Is this possible?

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Michael B

None of these scenarios could occur with the golf item. This is a piece of postal stationery. That means the 'stamp' is printed on the postcard or envelope and there is no postage stamp that could be purchased in sheets or coils. Postal stationery is not made available before the first day of issue.

This is correct. Occasionally, and more occasionally these days an individual post office will let a few items slip out early. But typically by only a day or two. it's doubtful the postal stationery was even printed before Ghezzi died. I've never heard of a US postal item released anywhere near 11 months early. In some cases the design hasn't even gotten final approval that early.

There are a few items from the 1800's where there was no official first day, and those can have what are called earliest known uses that can be bumped up by a new discovery. Even then the difference is usually days, maybe a month for less common items that weren't recognized as different stamps until decades after they were originally sold.

Steve B