Lot
1166 
Special Delivery, 1931, 15¢ Orange, used with 2¢ Red Cross (702), both tied by "Easton, Pa., Aug 6, 1931" machine cancel on cover to H.M. Southgate, Chevy Chase Md., "Washington, D.C., Special Del., Aug 7 1931" backstamp, reverse with notation "First Day Cover" on flap, Extremely Fine. Scott No. E16 $3,000.
THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE 1931 15¢ SPECIAL DELIVERY ISSUE.
The Scott catalog notes that the Washington D.C. Aug. 13, 1931 first day cover date reflects the first day of sale at the philatelic agency. The actual earliest documented use of E16 is Aug. 6, 1931 at Easton, Pa. There are 5 recorded examples mailed on this date from Easton Pa.