Day 1- Europe & Overseas, South & Central America - the Brian Moorhouse Estate (Part Ii)

Confederate States Postmaster's Provisional 1861: Mobile, Alabama 5 c. blue, a fine example in a bright shade with clear to good margins all round, tied to USA 1860/61 watermarked 3 c. red postal stationery envelope by MOBILE / ALA datestamps (July 22, 1861) in black, the envelope endorsed 'Adams Exp. Paid 35 cts' in manuscript ink at upper left and '2/-' alongside at right; reverse with oval ADAMS EXPRESS COMPANY / GRANT BROTHERS / WESTERN & SOUTHERN / EXPRESS FORWARDERS / NEW YORK applied on original despatch in blue: somewhat embellished on restored backflap. The cover would have travelled direct by boat and would have been forwarded by the Adam's Express agent in Mobile. Despite imperfections a charming and extremely rare usage. Cert. Philatelic Foundation (2018) Scott = $ 6'000.rnrnProvenance: Mason (1940).rnrnNote: The Adams Express Co. eventually became the modern American Express. The First Battle of Bull Run / First Manassas was foughtrnthe day before this cover was mailed in Mobile.
Catalogue 244: Europe & Overseas