1862 Civil War Encased Postage Stamp, EP-77, HB-122, S-90, Reed TH05. Five Cents, GAGE BROTHERS & DRAKE, “Tremont House” Chicago, Original Silvering Traces, Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-2 (51 to 100 Known) according to Fred Reed. A nice example of this Chicago Merchant with its reverse side legends nicely highlighted with traces of light original Silvering. All details are sharp and clear, the case toned to a natural chestnut-brown in color. The 5¢ deep brown Thomas Jefferson 1861 Civil War US Postage issue stamp looks sharp with deep color eye appeal. It is near perfectly centered, overall sharp in appearance, displayed under clear unbroken lightly circulated mica. (VF Scott Cat. $750) Provenance ex: Collection of Robert Bauer.