Pomeroy Express - Original Or Reprint?

Don't have much knowledge on this and I know there are reprints and whole hearted fakes out there. Anyway to tell if this is legit and is it listed in scotts? If not what is value ?

What a beautiful stamp!

There is a *.pdf I just downloaded here
(not read it yet)
I wonder whom the lass is?

http://www.google.com.au/#sclient=p...f=p&pdl=3000

Here's another article that lists a lot more detail than the space the Scott Catalog gives to the issue:

http://www.siegelauctions.com/enc/c...yarticle.pdf

Great links - I know I could have googled this one but wanted to show it off for fun anyway. From what I read I am thinking this is on fibrous paper although it is very thin. Definatly chocolate brown so its narrowed down quite a bit. Pomeroys must have been the Fed ex of yesteryear.

Does anyone have an explanation for the inscription at the top which says "Free Stamp" and the one at the bottom which says "20 for $1"?

I noticed that too, Rohumpy,

From what I read all printings were of a 5cent value hence the 20 for $1 but why it also says free stamp I'm not sure. Most of the in depth information went as to paper types , printing colors ect..... There was also a first printing where the $1 was omitted likely by accident, reading 20 for ____
EDIT-- Just read that private delivery companies accounted for up to half of the mailings between 1844-45 and new legislation was passed for the USPS to lower its rates and deem it unlawful for private companies to deliver. I wonder if by stating free stamp this was a way to get around the law? Still can not find out who the lady is depicted in the portrait.

I noticed the name Gavit at the bottom. I think that would be Gavit & Co. Lithographers.

Here's a page from Swedishtiger with some of their essays.

http://www.theswedishtiger.com/x1851gavit.html

and more of the same from James Lee

http://www.jameslee.com/1851ess.htm

James, must be the same, my notes show the the Pomeroy were engraved by John E. Gavit, Albany, NY

Part of a letter from the son of the operator of Pomeroy's Express, printed in the May 1887 issue of The Western Philatelist.

"Dear Sir,
Your Letter of the 13th, asking information regarding the bust of the Pomeroy Express stamp is before me, and I would say in reply I have heard my father say at different times that the head was an ideal one.
G.E.Pomeroy"

You stamp is a Medium Fibrous Paper is a remainder.