Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc.

EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE CHOICEST OF THE KNOWN COVERS BEARING THE FIRST BOYD'S STAMP. A SPECTACULAR EXAMPLE.

Specialists in Boyd's material have variously estimated the number of 20L1 covers from 15 to 20. The most current census figure reported in Larry LeBel's exhibit is 18. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. A UNIQUE AND INTRIGUING COVER, SHOWING THE APPLICATION OF BOYD'S FIRST-ISSUE STAMP TO CONCEAL POMEROY'S INTER-CITY EXPRESS STAMP ON AN INTER-CITY EXPRESS COVER USED IN AUGUST 1844.

Yielding to pressure from the government, Pomeroy announced the suspension of its letter-carrying business in early August 1844. However, dated covers prove that Pomeroy continued to carry mail through September. This cover, originating at Lake Champlain on August 24, 1844, was franked with Pomeroy's 5c Black stamp and handed over to Boyd's for delivery within New York City. Boyd's fee was prepaid by the 20L1 stamp, which was carefully affixed over the Pomeroy adhesive, covering the entire stamp. The absence of any "Collect" notation or the "Paid/J.T.B." marking used in this period confirm the prepayment of Pomeroy's and Boyd's charges by stamps. Looking at this cover and considering the circumstances in which it was carried, one is drawn to conclude that the concealment of Pomeroy's involvement was a deliberate attempt on Boyd's part to avoid any problems with the post office.

John R. Boker Jr. made reference to this cover in his presentation to members of The Royal Philatelic Society on March 18, 1965: "This cover, reported in the philatelic Press in the 1870's, 'disappeared' for many years and was acquired by me about twenty years ago from a collection that had long lain dormant. Boyd had an agreement for delivery within the city of New York of letters brought to their office from upstate New York by Pomeroy. It is possible that Boyd had several motives in making his stamp 'large' and that an obligation was raised." (London Philatelist, Vol. 75, No. 881). The 1870's report to which Mr. Boker refers is an account of the first stamp auction in England, held by Sotheby's on March 18, 1872. The highest price in the sale, 155 shillings, was paid for this cover: "This copy was stuck over a Pomeroy stamp (female bust) and was a very desirable acquisition."

Ex Boker. Signed Costales. (Image)

EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FEW KNOWN CONJUNCTIVE EXPRESS USAGES INVOLVING BOYD'S FIRST ISSUE. A RARE COVER IN MAGNIFICENT QUALITY.

Early Boyd's covers showing conjunctive express usage usually have Boyd's handstamped markings, not adhesive stamps. This is the rare exception. Docketing indicates that it originated from C. H. & J. Merritt, June 29, from an unknown location serviced by Pullen & Co. At the time Major John A. Pullen and a partner named Cobb were operating an express between Montreal and Albany, and are reported to have handled mail for Pomeroy originating west of Albany (source: Abt notes). The letter was handed to Boyd and delivered on July 1. There is no indication of Pullen & Co.'s fee.

Ex Mason and Abt. Illustrated in Abt's CCP series (Vol. 27, No. 4, p. 279). (Image)