BE147

CSA #12c (AD) (4-Margin Greenish-Blue) tied by the HELD FOR POSTAGE handstamp used in Richmond, Va (Type EE in the new CSA Catalog), Small cover addressed to Mr. Samuel Branch Walker Care of Isaac W. Walker, Richmond, Virginia. Undoubtedly an Overpaid Drop Letter cancelled with the first handstamp that conveniently came to the clerk’s hand. Peter Powell in his 1987 book on Richmond Confederate postal markings recorded only three examples of this HELD FOR POSTAGE Richmond handstamp. There are very likely a few more than three known at this time, but it is certainly very scarce particularly cancelling a general issue stamp. CSA Certificate 1988 states “Genuine marking, probably used in error.” That statement is not correct as the marking was not actually used in error as any handstamp could be used to cancel the stamp of a drop letter. The town postmark was not required to be used on a drop letter. Ex-Birkinbine with an explanatory note to that effect in his hand with his signature on the certificate. This cover was used as an illustration on Page 356 of the Collector’s Guide to Confederate Philately Second Edition. Small piece missing from backflap otherwise Very Fine.

SOLD $2,500.00