1857 Scott 11 3¢ Claret Cover to Fort Randall Nebraska Territory # 1182

Original circa 1857 U.S. postal cover front bearing an imperforate 3¢ George Washington stamp from the 1851–1857 issue, identified on the accompanying collector’s note as Scott No. 11, Plate 6 or 7, Relief A, in a claret shade. The stamp is tied to the cover by a black Philadelphia circular cancellation and the cover is addressed to: William J. Armstrong Headquarters, Company A, 2nd Infantry Fort Randall, Nebraska Territory The Fort Randall military destination gives this piece strong western territorial and U.S. Army postal-history interest. The accompanying research note states that Armstrong was stationed at Fort Randall around 1857 and later had involvement in Indian relocation activities during the 1830s. Condition is heavily worn and distressed, with extensive age toning, foxing, creasing, edge wear, small losses, staining and overall paper deterioration. The back is incomplete and no letter contents are present. The stamp has close or cut margins, surface wear and cancellation marks, but remains tied to the original cover. The claret-shade, plate and relief identification comes from the accompanying collector’s note and has not been independently expertized or certified. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition and identification. A scarce early Nebraska Territory military-destination postal-history item sold as shown.