"Packet" Magenta Handstamp 1847

I recently acquired this 1847 #1 and cannot find any information on the magenta "PACKET" hand stamp. I suspect it was ordinarily used on the cover to identify transit by packet boat. I would appreciate help with this.


***Image link fixed - Mod***

I don't off-hand recall seeing that postal marking on any 1847 issue cover ... my memory may be at fault of course, but it doesn't ring any bells.

When one sees the word "Packet" in this format, it is usually in a context like the below two covers:

https://www.rumseyauctions.com/sear.../9/1/desc/25

https://www.rumseyauctions.com/sear.../9/1/desc/25

Without a matching marking to compare against, and an analysis of the ink, I do not know if yours is legitimate or not.

After some study and consultation I am convinced that the handstamp is fake, not matching typical fonts and spacing of the time, and I have checked a lot of resources and find nothing similar.

Agree. I didnt like it at first glance but due diligence is good.

You both see the pen cancel underneath, right? Looks like it was cleaned, then the fake added.

Yes, I saw that right away, and I didn't like the overall appearance of any of it.

But.. a pen marking often appears on an 1847-61 (period I collect) stamp coincident with some other marking. The stamp could have been obliterated in pen, and then had transit / exchange markings applied, which are not "killers" but incidentally struck on the stamp. I have many of those.

Packet is not a killer - you can see similar on the covers I referenced.

I always try to picture a given stamp on a full postally used cover.. what could it have looked like?

edit: I will say upon looking closer, that the fact that the pen cancel is lightened is pretty condemnatory given the rest. I agree.