Lot 306 Canada #15 5c Vermilion, Beaver, 1859-1867 First Cents Issue, Single Usage of Perf. 12 on April 7, 1863 Cover to Hamilton, ON, Stamp May not Belong

A VF cover sent from Sebringville, ON to Hamilton on April 7, 1863. Franked with a VG centered single of the 5c vermilion Beaver, perf. 12. The penmanship on the front is quite striking "W Goehring Esq. Wine Merchant", but there is some evidence that the stamp has been added after the fact. Firstly, it is not tied to the cover, and it is torn. Secondly, and most importantly it is perf. 12, and perf. 12 does not come into use on this issue until 1865. In 1863 the stamp should be perf 11.75 x 12 or 12 x 11.75. Finally, the "paid" marking on the lower left corner is usually applied when the letter is paid at the post office in cash when the use of stamps was optional. So, I believe this is a stampless cover that has had a damaged #15 added. Useful for reference. Net Est. $15.