Developed & Supported by Mark Scheuer. Based on the work of Thomas J. Alexander. Dedicated to the memory of Creighton Hart and Susan McDonald. Feedback, additions, and corrections most welcome. Please send to: mscheue1@rochester.rr.com
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| Scott Number | 1 |
|---|---|
| Date | August 7, 1848 |
| From City | Montreal |
| From State | Canada |
| To City | Burlington |
| To State | VT |
| Addressee | Henry W. Catlin |
| Cert Author | PF |
| Cert # | 262268 |
| Fake | |
| Quantity 1 | 3 |
| Quantity 2 | 0 |
| Bisect | |
| Others |
Notes
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.
Matthew Bennett International Sale 275 Lot 105 realized 85,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. Sale 579 Lot 24 realized $40,000
Alexander listed as 8/7/48
PF 262268
1 1847 5¢ red brown
VERTICAL STRIP OF THREE ON FOLDED "MONEY" LETTER TO BURLINGTON, VT. BOTTOM STAMP CANCELLED BY 1848 MONTREAL, CANADA PMK.
AND WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT
It Is A Genuine Usage
Matthew Bennett International sale 243 lot 35 realized $60,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. sale 743 lot 119 realized 24,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries sale 1211 (William H Gross) lot 131 realized 32,500
Robert A. Siegel sale 1244 lot 27 realized 45,000
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.
Matthew Bennett International Sale 275 Lot 105 realized 85,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. Sale 579 Lot 24 realized $40,000
Alexander listed as 8/7/48
PF 262268
1 1847 5¢ red brown
VERTICAL STRIP OF THREE ON FOLDED "MONEY" LETTER TO BURLINGTON, VT. BOTTOM STAMP CANCELLED BY 1848 MONTREAL, CANADA PMK.
AND WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT
It Is A Genuine Usage
Matthew Bennett International sale 243 lot 35 realized $60,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. sale 743 lot 119 realized 24,000
Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries sale 1211 (William H Gross) lot 131 realized 32,500
Robert A. Siegel sale 1244 lot 27 realized 45,000
