Census of 1c Blue, Type I (Scott 5)

Notes:

This cover is rightfully considered to be the finest 7R1E piece known to philately. It is the earliest recorded 7R1E usage, four days after the July 1st issue date.
The strip is cancelled by three strikes of the bright red grid with matching “Richmond Va. Jul. 5”?(1851) cds on a light blue folded letter headed “Richmond July 5th 1851” and addressed to Messr. Blow &?March, New York. The strip is not tied, but there is no doubt it originates on the cover. There is a light file fold far from the stamps.

Provenance:

Acquired by Judge Robert S. Emerson, circa late 1936, but not included in any of the Kelleher sales of the Emerson collection.
then retained by him for his 1847-69 Collection
Traded by Boker to Gordon Eubanks as part of an exchange for a Collection, of Waterbury Conn. fancy cancellations.
10/23/1963, Saul Newbury (Newbury Part VI) Collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, The Saul Newbury Collection, Part VI: United States 19th Century Issues, Sale 264, Lot 82, realized $12,000 vs. estimate “over $1,000”, sold to the Weills of New Orleans.
9/28/1993, Ishikawa Collection, Christie’s, Lot 85, realized $150,000 vs. estimate $50,000-75,000, acquired for John R. Boker Jr. by Andrew Levitt.
10/12-13/2021, Gordon Eubanks Collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, The Gordon Eubanks Collection: United States 1851 to 1856 Imperforate Issue, Sale 1242, Lot 6, Realized $310,000

Certificates: