Auction 250 - 256 Day 1

1860 (March 17): Great Britain 1 d. red, perf. 14, used on Newspaper rate cover from Nassau to Washington D.C., signed at top by ex-President "Franklin Pierce" for free franking privilege within the USA, neatly tied by "AO5" obliterator in black with double arc BAHAMAS cds (March 17, code C) displaying well on reverse. Crayon '2' (cents) presumably not collected in deference to the President (1853-1857). Manuscript note at top: "You asked me for Gen. Pierce's autograph - here it is - I may, if you desire it be able to give you a letter". A very rare rate and stamp used on an historic cover. Cert. BPA (1993).rnProvenance: Collection 'Staircase', Spink, London, 8 April 1999, lot 60.rnrn