U.S.P.O., Philadelphia Pa., 1c Black on Rose, "L S" (7LB4). Complete bottom frameline and part of top, uncancelled, used on folded letter datelined "Cheltenham May 15th 1849" to New York City, blue "Philada. Pa. May 17/5" integral-rate circular datestamp, letter mentions trips to "town" (thus the two-day delay in posting), small waterstain effectively ties stamp to cover

VERY FINE. ONE OF FIVE REPORTED COVERS WITH THE "LS" PHILADELPHIA CARRIER STAMP.

This May 17 postmark on a clearly-dated 1849 letter is an appropriately early use of the "LS" stamp. The Philadelphia carrier service was reorganized in February 1849, and stamps were issued at that time.

Ex Hollowbush

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