Lot
1 
Northern Liberties News Rooms, Via Sub Post Office (Type I Imprint), well impressed at lower left of folded letter to Carlisle, Pa., with letter datelined "Philada. Mar 14, 1836", with red octagonal "Phila, Mar 14" date stamp and manuscript "12½" rating; some reinforced edge wear with small edge tear at top center, still Very Fine, ex-R. Chambers, Gibson and Meroni; with 1999 P.F. certificate. Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
ONE OF 18 RECORDED TYPE I EXAMPLES OF THE NORTHERN LIBERTIES NEWS ROOMS - SUB POST OFFICE IMPRINT.
The Northern Liberties Sub Post Office was established by Alexander McMackin in late 1835 and operated for a short time until early 1836 in the Northern Liberties News Room. News editorial in the October 10, 1835 edition of the Saturday Courier mentioned the business of a Sub Post Office and "a new and appropriate stamp…now imprinted upon all letters deposited at his office." Letters deposited by patrons of the News Room were subsequently carried by an employee to the main Philadelphia Post Office (Northern Liberties, an area north of Philadelphia's Vine Street, did not become part of Philadelphia proper until The Consolidation Act of 1854).