Lot
553 
(Oregon) Oakland, Or. (Douglas), blue socked-on-the-nose cds tying 1857 3¢ dull red (tiny flaw) on orange 1861 cover to Roseburg, flap torn, Very Fine and attractive. Estimate $100 - 150.
Realized: $115
Lot
554
(Pennsylvania) [Capitol] 1795 (Oct. 24) Philadelphia Pa. To Gloucester, Mass., folded cover with "Free Joseph Nourse R." as Register of the Treasury (1781 to 1829) when Philadelphia was still the Nation's capital, Philadelphia "24 OC" Franklin mark and matching "Free" rating handstamp, 1795 docketing, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Philadelphia's postmaster did not use a townmark at this point, but did use the American style of Britain's "Bishop Mark", called a Franklin mark in this country in honor of Ben Franklin who was the Royal Deputy Postmaster General for North America and later the first U.S. Postmaster General.
Realized: $150
Lot
555
(Pennsylvania) York Pa., May 21, a superb strike of female allegorical handstamp design in red on 1827 folded letter to Columbia, Pa., rerated manuscript "6" over light "10" rating; two light file folds with hint of toning, Very Fine and choice; with 2004 P.F. Certificate. Estimate $2,000 - 3,000.
THE FINEST RECORDED STRIKE OF THIS RARE PICTORIAL HANDSTAMP.
Most strikes of this marking are incomplete and/or overinked. This strike is far superior with such a clear and complete strike. This cover was last offered in the Matthew Bennett Rarities sale where it realized $2,300.
Realized: $2,300
Lot
556
(Tennessee) "Memphis Te, 4 February", manuscript postmark with matching "Free" rating and "W. H. Burton, P.M." free frank on 1831 folded letter to the postmaster at Vicksburg Miss., forwarded upon arrival to the Secretary of State in Jackson Miss. with "Vicksb'g Mi Feb 22" cds, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $135