VERY FINE. ONE OF SEVEN OR EIGHT REPORTED EXAMPLES OF BOUTON'S MANHATTAN EXPRESS STAMP. ONLY FOUR COVERS ARE KNOWN.
The Manhattan Express was operated by William V. Barr as early as October 1845 until sometime soon after Valentine's Day 1847, when Barr sold out to John R. Bouton. The first stamp issued under Bouton's ownership is the 2c on Pink (17L1). Approximately seven or eight examples are known, uncancelled, including four used on covers.
Ex Schwartz and Geisler. With 2000 P.F. certificate that describes the "Paid Bouton" pencil notation as "non-contemporary" (an opinion with which we vehemently disagree). Scott Retail $4,500.00