Lot
2076 
St. Louis, Mo., 1845, 10¢ black on greenish, large margins all around, sharp detailed impression on bright greenish paper, on 1846 folded letter to Lexington, Ky. tied by manuscript "X" cancel and initialed J. M. W. by Postmaster John M. Wimer, additionally tied by red "St. Louis, Mo., Feb 10" cds with matching straight line "Paid" handstamp and manuscript "10" rate below, Extremely Fine, ex-Texas Collector, Weill; with 2014 P.F. certificate. Scott No. 11X2 Estimate $15,000 - 20,000.
THIS IS THE UNIQUE EXAMPLE SHOWING POSTMASTER JOHN M. WIMER INITIALS ON A ST. LOUIS BEAR PROVISIONAL. NO OTHER VALUES, ON OR OFF COVER, ARE KNOWN SHOWING THE POSTMASTER'S INITIALS.
John M. Wimer was the postmaster who issued the 5¢, 10¢ and 20¢ Bear, who also served the city as Alderman and Mayor. The plate of six subjects was engraved by J.M. Kerhsap, proprietor of the Western Card and Seal Company of St. Louis. The design of the stamps - the Missouri coat of arms held by bears at each side - was based on the Great Seal of Missouri. The seal was designed by William G. Pettus, who chose bears as a symbol of Missouri citizens' rugged durability.