Lot
1027 
Special Delivery, 1885, 10¢ Blue, well centered, tied by purple "On delivery of this letter, Carrier will please obtain the envelope and name of mailing Post Office and return to Super-intendent of Carriers." handstamp on illustrated hotel corner card cover bearing Canada 2¢ carmine tied by "Toronto, Feb 17 00" waving flag machine cancel to Cincinnati Oh.; sealed top edge tears, Very Fine appearance. Scott No. E1 Estimate $400 - 600.
EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF U.S. SPECIAL DELIVERY UNDER INFORMAL CANADIAN EXCHANGE AGREEMENT.
For more than 100 years, Canada and the United States generally followed each other's first class postage rates. Although unusual, and without a formal treaty, postmasters on both sides of the border stocked the 10¢ Special Delivery stamps of the other country beginning July 1, 1898. Special Delivery service was exchanged as a general practice.
Realized: $375