Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED BLOCK OF THE RARE BROWNE'S EASTON DESPATCH ENGRAVED STAMP.

The Easton Whig newspaper announced the establishment of Browne's Easton Despatch by William J. Browne, located at 4 North Third Street in Easton, on October 7, 1857. The announcement reads, in part: "...letters, notes, circulars, bank notices, invacations of whatever nature etc. Letters etc. may be left at the letter box and prepaid stamps can be obtained at the office at the rate of 2 cents per every distance not over two miles from the Courthouse, either in this state or in New Jersey." A later notice (Feb. 10, 1858) advertised Browne's post in connection with sending Valentines and mentioned service to Easton, South Easton and Philipsburg -- the latter a violation of the laws governing post roads.

The two typeset stamps issued by Browne, 30L1 and 30L2, are extreme rarities. The engraved stamp with a portrait of Washington, 30L3, is very scarce. This block and pair, and two additional pairs, are the only known multiples. A half-dozen used examples are known. A few covers with uncancelled stamps are reported. Sloane thought that the plate probably comprised ten subjects arranged in two horizontal rows of five, which would make the block of six offered here Positions 4-5/7-10. It is uncertain whether the pair at upper left comprises Positions 2-3 or 1-2.

Ex Weekes, Souren and Boker. (Image)