Lot
4019 
American Letter Mail Co., 1844, blue on gray, margins large to into outer frameline at top, canceled by manuscript "E.H.B." agent initials on folded letter datelined "Philada, 26th Augt, 1844" to New York, with red "Forwarded By, American Mail Co., From No. 109 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia" circular handstamp and matching straight line "Paid" handstamp; with tiny stain removed from stamp and cover, otherwise Very Fine, ex-Caspary; with 1997 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 5L3 Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
THE EARLIEST ON COVER USAGE OF THE 1844 AMERICAN LETTER MAIL CO. BLUE ON GRAY LARGE EAGLE ISSUE - WITH ONLY TWELVE COVER RECORDED.
All surviving on cover examples of the blue Large Eagle originate from Philadelphia. All but two used during the late spring of 1845, just prior to the termination of the Independent Mails.
Realized: $1,900