1862 Civil War Encased Postage Stamp, EP-114, HB-123, S-91, Reed-TH10, Ten Cents, GAGE BROTHER(S) & DRAKE, Plain Frame Type, Extremely Fine.
Rarity-2 (51 to 100 known) according to Fred Reed. A pleasing example of this Ten Cents GAGE BROTHER(S) & DRAKE, “Tremont House” Merchant Encased Postage Stamp. The 1861 US Postage issue deep green George Washington stamp has excellent centering and some wrinkles when placed into the case as made. Its displayed through clear mica having some trivial surface laminations at Washington’s neck. Its golden-chestnut toned case has sharp legends on the very clean reverse. (VF Scott Cat. $1,100)
The Gage Brothers were George W. and David A. Gage. Drake was John B. Drake. Both the first and second Tremont Houses burned down. The first hotel with this name burned down in 1839, while the second succumbed to fire in 1849.

The third Tremont House was five-story tall and at its opening on September 29, 1850, it was the tallest brick building in Chicago. George and David Gage bought the hotel in 1853. The hotel burned down again during the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871.
Encased Postage Stamp, 1862, Fred Reed