Lot 105
U.S. 1847, 5¢ red brown (1), vertical strip of three, large to huge margins including portion of adjoining stamp at upper right, stunning rich color and detailed early impression, on 1848 folded letter from Montreal, Canada, to Burlington, Vt., the strip tied by a red "Montreal/ Paid/ Au 7/ 1848/ Canada" rimless tombstone postmark, the top pair left uncanceled, matching slanted "Paid" handstamp and manuscript "1/6" due, manuscript "Money" at upper left, and additional "1/6" in sender's hand, with contents noting some apprehension about sending $500, though explaining "the express does not go till Friday" Extremely Fine and choice.
Estimate 50,000 - 75,000
A UNIQUE USAGE AND UNQUESTIONABLY ONE OF THE GREATEST U.S. 1847 ISSUE COVERS USED FROM CANADA.
Expertization: Signed Ashbrook, 1992 P.F. Certificate.
Provenance: Rust, Kapiloff, Craveri
At first glance, there appears to be a discrepancy between the postage charged by the U.S. and Canada. The strip of three of the 5¢ represents a triple rate; whereas the 1/6 Canadian (18 pence) would represent a quadruple rate (fee for under 60 miles was 4½ pence)
The quandary can best be resolved by reviewing the Canadian Post Office order of June 5, 1845, in which then deputy Post Master General Stayner published a table of rates (reproduced on opposite page). The table illustrates U.S. rates increasing in ½ ounce increments, while Canada rates (actually British, as Canada was yet under British rule) increase in full ounce increments after the first ounce. Therefore, while a 1½ oz. letter would be charged 15¢ U.S. and a 2 oz. letter would be 20¢ Canada would require 18 pence for either weight. Coincidentally, Stayner illustrates this difference in rates with an example very similar to the one seen on the present cover
As to why the sender used the mails instead of an independent express cover can be found in the contents. Here he stated that the next available express excursion would be Friday, August 7 in 1848 was a Monday.
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| Realized $85,000 |
