Lot
621 
"Mesilla Jany 25", manuscript postmark applied by Postmaster Francis De Ryther and matching pen "X" cancels on 3¢ rose (65) strip of three and single, faulty, on orange circa 1863 cover to Capt. W. L. Parvin, Co. F, 1st Infantry, California Volunteers, San Francisco Cal., pencil "Resigned" (Capt. Parvin resigned at Mesilla on Nov. 26, 1862), reverse with "San Francisco, Cal. Advertised Mar. 11" cds; cover reduced at right, Fine and important cover postmarked at Mesilla after Union Occupation of Arizona, ex-Birkinbine. Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
THIS IS THE EARLIEST U.S. POST OFFICE CONTRACT MAIL FROM ARIZONA AFTER UNION OCCUPATION. ONE OF TWO KNOW CARRIED ON THE FIRST CONTRACT MAIL ROUTE IN THE MILITARY DISTRICT OF ARIZONA.
This cover was carried on U.S. Post Office Route 14465 from Mesilla to Kansas City via Santa Fe (contract effective January 1, 1863) by stage operated by Cottrill, Vickroy & Co.'s Santa Fe and Colorado Stage Co.
Realized: $1,250