RT21

Fort Valley, Ga Handstamp PAID 3 Provisional with the Fort Valley dateless control mark and the standard CDS dated 12 APR (1861) USA Used in the CSA and the day the war started with the firing on Fort Sumter. Control mark confirms the provisional status. The 1861 year date is confirmed by the use of the control mark and by another known Handstamp Paid 3 cover without the control mark dated in March 1861 to the same addressee. As yet Dietz and Scott Unlisted and the only known example of this handstamp provisional usage. Addressed to John T. Hardie & Co., New Orleans, La. Pencil notation on the back “Nassau Stamp Company 1924.” Bit of a rough opening at the top not affecting the postal markings and part of the backflap torn away. Ex-Hall, Ex-Agre. CSA Certificate #4155 from 2002 signed by Jerry Palazolo.

SOLD