Bouton's Manhattan Express, New York N.Y., 2c Black on Pink (17L1). Three large margins, just barely in at right, typical faint gum stains, uncancelled as usual, appears to have originated on folded cover to Washington D.C., red "New-York 5 cts. 9 Sep." integral-rate circular datestamp, docketing indicates Sep. 6, 1847 origin date, file fold

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 during April 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. Although uncancelled, the stamp on this cover is used in the proper time period and it appears to have originated.

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