Lot
1152 
"Ocate N.M. Dec 30" (Mora), manuscript postmark with matching "X" cancel on 3¢ red (94), small flaws, on circa 1868 cover to Andelusia College Pa.; reduced slightly at left, F.-V.F., only two recorded uses from the first period. Estimate $200 - 300.
Ocate is presently located at the junction of NM 442 and NM 120, 23 miles northwest of Wagon Mound. It was settled by sheepmen from the vicinity of Taos in the 1840s. The name probably derives from the Spanish word "ocote", a type of pine tree. The town itself is mostly a semi-ghost town with most of the buildings abandoned, though the post office remains. The post office was in operation from August 2nd 1866 to August 9th 1869, then Jan. 10th 1870 to Mar. 4th 1878 and finally May 9th 1878 to current.
Realized: $270