Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Black on White (3X1). Position 10, showing nearly complete framelines all around, also without the usual pen cancel and tied by traces of two letters in manuscript "Due 5" (due to weight), cancelled by well-struck blue "PAID" handstamp with additional strike at left, matching "Baltimore Md. Oct. 17" (1846) circular datestamp on folded letter to Frederick Md., reply docketing at left, absolutely fresh in every respect

EXTREMELY FINE GEM 5-CENT BALTIMORE PROVISIONAL ON WHITE PAPER, SHOWING NEARLY COMPLETE FRAMELINES ALL AROUND, WITHOUT PEN CANCEL AND TIED ON COVER. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN BALTIMORE STAMPS.

The presence of nearly complete framelines around the stamp on this cover is extremely unusual, since each adjoining position shared a common frameline. This is akin to the Confederate 10c "Frameline" issue (No. 10) -- which is judged by the degree of completeness (or incompleteness) of the framelines, with nearly complete examples commanding huge premiums. A review of the USPCS online census of the Baltimore Provisional stamps demonstrates how rare it is to find a stamp with nearly complete framelines, without pen cancel and in sound condition. Adding to that the stamp's use on a fresh cover, we have every reason to regard this as is one of the most outstanding Baltimore Provisionals extant.

No. 10 in the Hayes census (Collectors Club Philatelist, Jan. 1970). USPCS census no. 20100. Ex Col. Green (May 26-28, 1943, lot 1) and Haub. With 1976 and 2022 P.F. certificates -- the latter specifically pointing out the "nearly complete dividing lines".

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