Lot 1003
Baltimore, Md., 1845, 5¢ blue + 5¢ blue on grayish (3XU1 var.), clear strikes of provisional markings with Buchanan handstamp in black and rest in blue on grayish entire to Washington, D.C., additional strike of blue "5" in oval rate handstamp and matching "Baltimore Md. Jan 3" c.d.s., two blue manuscript check marks adjacent, Extremely Fine.
Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
THE FINEST OF ONLY TWO OR THREE RECORDED 5¢ BLUE ON GRAYISH ENTIRES WITH THE BLACK HANDSTAMP SIGNATURE.
Expertization: R.H.W.Co. (Weill) backstamp.
Provenance: Ferrary, Hind, "Texas Collection", Weill Brothers, and J.R. Hill Jr.
Students theorize that the second "5" rating handstamp is evidence that this was actually a 10¢ rate cover. The presence of two check marks supports this interpretation and further enhances the desirability of this cover. The blue town and rate marker with black signature handstamped envelopes were the first issued and command a premium.
No. 11 in the Hayes Census.
|
| |
| Realized $17,000 |
