U.S.P.O., Philadelphia Pa., 1c Black on Rose, "L S" (7LB4). Huge margins at bottom and left, touched at top and just shaved along right frameline, uncancelled, blue "Philada. Pa. 5 May 26" integral-rate circular datestamp on blue May 25, 1849 folded letter to Smithport Pa., sender's routing "Via Harrisburg & Bellefonte" (railroad), file fold clear of stamp

AN EXTREMELY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE COVER WITH THE "LS" PHILADELPHIA CARRIER STAMP.

This May 26 postmark on a clearly-dated 1849 letter is an appropriate date of use of the "LS" stamp. The Philadelphia carrier service was reorganized in February 1849, and stamps were issued at that time. 12-15 7LB4 covers are reported in Lyons census (The Penny Post, July 2006).

Ex Caspary

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