Lot 2101
Hale & Co., 75L5, 5c Blue, Cut to Shape and Tied on 1844 Folded Letter from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Philadelphia
Very Rare Control Marking Usage, Charnley and Whelen Correspondence
Opening: $200
Status: Unsold
August 16, 1844 folded letter from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Philadelphia. The stamp with octagonal margins slightly in, brownish-red manuscript “P/NH” control marking and vertical line precancel. The “P/NH” control marking is very rare on the 5c Blue. The stamp is cancelled by red framed handstamp and tied by red oval “Forwarded by Hale & Co.’s Great Eastern Mail” handstamp (Ty. F41), with additional red oval “Forwarded by Hale & Co. from Boston” handstamp (Ty. F4). Manuscript sender’s directive at bottom left, “Hale & Co. Independent Mail,” which is a very unusual contemporary use of the term “Independent Mail” on a cover. Vertical file fold through stamp, but still a Very Fine and attractive cover.
When will this lot be auctioned?
Winter 2026 Sale | March 20-22
Sale 21 – Carriers and Independent Mails — Friday, March 20, 4:00 PM EST | 1:00 PM PST
We are excited to present the Winter 2026 Sale, our first auction of the year and a continued step in our ongoing effort to improve the Americana Stamps auction experience for collectors.
We have made several improvements to our auction platform designed to help bidders feel confident and well informed as they explore the sale.
As you browse the listings, you will notice a “Verified” icon next to items accompanied by certificates. In this sale, more than 400 lots are accompanied by Philatelic Foundation certifications.
As always, the sale is designed to serve both the collector and the researcher. Whenever available, you can expect:
✔ High-resolution imagery of all aspects of the item
✔ Links to reference articles and supporting research
✔ Links to philatelic certifications
✔ Census data and population insights
✔ Provenance details to trace notable histories
Whether you are bidding with a specific goal in mind or simply enjoying the opportunity to study exceptional material, we invite you to explore the Winter 2026 Sale and join us for the first live auction of the year.