Lot
11 
Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.P.O. Despatch, 1849-50, 1¢ black on rose, "JJ", top margin single with frameline showing on three sides, light gum soak, on 1850 folded letter to West Chester, Pa., in combination with ample to large margin 1847, 5¢ red brown tied by neat blue grid handstamp, matching "Philada., Pa., 5 cts, Aug 28" integral rate cds; vertical file fold affecting right side of 5¢ stamp, Very Fine appearance, ex-Caspary, Boker, Lilly & Golden; signed "RHW Co." backstamp (Raymond H. Weill Co.), with 1999 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 7LB5+1; $70,000 Estimate $40,000 - 60,000.
THE UNIQUE INTACT COVER FRANKED WITH THE PHILADELPHIA "JJ" CARRIER ISSUE AND THE ONLY IN COMBINATION WITH THE 1847 5¢ ISSUE - A GREAT CARRIER RARITY AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CARRIER USAGES EXTANT.
Only two examples of the "JJ" carrier stamp are known, the example offered here and another on a cover front dated June 17th of 1849. The initials "JJ" match that of carrier John Johnson.