Eastern Express Co., Black Circular Forwarding Handstamp, 1857 Stampless Cover from Bangor to Boston, Early Usage

Folded letter datelined Bangor, Me., September 3, 1857, addressed to Silas Pierce & Co. in Boston, carried by Eastern Express Co. with clear black 34mm circular handstamp reading “FORWARDED BY THE / EASTERN / Express Company / Court Square / BOSTON.” The letter requests a box of brown sugar to be sent by the next boat and includes interesting content on pricing and selection.

This usage is dated just four months after the company’s formation.