Williams' City Post, Cincinnati O., 2c Brown (9LB1). Full margins, small tear at top, tied by blurry red cancel, used with 1c Blue, Ty. IV (9), margins cutting into design, tied by blue "Cincinnati O. Jun. 18" (ca. 1855) circular datestamp on undated folded printed notice to New York City, sender's return address printed on address side, some faults have been mended with paper, including piece cut out in address, small missing pieces at top and lower left corner have also been patched, nevertheless quite colorful and attractive

THE UNIQUE USE OF THE WILLIAMS CARRIER STAMP IN COMBINATION WITH THE ONE-CENT 1851 ISSUE.

During the period when C. C. Williams managed Cincinnati's carrier department, the 2c city delivery fee had to be prepaid with either two Eagle carrier stamps (Scott LO2) or one of Williams' 2c stamps (Scott 9LB1). Such usages are extremely rare. The "to the mails" fee of 1c was usually prepaid by a single Eagle stamp, explaining the rarity of genuine covers bearing the Williams 2c stamp. In this case the sender might have erred in paying 2c for service to the mails. Another explanation is that two circulars were handed to the carrier with one stamp covering the fee for both. The combination of rates and stamps on this cover is unique, as far as we know and according to the recent census by John D. Bowman, published in the Penny Post.

Ex Gibson, Sheriff and Meyersburg. Signed Robson Lowe. With 1981 P.F. certificate

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