Lenoir N.C., 5¢ blue & orange (49X1), unused, full margins with framelines all around, beautiful rich colors and clear impressions, affixed to square piece of paper cut from the diary of the Lenoir postmaster's son, assistant and creator of the provisional stamp, G. W. F. Harper. The slip is dated September 19, 1861—the date of issue—and attached to a signed and notarized statement by G. W. F. Harper, attesting to the origin of the stamp and diary entry, dated August 11, 1887.  The statement reads (in part): "that he retained and pasted in his Diary at the time, the first good impression made from the die, that he had said Diary and the stamp attached in his possession since Sept 19/1861..." Negligible splits along folds in document.

Extremely Fine stamp with a remarkable testimonial from G. W. F. Harper, who carved the woodcut device used to print the Lenoir provisional stamp. One of the most significant Lenoir items in existence. It is one of only five unused stamps, one of which is unavailable as it is in the British Museum in the Tapling Collection along with a similar notarized letter dated 1878.

According to sworn testimony from James Harper and his son, the Lenoir provisional was impressed from a pear-wood device carved by Postmaster Harper's son and used on September 19, 1861. Crown records 16 covers used with 49X1. Ex Caspary, Muzzy, and Birkinbine. With 2009 Philatelic Foundation certificate. Scott value as an unused stamp without regard to the document and provenance is $7,250. This is a private treaty sale. Net price $14,000.