W. Wyman, Boston Mass., 5c
Black (149L1). Huge even margins, cancelled by large ms. "X" on Dec.
28, 1844 folded letter from Boston to Peck & Co. in New York City, vertical
file fold clear of stampEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THREE RECORDED COVERS SHOWING USE OF WYMAN'S STAMP AFTER TAKEOVER BY OVERTON & COMPANY.
William Wyman established his "cheap postage" letter express on August 1, 1844, with service between New York and Boston. On December 14, 1844, Wyman sold the business to Overton & Co. and announced that his distinctive Locomotive stamps -- the first stamps in the world to depict a train -- could be redeemed or used on mail given to Overton (reference: Richard Schwartz, Opinions). Only three recorded covers show acceptance of Wyman's stamps by Overton: the cover offered here, a Dec. 31 cover (ex Golden) and another with two Wyman stamps and the Overton oval.
Ex Foote (Image)
W. Wyman, Boston Mass., 5c
Black (149L1). Incomplete "W" initial in design, large to huge margins,
tied by smears from ms. "X" cancel on Nov. 21, 1844 blue folded letter from
Boston to Geo. S. Robbins in New York City, red Wyman's
handstampEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE RARE WYMAN'S LOCOMOTIVE STAMP USED ON A FRESH AND COLORFUL COVER.
Approximately 18 covers with Wyman's stamp can be counted in our photo records. This example, with the distinctive Missing "W" plate flaw, is noteworthy.
Ex Hall (Image)