James K. Paulding Free Franked Outer Wrapper Addressed to John A. Dahlgren, PSA/DNA Slabbed & Graded NM 7

An outer wrapper signed by U.S. Secretary of the Navy James K. Paulding (1778-1860), as "JK Paulding" in the postage section, and clerically addressed to "Lieut. John A. Dahlgren / U.S. Navy / Philadelphia." Encapsulated and PSA/DNA graded NM 7. With "FREE" stamped in red below Paulding's frank, and a red circular datestamp reading September 18, [1838]. Remnants of the red seal are found verso. Expected wear including an inscription in another hand found along the left edge, and some discrete mounting traces verso, else near fine, the outer wrapper measuring 8" x 3.675." The slab measures 12.375" x 5.5."

James K. Paulding served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy between July 1838 and March 1841. His correspondent, John A. Dahlgren (1809-1870), had joined the U.S. Navy as a midshipman in 1826, and later founded the U.S. Navy's Ordnance Department. Dahlgren developed a safer and more accurate muzzle-loading mounted ship's cannon called the Dahlgren gun.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!