#20530

Figure 121 shows a Recorded use. This cover is interesting in a number of ways. the stamp, position 39, is tied by a blue 5 in circle. There is an N and an R. The cover is datelined New York, April 24, 1846, and is addressed to Messrs. Haddock, Haseltine & reed, Philadelphia Pa. The R stands for recorded mail (an early form of registration). The N represents the New York and Philadelphia RR route. what makes this letter unusual, besides the markings, is that although the letter is datelined New York, it was treated unpaid by the Philadelphia Post Office and there are no New York markings. It appears that this letter bypassed the New York Post Office and was take directly to the train. Since it was not marked PAID by the New York Post Office, Philadelphia treated it as an unpaid cover.

Piller, Stanley M., The New York Postmasters' Provisional, Cosmos Press, 1991
p89

Lot 15 5c Black (9X1). Pos. 39. large to huge margins all around, tied by scarce Blue "5" in Double Circle, on neat folded letter from New York to Philadelphia, mailed and cancelled on train, large Blue Philadelphia " R" Registry mark, Blue "N", a rare and attractive cover, Extremely Fine (Photo) E. XIII

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Inc. sale 244 (Newbury) realized 850