Is This A Provisional Stamp On A Cover? Where Is It From? What Potential Year?

I have this cover that I have not been able to identify. It looks like a very early provisional?? It shows "Paid 3" in a circle, with another handstamp in the bottom left with a location that I cannot identify. I can only make out what I assume is "Oct" for October.

Can anyone help?






The only thing I know is the address is Palenville in Green County NY. It is famous for having lots of famous painters. Also where RIP Van WInkle lived in the novel.

The name I think is Martha Teal, which I found listed in a Palenville cemetary born 1831 and died 1906. I initially thought it was Peale but I didnt find that name living in Palenville NY, but I obviously cant be sure.

Bottom left - Napanoch, NY?

I agree, Napanoch, NY
Very typical of a stampless cover of the 1850s with a "PAID 3" in a circle to indicate the rate. Thousands of towns did similar things, thus quite common, and not provisional.
Value is based largely on condition (unfortunately). The 5th ed of the American Stampless Cover Catalog lists this townmark at $15 in red, although does not list the rate marking. .I woud see this as a slow seller in a dealer's $5 box.

Agreed. Unfortunately demand for and the number of stampless cover collectors has dropped off substantially. But not a bad as machine cancel collectors...

Napanoch NY!!! Thank you!!!

I could not figure it out for the life of me.

I had never heard of a stampless cover category before. A quick search gave me tons of examples.

Learn something everyday in this hobby.