Summer 2025 | July 18-20, 2025

Docketed DEC. 17 1849. The stamp with a long tear at left.

Letter docketed May 7, 1850, with black "G. CARTER'S/90 N. FIFTH ST/2 Cts./DESPATCH" handstamp at top left. This marking substitutes “2 Cts.” in lieu of “Paid”, and is the last reported use of the handstamp. Addressed to Chas. Schrack, Varnish Store, 4 S. below Race St., Philadelphia.

Addressed to J. E. Richardson, No. 9 Church Alley, Phila., with no contents or date.

Addressed to Rev. Ward, a known correspondence which includes copies on bluish paper. Dated June 15 (1850). Philadelphia 5cts blue circular datestamp (Clarke 73a). The stamp shows a deliberate obliteration of the word "DESPATCH" The pen strike tears a hole in the stamp, the cover with light stains.

July 15, 1849 folded letter addressed to Charles Lippincott in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Stamp tied by pen cancel, with large blue "Philadelphia, Pa. Jul. 15" (Clarke 74a) datestamp.

July 6, 1850 folded letter addressed to Philip Ripley in Hartford with blue "Philadelphia 5 cts." circular datestamp.

The stamp shows a deliberate scratching out of the word "DESPATCH," an alteration Sloane believed may have been intentional, though he gave no reason for its purpose. This variety is confirmed on at least four other examples.