VERY EARLY ON-COVER USAGE OF AMERICA's FIRST STAMP - NY CITY...

Hammer

£1,600

VERY EARLY ON-COVER USAGE OF AMERICA's FIRST STAMP - NY CITY DESPATCH POST - VALENTINE COVER; [13] Feb. 1842 fancy embossed Valentine envelope (with similar small fancy lace-like Valentine with coloured "Enclosed is my love" applique device) sent locally in New York by the newly formed City Despatch Post to the well known citizen “Miron Barrett” (whose address was obviously well known). It was prepaid 3c with a “CITY DESPATCH POST” 1st Issue (40L1, faint gum toning; the 1st stamp issued in the entire Western Hemisphere) which is tied by a light strike of the red boxed “FREE” mark. Very few earlier covers with this stamp are known because it was only in use from February to August 1842. Exhibition Item of Great Character and Significance. [Ex Caspary & ex the Siegel ‘New Amsterdam’ auction, 2 Mar. 2011; lot 211; realised $2,700+BP.] [PF Cert. (2009)] Cross Reference: VALENTINES/GREETINGS CARDS