Lot
1035 
"U.S. Post Office, Alaska, Feb 6, 1899", cds on cover endorsed "Yukon Mail, No Stamps" at upper right to Richmond Ind., reverse with Richmond May 18, 1899 invoulte flag machine arrival; reduced slightly at right, Very Fine. Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
A RARE USE WITH THE "YUKON MAIL, NO STAMPS" ENDORSEMENT.
Illustrated in Cavagnol on page 40. The "U.S. Post Office, Alaska" cds was used as a temporary device after John Clum, a postal inspector set up post offices in his choice of cities along the Klondike gold rush routes in April 1898. He went to Skagway, then Dyea, then up the trail, then to Dawson and down the Yukon River in that service. Between early April and mid May, he had set up three post offices, at Pyramid south of Dyea, and north of Dyea at Canyon City and Sheep Camp on the American side of the Chilkoot trail. At each city where he decided to start an office, he left stamps, regulations, and one of these CDS devices to use. He also appointed a postmaster.