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Sale 275
Lot 146
Canada 1851, 12d black, laid paper (3), intense color and large margins all around, perfectly tied by ideally struck target cancellation on 1852 folded letter sheet to New York, showing "Montreal L.C./JY 21 1852" double arc origin d.s., Canada" exchange handstamp in arc, and straight-line "Paid" handstamp, all in red, adjacent, part of top back panel missing and sealed tear on front extending from bottom of cover into the second line of the address in no way affects this Extremely Fine and exquisite usage on cover of what is on the of the great classic rarities of the British Empire and of world philately as a whole. Illustrated in Boggs, p. 137. SG 4. Estimate 200,000 - 300,000
WIDELY THOUGHT TO BE THE FINEST OF THE GENUINE, TIED EXAMPLES.
Expertization: 1995 B.P.A. Certificate.
Provenance: Worthington, Dale-Lichtenstein, Nickle, Foxbridge, "K.L."
The 12 Pence stamp was issued to prepay single letters to Newfoundland, Bermuda and the British West Indies. However, it also conveniently paid the double rate to the U.S.A. Many believe the value was stated in "Pence" rather than "one shilling" to avoid confusion on the part of the United States postmasters
There are seven recorded existing covers. However, only three, or perhaps four, can be stated, with full confidence, to be genuine. The seven are as follows:
1852 MR 16 Montreal to Kennedy, NY NY, 2003 Brandon Certificate 1852 JY 19 Hamilton to Kennedy, NY NY, Ex Foxbridge, Weil Bros., Illustrated in Boggs 1852 JY 21 Montreal to Paton, NY NY, Ex Worthington, Dale-Lichtenstein, Foxbridge, Dr. Chan Illustrated in Boggs, Jarrett, now offered here 1853 DE 8 Hamilton to Kennedy, NY NY, Ex Seybold, Wellburn 1856 SP 1 Hamilton to Gosport, England, tied by two targets, overpays 10d rate, Greene certificate, a very late use 185(?) DE 19 Toronto to McMaster, NY NY, 12d with right sheet margin, RPSL certificate, Ex Pipkin, Illustrated Boggs (p.138) 185(?) Toronto Feb 1? to Rawdon Wright Hatch, Edson, NY NY, Ex Dale.
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Realized $209,000 |
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Lot 10
U.S. 1847, 5¢ red brown (1), block of four, wonderfully bright color, large to ample margins except fractionally touched at lower right, 5½mm scissors cut in margin between left vertical pair, tied by squared grid on front only of letter sheet (which has been attached to a non-related folded letter) to Montreal, C.E., matching New York/Oct 27 c.d.s., manuscript 9 (pence due), an ironed vertical filing fold crosses the left vertical pair, Very Fine and outstanding franking with the 1847 5 cents block of four to make up the double rate to Canada. Illustrated in Baker, U.S. Classics. Estimate 50,000 - 75,000
THE ONLY RECORDED USAGE OF A 5¢ 1847 ISSUE BLOCK TO CANADA.
Provenance: Waterhouse, Emerson, West, Dick, Rohloff, Kapiloff, Zoellner
There are just three recorded usages of a block of the 5¢ 1847: A pen cancelled block of 5 on an 1849 cover to England sold in our Sale #252, Nov. 2002
A block of 4 from Fredonia, N.Y. to Albany, N.Y. sold in our Sale # 266, Sept. 2003
The block of 4 to Canada offered here.
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Realized $137,500 |
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Lot 138
U.S. 1847, 5¢ red brown (1), large margins all round showing portion of adjoining stamp at right in combination with Canada 3d red (2), both cancelled, and the former tied, by red grid on 1851 folded letter from Scottsville, N.Y. (near Rochester) to St. Catharine's, Canada matching "Rochester N.Y. /May 4" c.d.s., "U. States" horseshoe handstamp also in red and "Queenston U.C./May 6 1851" double arc exchange office postmark which also ties the 5¢ to the cover, the 3d has small nicks at bottom and a clipped lower right corner just impinging on outer frame line, the cover also has light water staining which effectively ties the 3d stamp, a Fine and unique usage Illustrated in Boggs, Vol. I, proof. 77, and Brookman, Vol. I, proof. 23. Estimate 150,000 - 200,000
THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THIS STORIED MIXED FRANKING ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.
Expertization: 1959 & 2004 P.F. Certificates, signed Ashbrook.
Provenance: Barrett, Hinds
Ashbrook notes that "after a very careful examination it is my opinion that this rare cover is absolutely genuine Sep. 15, 1944"
There are three full covers and two on piece usages of the U.S./Canada first issue mixed franking: The Ishikawa cover 5/5/51 bearing a horizontal strip of 5 of the 5¢ (24) and a single 3d Beaver from Toronto to the U.K.
The June 8, 1851 cover Montreal to New York bearing a single 5¢ and 3d to Kennedy in New York sold in our Como Sale #243, March 2002
The present cover
A piece cancelled June 4, 1851 Kingston, Canada with a single 5¢ 3d
A piece cancelled 9/23/1851 the only post demonetized usage, being offered in this sale, see next lot.
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Realized $137,500 |
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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 $93,500 |
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Lot 21
U.S. 1847, 10¢ black (2), bottom sheet margin single, position 99R, mostly large to gigantic margins except just in at upper left, tied by red square grid and magenta "U.S." in manuscript, on 1851 folded letter to Hamilton, Canada, clear "New-York Apl. 6" c.d.s. at right, the First Day of the U.S.-Canada Treaty Rate, black Queenston exchange postmark dated Apr. 8, 1851, reverse with Hamilton Apr. 9, 1851 receiving postmark, Very Fine usage. Estimate 20,000 - 30,000
THE ONLY RECORDED FIRST DAY OF NEW RATE COVER AS WELL AS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF A MANUSCRIPT EXCHANGE OFFICE MARKING.
Provenance: Pope
Prior to April 6, 1851, postage rates between the United States and Canada were rather confusing and cumbersome. A case in point- Canadians could prepay the postage to the U.S., but not the other way around. Or, what would be a triple weight cover in the United States was charged as a quadruple rate in Canada. Then, as of April 6, 1851, a combined rate was established between the United States and Canada. Six pence or 10 cents per 1/2 oz. between anywhere in Canada and the U.S. except 9d or 15c to California or Oregon, with prepayment optional, part payment not recognized. A similar agreement was established with the Maritime provinces as of July 6, 1851
This the only franked cover marking the "occasion" of the first day of the establishment of uniform rates. Its importance is further enhanced by the clear date and year on the front of the envelope.
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Realized $68,750 |
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Lot 20
U.S. 1847, 10¢ black (2), horizontal strip of three, margins to cutting, tied by red grids on Aug. 15, 1848 folded cover to Pictou, Nova Scotia, paying the 5c rate from Boston to New York and the 24¢ packet rate to Nova Scotia with a 1¢ overpayment, additional manuscript. "1/8" due: 8 pence to Pictou (101 to 200 miles rate) plus 1 shilling retaliatory rate, red "U.S. Express Mail Boston Mass. Aug. 15" c.d.s., manuscript. "pr. America via New Yk." at upper left, tiny hole from erosion, Fine, an important and rare usage. Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
Expertization: 1985 P.F. Certificate.
From 1840 through 1846, the Cunard steamship line, subsidized by the British government, enjoyed a monopoly on transatlantic mail. In a misguided attempt to discourage carriage of mail by subsidized U.S. steamships, which had begun in June, 1847, the British authorized receiving offices to collect British packet postage on prepaid letters carried by American mail steamers, effectively treating such letters, whether they went to, or beyond England, as unpaid. The attempts by the United States to rescind or even modify this blatantly anti-American tariff were unsuccessful.
On November 16, 1847, the United States retaliated by suspending closed mails between Canada and the United Kingdom through the U.S. Then Postmaster General Cave Johnson petitioned Congress for the power to establish punitive charges for mail carried by foreign packet (in essence, only British ships, resulting in the retaliatory act of June 27, 1848. By this act, the Postmaster General was authorized to charge and collect packet postage on letters conveyed to or from the U.S. by foreign packets. Since only the British utilized such packets, a clear message was thus sent to Great Britain, and effectively countered their discriminatory fees. Now, American packet postage would be charged regardless of whether or not an American vessel was used. Six months later, on December 15, 1848, a new postal treaty between Great Britain and the U.S. was signed in London, and in January 1849 the President revoked the retaliatory rate legislation.
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Realized $57,750 |
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Lot 145
Canada 1851, 6d slate violet, laid paper (2), six singles applied side-by-side, lovely color, mainly large to ample margins, 1st stamp has 7mm. sealed tear at top, 2nd stamp has a horizontal crease and tiny nick in top right corner, tied by target cancellations on 1854 envelope (slight edge wear and refolded at bottom) to England, showing "Montreal L.C./SP 18 1854" double arc origin d.s. and London "Paid/EY/2 OC 2/1854" arrival c.d.s. in red adjacent, Very Fine and spectacular usage. SG 2. Estimate 25,000 - 30,000
THE LARGEST RECORDED LAID PAPER FRANKING.
Provenance: Jarrett, Chan, Nickle, Richardson, "Carrington"
This cover, paying the 36 pence quadruple rate, was sent by closed bag to New York, from where it was carried by the Cunard ship "Africa". In March, 1854, the postal rate between Great Britain and Canada had been reduced to 10 pence per ½ ounce. The six 6d stamps paid 36 pence toward the quadruple rate of 40 pence for 2 ounces, with the remaining 4 pence paid in cash, since there were no stamps of this amount available at the time to make up the full rate.
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Realized $41,250 |
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Lot 106
U.S. 1847, 10¢ black (2), two singles, each margins to a bit in, pen canceled, left stamp tied by vertical file crease, on May 17, 1851 folded letter from Kingston, Canada to New York, quadruple rate including an additional "1/-" in red manuscript and "Paid" handstamp at center, "Canada" in arc exchange marking above it, Kingston postmark at lower left, Fine and rare usage. Illustrated in Arfken. Estimate 10,000 - 15,000
THE ONLY 10¢ 1847 COVER TO OR FROM CANADA UTILIZING BOTH U.S. AND CANADIAN CURRENCY TO PAY THE NEW COMBINED THROUGH-RATE.
Expertization: 1992 P.F. Certificate.
There are several examples of the 5¢ 1847 being combined with the Canada 3d Beaver stamp to make up the combined rate. This, however, is the only usage of the 10¢ 1847 (albeit the Canadian postage of 1/- was paid with cash) to exhibit the rate being paid in the two currencies.
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Realized $23,100 |
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Lot 107
U.S. 1847, 10¢ black (2), large margins except top right, tied by red "Montreal L.C. Jy. 26, 1851" postmark on folded letter from Canada to New York City, originally rated "6d" due with circle handstamp which was struck out by target, red "Canada" in arc exchange handstamp, red New York "Paid" struck by 6d handstamp, despite demonetization, this was accepted as fully paid by New York; stamp with file fold and tiny scuff in upper left margin, still Very Fine usage, handsome and very rare. Estimate 7,500 - 10,000
A CHOICE AND RARE POST DEMONETIZATION USAGE OF THE 10¢ 1847.
Provenance: Pope
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Realized $22,000 |
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Lot 9
U.S. 1847, 5¢ red brown (1), two horizontal strips of three, large margins to slightly in, position. 78-80 and 88-90, showing Double Transfers A & B, originally a block of six, canceled by uncommon 7-bar red grids of New York on triple rate 1850 folded cover to St. Catharines, C.W., red "New-York Jan. 17" c.d.s. and black Queenston exchange each tie a strip, manuscript. "1/6"d due, three stamps creased by vertical file folds, lettersheet with light silking, Fine appearing showpiece, very rare. Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
A RARE CROSS-BORDER USAGE AS WELL AS IMPORTANT ON COVER POSITION MULTIPLES.
This cover would seem to be quite similar to the cover in lot 105, a U.S. triple rate and a Canadian quadruple rate, except that this cover traveled over 300 miles, thereby doubling the postage. However, the U.S. postal rate changed on March 3, 1849, whereby the charge is one rate for each of the first two half ounces, then two rates for each ounce or fraction thereof. It would seem, therefore, the cover should have had 40¢ postage. One possible explanation would be that the sender felt the envelope weighed just over one ounce, and, not being aware of the rate change, assumed it would be a triple rate. When the cover was actually weighed by the U.S. Post Office, they found it to weigh just under one ounce. The cover, therefore, was considered fully paid. Upon arrival in Canada, their Post Office determined the weight at a fraction over the one ounce and so charged the four times rate.
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Realized $19,800 |
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