California City Letter Express Co., San Francisco, 10c Red, Type I (33L1). Large margins to slightly in, projections cut into at sides, rich color, small ms. "X" cancel (not tied as usual), used on cover to J. H. Stearns

A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE CALIFORNIA CITY LETTER EXPRESS STAMP ON AN ATTRACTIVE COVER. ONLY THREE COVERS ARE RECORDED.

Our records contain five examples of the Red 33L1 stamp. Two additional Type I stamps in black-and-white photos cannot be identified by color. One 33L1 (cut to shape) is contained in the British Library's Tapling collection. Of the four confirmed 33L1's available to collectors, two are used alone on separate covers addressed to Lieut. Col. J. H. Stearns in San Francisco (one offered here, the other ex Wiltsee). The third is an uncancelled stamp off cover (ex Lilly, small faults). The fourth example is used with Scott No. 68 and is the only 33L1 cover with a U.S. stamp of any kind (ex Golden).

Ex Middendorf. Unpriced in Scott.

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