single tied by manuscript "Richmond July 10/65" cancel to cover to Staunton, Virginia, endorsed "Magic Express" at top left, extremely fine, one of just two examples of this stamp on cover (the other of which had a United States 3c stamp removed from on top of the local), one of the greatest local post rarities in existence, 2023 Philatelic Foundation certificate

The Magic Letter Express operated for a short time (approximately two months) immediately after the close of the Civil War. The post, which operated both within the city of Richmond and illegally between Virginian cities, produced 1c, 2c, and 5c stamps. All are exceedingly rare: the 1c is unique (on cover), the 1c manuscript uprated to 2c is unique (off cover), the 2c is unique (off cover), and just four examples of the 5c are known (two on covers, one on advertising broadside, one off cover). For the most complete history of Magic Letter Express to date, we refer you to R.A. Siegel's catalogue for the David Golden Collection (Sale 817, Part 3, page 292).

Provenance: Henry Needham (Private transaction)

John R. Boker, Jr. (Private transaction)