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USA
4d

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THE UNIQUE IRELAND ISLAND COVER WITH BOTH POSTMASTER GROTE's HANDSTRUCK 4d" (ONE
OF 3 KNOWN) & 6d" MARKS; 18 Apr. 1861 env. prepaid to Saranac Hollow, Clinton County, New York",
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endorsed "Paid" and "via Halifax" in red, having a black double-arc PMS "IRELAND ISLE/BERMUDA" c.d.s. on the
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reverse (over-written by addressee's notes); there is also a Ireland Island Handstruck "6d but crossed out in manuscript
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with a very rare matching Ireland Island Handstruck 4d" alongside. Only three examples of the Ireland Island
Handstruck "4d" have been recorded; the other two being on straightforward Crowned Circle covers to Canada. These
4d, 6d & 1/- marks were only used at the Ireland Island P.O. and are thought to have been produced on the initiative of
the Postmaster, D. Grote. This exceptional combination of 4d and 6d marks both struck together is unique; the 6d
Packet rate was correct to G.B., but the Packet rate to Canada was only 4d, hence the error. The 4d Packet rate was
more expensive & slower than ordinary Ship Letters, hence the rarity of 4d mark.