal strip of three, all tied by well-struck “New-York Nov 21 (1853)" cds on folded letter to John Harris in London, Canada West. Prominent red “U.S. STATES / PAID / 6d” exchange marking at upper left and London C.W. Nov 25, 1853 receiving datestamp on reverse. A fine and visually attractive U.S.–Canada treaty period cover with a nicely struck exchange marking.

With 2007 American Philatelic Society Expert certificate.

An intriguing cross-border business solicitation - full transcript below:

Trade and Collecting Agency
No. 11 Nassau St.
New York, November 21st, 1853

John Harris, Esq.
London, Middlesex Co. Canada

Dear Sir,

We address you soliciting your acceptance of the correspondence of our Agency for your County.

We have associated offices in Boston and Philadelphia and are connected in our business relations with the Merchants, Manufacturers, Bankers of those and other places, and our object of this agency is to afford them a directory of the standing and condition of their customers and of all parties to whom they extend credit. It is manifestly to the advantage of every honest house to be well known here, as we cannot otherwise class his goods at the accustomed rate but to suit his means that incompetent and dishonest persons should not be able to do business in towns competing with the capable men who intend to pay for their goods. In doing this honestly and quietly, we feel assured we benefit all parties.

Another object with us is to take charge of claims for collection, and this department is increasing daily, which enables us to send profitable collecting and other business to our correspondents, and believing that the connection we propose will be mutually advantageous, we trust you will accept.

Awaiting your reply, we are very respectfully yours,

R. P. Evans & Co.

Should your business engagements prevent you from acting as our regular correspondent, may we beg of you the favor to forward us the names and address of all the good attorneys in your section.

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(10) 3c orange brown Washington Type I, position 43L5E, tied by red "Boston 3 cts Dec 1 (1851)" cds and small Boston "PAID" grid cancel on folded letter to Littleton, New Hampshire. The small (18mm) Boston "PAID" marking was in use until mid-January 1852, when it was replaced by the more common large (24mm) Boston "PAID". A very fine example of the early small Boston "PAID" grid cancel on cover.

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(10A) 1851-57 3¢ orange brown Washington Type II tied by a bold blue Star in Circle fancy cancel on 1851 folded letter with matching "Charlottesville, Va. Nov 3" cds to Piedmont Post Office, Nelson County, Virginia. A very fine example of the scarce Charlottesville blue Star in Circle fancy cancel on cover.

With 2025 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

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(10A) Two 1851-57 3¢ orange brown Washington Type II singles, the first tied by black "Oswego, N. York, Feb" cds, the second tied by blue "Fulton N.Y., Feb 17" cds on ornate gilt-printed Valentine envelope to Edward S. French in Pulaski, Oswego County, New York. Originally addressed to Fulton with forwarding notation in manuscript. Accompanied by the original multicolor Valentine enclosure with embossed tree-border design and central gilt medallion reading “Cling to Hope & Never Despair.”

A visually stunning and highly desirable mid-19th century Valentine cover featuring a twice franked forwarded use. The decorative gold border on the envelope and elaborate enclosure reflect the elaborate sentiments and aesthetic culture of the era’s Valentine traditions, very fine.

2006 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

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(10A) 1851-57 3¢ orange brown Washington Type II tied by blue “Nashville Te. Sep 30” cds on folded cover to Wheeling, VA, then forwarded to Pittsburgh with bold red circular “Wheeling Va. Oct 8” datestamp at left along with matching “FORWARDED” straightline and red “5” due handstamp. Manuscript “Missent & Forwd.” at top.

A beautiful example of mail forwarding procedure, with the forwarded leg incurring additional postage due from the recipient. A particularly fine strike of the Wheeling “FORWARDED” marking and a sharp impression of the early 3¢ orange brown Washington make this an attractive and instructive cover.

With 2025 Philatelic Foundation certificate.

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Pair of 1851-57 3¢ Washington covers illustrating contrasting early impressions—standard orange brown and the scarcer experimental orange brown—used within the first six months of the issue’s release. The first, dated July 22, 1851, bears a 3¢ Washington Type II (10A) tied by a blue grid cancel with red "Providence R.I." cds on a folded cover to Danielsonville, Connecticut. The stamp, with margins to just in at top and upper left, reflects the typical orange brown shade used during the earliest period of issue. The second, dated December 12, 1851, features a (11A) 3¢ Washington Type II from Plate 1 Late, tied by a bold “Brunswick Me.” datestamp on folded letter to Boston, Massachusetts. This impression exhibits the distinct “experimental orange brown” shade associated with late 1851 Plate 1L printings—an elusive color transition phase under the Toppan, Carpenter contract.

A fine and informative duo showing progressive changes in ink formulation and production characteristics from the first half-year of the 1851 Issue.

(10A/11) Group of three 1851–57 3¢ Washington covers illustrating gum adhesion issues encountered during the first two years of production under the Toppan, Carpenter contract. Each cover showcases how imperfect or absent gumming led to improvised solutions at the time of mailing. The first features a (10A) 3c orange brown Type II tied by black "Savannah Ga. Oct 27 (1851)" cds on folded letter to New York City; the stamp shows clear fingerprint smudges where additional gum was applied by hand to compensate for poor adhesion. The second cover bears a (10A) 3c Washington Type II, position 98L2E tied by blue "Philadelphia Pa. Jan 19 (1852)" cds on folded letter to Providence; the upper half of the stamp did not adhere, as shown by a white paper slip inserted beneath. The final cover presents a (11A) 3c dull red Washington Type II, position 30L3, left sheet margin single tied by black Connecticut April 25 cds on folded letter to Vermont; traces of extra gum are visible at three corners, applied to affix the stamp.

A fine and educational trio, mounted on exhibit page, that documents responses to persistent gumming deficiencies in early printings of the 1851–57 Issue.

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(11) 1851-57 3¢ dull red Washington Type I, position 51L4, left sheet margin single with imprint including prominent backwards "4" for the plate number. Stamp with repaired top between the "S." of "U.S." and "A" of "POSTAGE" with a tear still visible on reverse. The reverse position of the plate number on the left side of Plate 4 is noted by Chase in his revised book with example depicted on page 45. A rare example of this plate variety prominently featured on this 3¢ imprint single. 

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(11A) 1851-57 3¢ dull red Washington Type II combination of four used singles reconstructing the right sheet margin imprint of Plate 3 - "Toppan, Carpenter, Casilear & Co. BANK NOTE ENGRAVERS. Phila, New York, Boston & Cincinnati. / No 3." Third stamp, position 60R3 has large reinforced tear and the fourth stamp, position 70R3 has a small reinforced tear, otherwise a fine example of the Type Ia Imprint with Casilear's name included.

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(11 var) 1851-57 3¢ dull red Washington Type I vertical pair exhibiting roulettes (approx. 7 ½-gauge) applied horizontally and trial perforations applied both horizontally (perf 16) and vertically (perf 15 ½) by Toppan, Carpenter & Co. The pair is "cancelled" by intersecting ruled lines and still has its original gum with a hinge remnant at top. These trial perforations are discussed by Dr. Carroll Chase in his book, The 3c Stamp of The United States 1851-1857 Issue (original edition, page 169-70 and in the revised edition, page 174-75). The pair offered here is the vertical pair pictured in Chase's book, verified by careful comparison of the reverse gummed side depicted in the book's Figure 97.

Dr. Chase states in his discussion of these stamps - "The stamps used for the experiments just mentioned all come from Plate 2(L), and seem to be from a late 1855 printing. It is needless to add that these are of a high degree of rarity...I think there is practically no doubt but that they are authentic trial perforations of Toppan, Carpenter and Company."

A rare pair of 3¢ 1851 issue stamps showcasing the earliest trial attempts by the printer to deploy perforations with regular issued U.S. stamps.

Ex. Chase, unpriced in Scott.

Background: On March 15, 1855, fellow Philadelphia lawyer and personal friend Horace Binney Jr. sent Postmaster General Campbell four perforated British stamps. The next day Campbell asked Toppan, Carpenter “to look into the matter with the view of adopting” perforation soon.

Toppan, Carpenter Partner William C. Smillie arrived in the UK to gather facts in April 1855, not returning until August. The next month, after discussing his findings with his partners, Smillie wrote an order to the Bemrose Brothers for one machine.

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(11 var) 1851-57 3¢ dull red Washington Type I used with a partial black "Chicago Ill Aug" cds, scissor trimmed at right and top and exhibiting the famous Chicago private 12 ½ perforations invented by Dr. Elijay W. Hadley at left and bottom. 

In 1997, W. Wilson Hulme II across two articles (Chronicle 175, May & Aug. 1997) set out to explain the origins of the Chicago private perforations on 1851 Issue 1¢ & 3¢ stamps. His work built upon the research published by Jerome S. Wagshal in the Chronicle in 1986. In the second article, Hulme established a census of the known 3¢ examples on and off cover. Approximately 67 examples of the 3c Chicago Perf stamps have been recorded with 27 being off-cover. The example offered here C-03-304 in Hulme's census.

Ex. Wagshal, with 1986 Philatelic Foundation certificate, cat. value $5,000.

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