Lot
517 
1847, 5¢ red brown, three large margins, clear to just in at right, tied by red circular grid cancel, matching "Springfield Ms. Aug 27" cds on light blue folded letter to New London Conn., red "- Paid - / Western Bank" two-line handstamp at top right, clean and Very Fine use with the Western Bank handstamp, ex-Wagshall; with 2010 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 1 Estimate $400 - 600.
Pictured in Alexander census on page 263 with the following caption, "This handstamp, ~PAID~/WESTERN BANK was probably not designed as an advertisement for the bank. Instead, it was meant to keep a messenger honest. When a bank employee was sent with the mail and cash to pay the postage, this mark alerted the postal clerk that the mail was to be prepaid. Some messengers are known to have pocketed the money, sending the mail collect.".
Realized: $230