Annapolis, Maryland, 5c Carmine Red on White entire (2XU1). Complete and sharp impression of "POST OFFICE/ANNAPOLIS MD." Eagle and Shield negative circular handstamp with equally clear "5" and "PAID" handstamps impressed separately in same shade of Carmine Red ink, sharp strike of blue "Annapolis Md. 20 Mar." (1846 or 1847) circular datestamp on white envelope (120 x 71 mm) addressed to "Chas. S. Carstairs, Care of John Latour & Co., No. 261 South Front St., Phila. Penna.", manuscript check mark at center of envelope

EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL UNITED STATES POSTAGE ISSUES AND OFFERED AT AUCTION FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE ITS DISCOVERY 117 YEARS AGO.

Census No. 2XU1-COV-01. Ex Burger, Castle, Earl of Crawford, Caspary and (possibly) Lapham. Small "W.H.C." handstamp at lower right (Warren H. Colson). With 2011 P.F. certificate. Scott value $300,000.00.

History of the Annapolis provisional and this cover: http://siegelauctions.com/enc/pdf/Annapolis.pdf

Census of Annapolis provisionals: http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/2XU1/2XU1.pdf

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