Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.P.O. Despatch, 1855, 1¢ black. Rectangular margins, tied by circular grid cancel, matching partial "Philadelphia Pa. Jul" cds on small cover to Florence Heights N.J., original enclosed letter accompanies; a stamp has been removed from upper left where cds struck, Very Fine appearance, ex-Hessel, Golden, with 2000 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 7LB16; Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.

ONE OF THE WORLD'S RAREST STAMPS, WHICH WAS MADE BY APPLYING THE U.S.P.O. EAGLE HANDSTAMP TO THE MARGINS OF 1¢ 1851 SHEETS. ONLY FIVE EXAMPLES OF THE 7LB16 ARE RECORDED.

The Philadelphia carrier stamps printed on the sheet selvage of imperforate 1¢ 1851 stamps hold a unique position in United States philately. Elsewhere in the world there are very few instances in which sheet selvage was used to produce adhesive stamps -- the Emory Va. Confederate provisional another example. Two handstamps were used to create the Philadelphia carrier stamps: the Eagle oval (Scott type C31), which produced 7LB16, and the large oval (type C32), from which 7LB18 was made. Both are rare, but 7LB16 is considerably rarer.

The five recorded examples:
1) rectangular margins, on cover with 3¢ 1851 removed, ex-Hessel, the cover offered here
2) rectangular margins, used on cover with strip of three 1¢ 1851, ex-Caspary
3) diamond-shaped margins, on piece with one 1¢ 1851 intact, ex-Caspary, Boker
4) rectangular margins showing part of imprint, used on cover to San Francisco with 10¢ 1855
5) irregular but mostly rectangular margins, grid cancel. Est. $5,000-7,500 (Image)

Est. $5,000-7,500

Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.P.O. Despatch, 1856, 1¢ black. Carefully cut to oval shape with "(To)ppan, Carpenter, Casilea(r)" portion of imprint, used with 1¢ blue, type II (7) Plate 2, horizontal strip of three, ample margins to slightly in, small faults, carrier stamp and strip tied by two strikes of "Philadelphia Pa. Nov 7" cds on piece, Very Fine, ex-Neinken, Wagshal.
Scott No. 7LB18; Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.

A CHOICE IMPRINT EXAMPLE OF THE RARE PHILADELPHIA U.S.P.O. CARRIER ADHESIVE HANDSTAMPED ON THE SHEET MARGIN OF THE 1¢ 1851 ISSUE.

This piece, bearing the 7LB18 adhesive with a strip of the 1c 1851 from Plate 2, must be a November 1856 use, because Plate 2 was not available until the very end of 1855. Est. $5,000-7,500 (Image)

Est. $5,000-7,500

Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.P.O. Despatch, 1856, 1¢ black. Top and bottom margins scissors-cut with small trace of 1¢ 1851 side ornaments at bottom, sides torn mostly clear of handstamp, uncancelled, used on 3¢ red (U10) Nesbitt entire cancelled by "Philadelphia Pa. Feb. 21" cds to New York N(ca. 1856) circular datestamp; vertical fold thru indicia, carrier stamp small tear at top and lifted to remove surrounding gum smears (still "tied" thru cover by brownish gum), otherwise Very Fine, ex-Kuphal, with 2007 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 7LB18; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

A RARE ON-COVER EXAMPLE OF THE PHILADELPHIA U.S.P.O. DESPATCH CARRIER STAMP IN COMBINATION WITH THE 3¢ NESBITT ENTIRE. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.P.O. Despatch, 1856, 1¢ black. Small rectangular-cut stamp showing only one-quarter of the handstamp and part of the 1¢ 1851 design at top, tied by circular grid cancel, used with 1¢ blue, type II (7) Plate 2, strip of three, pos. 48-50R2, left stamp with double transfer, large margins to slightly in, tied by "Philadelphia Pa. Mar 11" cds on buff cover to Alexandria Va.; minor edge reinforcing and back flap reattached, Very Fine and unique usage, ex-Golden, with 1981 and 2011 P.F. certificates.
Scott No. 7LB18; $17,000; Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.

A REMARKABLE COVER WITH AN EXTREMELY RARE COMBINATION OF THE U.S.P.O. CARRIER 7LB18 AND THE 1¢ 1851 STAMP THAT PROVIDED THE PAPER FOR THIS CARRIER ISSUE.

It has been speculated that the Philadelphia Carrier handstamped adhesives (7LB14, 7LB16 and 7LB18) were prepared by one or more carriers and affixed to show receipt of the carrier fee when paid by coin. As such, they would not have been sold to the public and were used at a time when when other issued carrier stamps were available. This cover seems to lend support to this theory. The use of a fractional stamp would be against normal postal regulations as full prepayment of the 1¢ carrier fee. So it would seem that the carrier handling this letter received a coin and simply needed to mark this letter as fully paid, a fractional stamp was affixed since his supply may have been running low and it would still indicate prepayment. Scott $17,000
Est. $10,000-15,000 (Image)

Scott $17,000
Est. $10,000-15,000

1847, 5¢ red brown. Neat square grid cancel, large to huge margins, strong bold color, Extremely Fine to Superb, an exceptional 1847 5¢ issue, with only thirteen examples grading higher, with 2003 P.S.E. certificate Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $1,400).
Scott No. 1; $375. Scott $375
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Scott $375

1847, 5¢ red brown. Horizontal pair, light red grid cancels, ample to mostly large margins, rich color and crisp detailed impression, Very Fine and choice, a very attractive multiple, with 2005 and 2012 P.F. certificates.
Scott No. 1; $850. Scott $850
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Scott $850

1847, 5¢ orange brown. Neat, full even margins, wonderful delicate shade, Very Fine and choice, a gorgeous stamp, with 2011 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 1b; $750. Scott $750
(Image)

Scott $750

1847, 5¢ orange brown. Wide margins to just clear at top and bottom, tied by blue ring cancel, matching "Philada Pa. '5 cts' Sep 16" cds on 1850 folded letter to Amsterdam, Holland, carried as endorsed by Cunard Line Hibernia from Boston Sep. 16th to Liverpool arriving Aug. 29th, red London (9.30) cds transit backstamp and manuscript "1/8" debit rating, reverse with red Amsterdam (10.2) arrival cds plus matching partial "England / Over Ostende" oval, manuscript "130" Dutch cents due rating, Very Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate and Cal Hahn analysis.
Scott No. 1b; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

1847, 10¢ black. Neat red grid cancel, extra large to huge margins, rich color and a wonderful sharp early impression, Extremely Fine and choice, with 1980 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 2; $800.

A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 10¢ 1847 ISSUE WITH SUCH ENORMOUS MARGINS. Scott $800
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Scott $800

1847, 10¢ black. Red town cancel, large balance margins, wonderful shade and impression, Extremely Fine to Superb, a choice used gem, with 2002 P.F. & P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF-Sup 95, SMQ $3,750).
Scott No. 2; $800. Scott $800
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Scott $800

1847, 10¢ black. Horizontal pair, red paint grid cancels, ample to mostly large margins, rich color, Extremely Fine, a beautiful multiple bearing red paint cancellations, with 2018 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 2; $2,350. Scott $2,350
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Scott $2,350

1847, 10¢ black. Three large margins, close at bottom, tied by bold red circular grid cancel, matching red "Boston '10cts' 1 Aug" cds on light gray cover originating in St. John, N.B. via Boston to Hamilton, Canada West, reverse with red "Forwarded by Favor's Package Express" framed handstamp, black "Queenston, U.C., Aug 4, 1850" exchange cds and manuscript "4½" pence due rating, red Hamilton (8.5) arrival backstamp, Very Fine, with 2018 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 2; Estimate $10,000 - 15,000.

THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 1847 ISSUE FORWARDED BY FAVOR'S EXPRESS, AND THE FINEST OF ONLY FIVE RECORDED STRIKES OF THE RECTANGULAR FAVOR'S EXPRESS HANDSTAMP.

This cover is one of a group of 10¢ 1847 Issue covers known originating from St. John N.B. carried via Steamer "Admiral" to Boston where entering the mails. This was the ship Favor used, he had a stateroom on board, but none of the other 1847 Issue covers have the forwarding handstamp struck. The Sep. 10, 1850 Eastport "Ship 2" use (ex-Sevenoaks, Mirsky) is also from the same correspondence as the cover offered here. Together they demonstrate a remarkable pair of 10¢ 1847 Issue covers originating from outside the United States borders, almost certainly St. John, mailed in transit to Canada. We know of no other comparable pair of 1847 Issue covers.

The five recorded rectangular Favor's express handstamps are dated July 8, 1850 to August 21, 1850. This is the only example bearing a stamped franking, the other four are all stampless. Est. $10,000-15,000 (Image)

Est. $10,000-15,000

1847, 10¢ black. Large margins except close at top, tied by blue "Troy N.Y. Aug 10" cds on 1850 folded letter to Toronto, Canada, partial "Queenston Aug 13, 1850" exchange cds and manuscript "4½" pence due rating, Toronto (8.14) arrival backstamp, pink ms. "26", Very Fine and attractive, ex-Craveri, with 2000 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 2; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

1851, 1¢ blue, type Ib. Position 3R1E, neat grid cancel, full well balanced margins, rich plate one early color and a clear crisp impression on bright fresh paper, Extremely Fine, exceptionally rare in such choice sound condition, this being one of only three examples to receive this grade with only four grading higher, with 1991 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates, the latter Graded (XF 90, SMQ $17,500).
Scott No. 5A; $7,500.

A WONDERFUL SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 1¢ TYPE 1B FROM POSITION 3R1E.

The type 1b issues were only produced from the early state of plate one. Six positions at the top of the right plate, positions 3R-6R and 8R-9R, furnished all of these issues. Position 3R1E holds a particular interest in the study of double transfers. With the upper left ornament showing a triple entry and additional transfers found at bottom especially in the value tablet. It is quite possible that this doubling of the design was not the result of two re-entries, but that the initial entry was faulty and erased (mostly) and a fresh entry was made. Scott $7,500
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Scott $7,500

1851, 1¢ blue, type II. Wide margins showing portions of adjacent stamps on all sides, beautiful color with light town cancels, a Superb jumbo, with 2018 P.S.A.G. certificate Graded (Gem 100J, SSV $1,850 as 98).
Scott No. 7; $125. Scott $125
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Scott $125

1851, 1¢ blue, type IIIa, double transfer, one inverted. Pos. 81L1E, handsome example of this scarce and desirable plate variety, featuring mostly large margins and beautiful color, tied by blue "Philadelphia Pa. Jan 9" cds on printed 1851 circular for parasols and umbrellas addressed to Chillicothe Oh., Very Fine and beautiful on-cover example of this scarce and desirable plate variety paying the circular rate, signed and identified by Ashbrook on reverse, with 1981 and 2002 P.F. certificates.
Scott No. 8A var.; $1,100 as used off-cover. Scott $1,100 as used off-cover
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Scott $1,100 as used off-cover

1852, 1¢ blue, type IV. Recut twice at top and once at bottom, neat town cancel, huge margins all around showing portions of adjacent stamps on three sides, bold color and sharp impression, Superb, with 2011 P.S.E. Graded certificate (Superb 98, SMQ $1,350).
Scott No. 9; $135.

A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THIS SCARCE 1852 1¢ TYPE IV RECUT POSITION.

Out of the 199 of 200 positions on plate 1, only four examples were recut twice at top and once at bottom. Scott $135
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Scott $135

1852, 1¢ blue, type IV. Position 92L1L, recut once at top, full to large margins including part of adjoining stamps at left and top, vivid dark shade, used with three 3¢ dull red (11A) singles, all stamps tied by two perfect strikes of blue "Troy N.Y. Oct. 9" cds on orange-yellow cover to Stanbridge, Canada East, red "U. States" in scroll cross-border handstamp, red "St. Johns L.C. Oct. 20" transit cds; one 3¢ stamp with light pre-use corner crease, Extremely Fine and choice, ex-Vogel, Eubanks.
Scott No. 9; Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.

A REMARKABLE 1851 ISSUE CROSS-BORDER COVER WITH GREAT EYE APPEAL. Est. $2,000-3,000 (Image)

Est. $2,000-3,000

1851, 3¢ orange brown, type II. Full o.g., four full margins, deep Post Office fresh color, Extremely Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate.
Scott No. 10A; $3,250. Scott $3,250
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Scott $3,250

1852, 3¢ dull red, type I. Full margins to just touching at bottom right, deep rich color, tied by blue grid cancel, matching "Orono Me. Oct 2" cds on 1856 cover with "Our Jessie" Fremont portrait (Milgram JF-50) campaign design, addressed to Orrington Me., with original contents; bottom flap tears, one barely extends to front of cover, Very Fine and attractive campaign envelope.
Scott No. 11; Estimate $500 - 750.

Jessie Benton Fremont was the daughter of Senator Thomas Hart Benton and wife of famed explorer John C. Fremont. She did much to promote her husband's exploits and reputation, and she herself was a very popular American figure. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

1852, 3¢ dull red, type I. Large margins all around including part of adjacent stamps at top and bottom, deep rich color, tied by neat blue "Baltimore Md., Feb 17" cds on light buff cover with blue "G.H. Reese & Bros. Tea Dealer" embossed cameo illustrated ad cover showing building and horse-drawn carriages to Sandy Spring Md., an Extremely Fine gem.
Scott No. 11; Estimate $500 - 750. Est. $500-750 (Image)

Est. $500-750

1852, 3¢ dull red, type II. Large margins to touched, manuscript cancelled and tied by blue "Augusta, Ga. '3 Paid' Oct 19" cds on illustrated Barnabas Bates Postage Reform Propaganda cover showing Steamship, Eagle with Shield & Steam Engine, to Washington Ga., cover with ornate imprint of "D. Felt & Hosford, Stationers" on reverse, Very Fine.
Scott No. 11A; Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.

A RARE BATES CHEAP POSTAGE PROPAGANDA USAGE FROM GEORGIA. Est. $1,000-1,500 (Image)

Est. $1,000-1,500

1852, 3¢ dull red, type II. Large margins to touching outer frameline, beautiful rich color, tied by blue "Woodstock Vt. Mar 26" cds on gray "Vt. & Boston Telegraph Line" illustrated cover showing Telegraph Lines over Locomotive, Steamboat and Running Pony scene, to Providence R.I., choice and Extremely Fine.
Scott No. 11A; Estimate $750 - 1,000.

A GORGEOUS COVER. Est. $750-1,000 (Image)

Est. $750-1,000

1856, 5¢ red brown. Light town cancel, large to huge margins, deep rich color, Extremely Fine, choice so nice, with 1998 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 12; $675. Scott $675
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Scott $675

1855, 10¢ green, type I. Circular grid cancels, large margins, strong color and crisp impression, Extremely Fine, with 1991 P.F. certificate.
Scott No. 13; $800. Scott $800
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Scott $800