CSA 12a, 10¢ milky blue (AKA opaline) described by another as a premier gravure, used over U9 3¢ Nesbitt entire to A.F. Jones, Shelby Iron Works, Shelby County, Ala. Inside is noted “Madison’s orders to Jone(s) 12/63.” Small back flap faults. $350.

Shelby Iron Works (AKA Shelby Iron Company) dates to 1842. During the war, it produced iron for Confederate ironclads, as well as for use in cannons and shells.