Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. Sale

Boyd's City Express (New York NY) (20L6 to 20L7):

Lot

Lot Description

611

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on White Unglazed (formerly 20L6). Oval cut, tied by black grid and red "New-York 5 cts. 10 May" integral-rate circular datestamp on 1848 folded letter to Albany N.Y., file fold, faint toning

VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE BLACK ON WHITE STAMP FORMERLY LISTED BY SCOTT AS 20L6. IN OUR OPINION, THIS IS A GENUINE PAPER VARIETY WORTHY OF RE-LISTING. ONLY TWO RECORDED.

The 2c Black on White Unglazed stamp formerly listed in Scott as 20L6 was de-listed at the urging of specialists, such as Henry Abt, who were convinced that the paper was chemically treated to remove the green coating. Only two examples are known: the stamp on this May 1848 cover and another oval-cut stamp tied on a Nov. 25, 1848 folded letter (R. G. Kaufmann sale, Jun. 12, 1982). Based on our examination of these stamps, we are doubtful that they have been chemically bleached to remove color. Obviously, the black design was printed on the green enamel-coated paper. To remove the glaze and color, the black printing would be affected. Even if one was able to work around the black ink, the cancellation inks on these two examples would also be affected by bleaching, which they are not. Abt, an excellent researcher, was quick to dismiss the stamps on white paper as "unnecessary" in 1848, however, Abt did note that by spring of 1848 the plate had become worn and a new engraved plate was ordered (from which 20L7 was printed). Both 20L6 stamps are worn impressions, indicating that they were printed in late 1847 or 1848 from worn plates. Rather than dismiss these stamps as color-changelings, it is more plausible to speculate that a small printing on unglazed white paper was made toward the end of the plate's life, perhaps in an effort to produce impressions that were clearer than those on glazed green stock.

A great opportunity for the specialist who has the confidence to judge this issue fairly despite past prejudice. (Image)

E. 750-1,000

612

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Large to huge margins, tied by black grid, used with 5c Red Brown (1), margins close or slightly in, tied by red square grid, matching "New-York Feb. 27" circular datestamp on small cover to New Brunswick N.J., Very Fine, attractive 1847-Boyd's combination usage, same correspondence as lot 595 (Image)

E. 1,500-2,000

613

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Die cut, tied by grid and red "New-York Mar. 13" circular datestamp, used with 5c Brown (1), corner torn from separating, tied by red square grid on 1849 folded letter to Philadelphia, fresh and Fine (Image)

E. 750-1,000

614

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Large margins, tied by black cancel and red "New-York 5 cts. 6 Nov." integral-rate circular datestamp on folded cover to Philadelphia, pencil "Paid" with "5" added in ink, red crayon "5" and red "Paid" arc, file folds, one passes under left margin of stamp, Fine

E. 100-150

615

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Ample to large margins, black cancel, used on cover to Baltimore with red "New York & Phila. R.R. Dec. 28" route agent's circular datestamp and "5" handstamp, with 1850 enclosure, Very Fine

E. 150-200

616

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Three large margins, slightly in at right, grid cancel, tied by red "U.S. Express Mail N.Y. N. York Jun. 19" route agent's circular datestamp with "5" handstamp on folded letter to New Milford Conn., file fold, Very Fine, ex Caspary

E. 200-300

617

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Large even margins, tied by black cancel, used with 3c Rose Red (11), full to large margins, tied by "New-York May 31" circular datestamp on small cover to Hartford Conn., 1852 pencil docketing, Extremely Fine

E. 200-300

618

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Large margins, black cancel, tied by large red "New-York Apr. 22 Paid 3 cts." integral-rate circular datestamp on small cover to Hillsdale N.Y., pencil "Paid 3", Very Fine

E. 150-200

619

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Large margins, tied by smudged grid cancel on Mar. 17, 1849 folded letter to Baltimore, blue "5" in circle railroad handstamp, file fold, slightly toned, Fine

E. 150-200

620

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Die cut, black cancel, "Boyd's City Express Post, Aug. 7 4" oval datestamp and "Paid/J.T.B." two-line handstamp, manuscript "Money Enclosed, John T. Boyd" endorsement at upper left of folded cover to Oliver Heartwell at local street address, the sender (Stephen Hills Jr.) used as a cover the letter written to him on Aug. 8, 1851, demanding "at least $5" toward money owed, he responded by sending cash wrapped in the lettersheet (which explains the writing visible along the right side of the address panel) and Boyd noted the contents, probably as a form of registration although no extra charge is evident -- the letter to Hills includes a post-script "Do not write 'Money Enclosed'", referring to $10 received earlier -- folds in cover, Very Fine, a fascinating and very rare usage signed by John T. Boyd and providing the best available example of Boyd's procedure for carrying money, ex Abt

E. 750-1,000

621

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Another "Money Enclosed" cover from the same correspondence as previous lot, Feb. 1851 folded letter from Stephen Hills Jr. to Oliver Heartwell at local street address, die-cut stamp cancelled in black, "Paid/J.T.B." two-line handstamp and "Boyd's City Express Post, Feb. 15 9" oval datestamp, manuscript "Money Encl. J T Boyd" endorsement at upper left, letter explains financial difficulties and the writer's hope to repay debt (mentions World's Fair at the Crystal Palace), receipt notations on letter describe contents and a street-corner meeting between debtor and creditor, Very Fine, a rare example of money handling by Boyd's, ex Abt

E. 750-1,000

622

Boyd's City Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Green Glazed (20L7). Ample to large margins, some rubbed spots and small faults, black grid cancel, "Paid/J.T.B." two-line handstamp and "Boyd's City Express Post, Feb. 14 9" oval datestamp on embossed green Valentine's cover to local street address, erosion spots at left and tears in cover, still attractive despite faults

E. 150-200

Part II - LOCALS A - G continued...