Sale 1062 — The Golden Oak Collection of Superb United States
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 17-18 December, 2013
Category — Postmasters Provisionals
Annapolis, Maryland, (2c) Blue Handstamp (2XU1 var). Clear strike on lady's small cover with matching "2" drop rate handstamp addressed locally to Miss Rachel Turk, immaculate conditionVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL CLEAR STRIKE OF THE ANNAPOLIS POSTMASTER'S SEAL, WHICH WAS USED TO MAKE THE FAMOUS POSTMASTER PROVISIONAL ENVELOPES AND ALSO WAS RARELY APPLIED AS A POSTMARK.
The Scott footnote to 2XU1 values the blue circle at $7,500.00 with "2" handstamped rate and $3,500.00 with "5" handstamped rate.
Ex Meroni, Hayes, Haas, Beals and Dr. Maffeo. With 1970 P.F. certificate.
Annapolis, Maryland, (2c) Red Handstamp (2XU1 var). Perfect bold strike on cover locally addressed to "W. B. Stephenson Esq., A. of D., Present", matching "2" drop rate handstamp at upper right, missing most of backflapsA SUPERB STRIKE ON A FINE APPEARING COVER. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ANNAPOLIS POSTMASTER'S SEAL, WHICH WAS USED TO MAKE THE FAMOUS POSTMASTER PROVISIONAL ENVELOPES AND ALSO WAS RARELY APPLIED AS A POSTMARK. IT IS ESPECIALLY SCARCE STRUCK IN RED.
The Scott footnote to 2XU1 values the blue circle at $7,500.00 with "2" handstamped rate and $11,000.00 in red with the same rate.
Ex Meroni and Dr. Maffeo. With 1956 P.F. certificate.
Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Black (3X1). Three full framelines, slightly in at top, cancelled by blue "PAID" handstamp, second strike at right, matching "Baltimore Md. Feb. 21" (1847) circular datestamp and "5" in oval handstamp on cover to Miss Mary Floyd in Port Tobacco Md., manuscript "Paid" at upper rightVERY FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, 5-CENT ON WHITE PAPER WITHOUT PEN CANCELLATION. A COVER OF EXTRAORDINARY BEAUTY.
Unlisted in the Hayes census, though several are known to the same recipient. Ex Dr. Maffeo. Colson's small "W.H.C." backstamp. With 1991 P.F. certificate.
History of the Baltimore provisionals: http://siegelauctions.com/enc/pdf/Baltimore.pdf
Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Blue on Grayish White entire, Black Signature Handstamp (3XU1 var). Clearly struck provisional markings with "James M. Buchanan" struck in brownish black, blue "PAID" handstamp and two strikes of "5" in oval handstamp, blue "Baltimore Md. Jan. 3" (1846) circular datestamp on grayish white envelope to Miss Delia M. Rogers, in care of Capt. F. Black, Washington D.C., two blue manuscript check marks at top centerVERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT BLUE BALTIMORE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON WHITE ENTIRE WITH THE SIGNATURE IN BLACK.
The Baltimore provisional envelopes with the signature handstamp in black and other markings in blue were evidently the earliest of Postmaster Buchanan's issues. Twelve examples of the 5c Blue/Black combination envelope were recorded by Don Shearer as of June 1996 (plus two 10c Blue/Black envelopes). Another Blue/Black on white envelope, postmarked January 2 (1846) and not listed by Hayes or Shearer, was sold in our Frelinghuysen auction (Sale 1020, lot 8). Both are addressed to Delia M. Rogers, and they are the only Blue/Black combinations on white envelopes.
Some students believe that the presence of the two "5" handstamps on this cover indicates that it was a double rate, a theory potentially strengthened by the two blue manuscript marks.
Hayes Census No. 11. Ex Ferrary, Hind, T. Cullen Davis ("Texas Collector", Siegel Sale 278), Weill, Hill and Dr. Berlin. With 2008 P.F. certificate. The Scott U.S. Specialized mentions that entires with the black signature handstamp were issued first and "sell for more," but this handstamp color combination is not given its own major listing. Scott value for blue signature handstamp is $6,500.00.
Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Blue on Manila entire (3XU1). Sharp strikes of provisional markings, blue "Baltimore Md. May 31" (1846) circular datestamp on entire addressed to Miss Susan Julia Mayer in Reading Pa., negligible toning spots at top and band of toning on backEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT BLUE BALTIMORE PROVISIONAL ENTIRE.
Hayes Census No. 24. Ex Mirsky. With 1997 P.F. certificate
Baltimore, Maryland, 5c Red on Manila entire (3XU2). Better than usual strikes of signature, "Paid" and "5" in oval provisional handstamps, which are usually very faint when struck in red, light matching "Baltimore Md. Apr. 29" (1846) circular datestamp on cover to Miss Susan Julia Mayer, care of Mrs. Margaret Wetherall, 461 Arch St., Philadelphia, light wax seal mark at centerVERY FINE. ONE OF NINE EXAMPLES OF THE BALTIMORE 5-CENT PROVISIONAL ENVELOPE IN RED RECORDED IN THE SHEARER CENSUS.
The unpublished census by Don Shearer (1996) lists nine 5c envelopes struck in red ink, dated from March to May 1846, plus four 10c red-handstamp envelopes with dates from June to September 1846. The quality of the red strikes is generally poor. The envelope offered here has relatively clear strikes.
Hayes Census No. 13. Ex Ferrary (with his purple trefoil handstamp at lower right). Small "W.H.C." (Warren H. Colson) handstamp at lower right and illustrated in his Colson of Boston promotional booklet (page 22). Ex Frelinghuysen (probably acquired from the Lapham collection)
Brattleboro, Vermont, 5c Black on Buff (5X1). Position 4, framelines complete or nearly complete on all four sides, cancelled by perfect complete strike of blue "5" handstamp, intense shade and impression, thinned as usualVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE BRATTLEBORO PROVISIONAL CANCELLED BY THE BLUE "5" HANDSTAMP.
Of the 52 Brattleboro provisional stamps recorded by Philip T. Wall (32 off cover and 20 on 19 covers), only this example has the blue "5" cancel. One example is recorded with the "5" struck in red (Siegel Sale 1007, lot 2062).
Ex Ferrary, Wall and Laila. With 2002 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $9,000.00 with no premium for the cancel.
Millbury, Massachusetts, 5c Black on Bluish (7X1). Clear margins to barely in, crisp impression, tied by "Millbury Ms. Feb. 6" (circa 1847) circular datestamp on piece, lightly creasedVERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE MILLBURY, MASSACHUSETTS, POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL. ONLY EIGHTEEN EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED, INCLUDING NINE USED ON PIECE OR OFF COVER.
The 5c stamp issued by Millbury postmaster Asa Holman is one of two United States provisionals with a portrait (George Washington in both cases). It is also unusual in that the designation "Post Office" appears without any town name, a characteristic in common with the Baltimore and Boscawen provisionals.
This piece is illustrated and discussed in Philip T. Wall's article on the Millbury provisional (Chronicle 120 and 121), in which he records seventeen examples (an eighteenth stamp on cover has since been recorded). Of the three stamps known on pieces, two are tied by the town marking. Our census of the Millbury provisional is available at http://siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/7X1/7X1.pdf
Census No. 7X1-PCE-10. With 1976 P.F. certificate.
History of the Millbury provisional: http://siegelauctions.com/enc/pdf/Millbury.pdf
New Haven, Connecticut, 5c Final Reprint (8XU1R). Two, in Dull Blue and Red, from the final 260 reprints executed in 1932, with handstamp on back of each reading "1932 Final Re-Strike No.____ Limited 260", Dull Blue No. 234, Red No. 233, Very Fine pair, after this group was printed the die was defaced
New York N.Y., 5c Black, Without Signature (9X1e). Large margins to clear, bold strike of red New York square grid cancel, Very Fine, with 1978 P.F. certificate as on piece
New York N.Y., 5c Black, Without Signature (9X1e). Position 10, large to full margins all around, cancelled by red "Paid" arc handstamp (not tied), small bit of New York circular datestamp at left with blue manuscript "NY" written on top, matching blue manuscript "Paid" on folded letter to Philadelphia, datelined "New York July 17, 1845", light overall toning and some ink erosion in address, Fine appearing and scarce early use, July 17 is two days after the earliest known use, with 1989 P.F. certificate
New York N.Y., 5c Black, "AC M" Initials (9X1a). Clear margins to slightly in at bottom left, uncancelled, red "New-York Jul. 9" circular datestamp and matching "Paid" arc handstamp on 1846 folded letter to Dansville N.Y., manuscript "Due 5" as the distance to Dansville was slightly more than 300 miles, docketing at left, Very Fine
New York N.Y., 5c Black, "A.C.M." Initials (9X1b). Position 12, full to large margins, detailed impression, neat blue manuscript cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1991 P.F. certificate
New York N.Y., 5c Black, "AC M" Initials (9X1a). Positions 23/28, vertical pair, large margins to clear, tied by two of three strikes of red "Paid" arc handstamp, matching "New-York 10cts. 4 Feb." integral-rate circular datestamp on 1847 folded letter to Detroit Mich, manuscript "Paid 10" at upper left, vertical file fold affects top stamp, Very Fine appearance, scarce use, the New York Postmaster's Provisional census at http://www.uspcs.org does not contain any examples of 9X1a to Detroit, this cover is not listed in the census, ex Emerson
New York N.Y., 5c Black on Blue, "ACM" Initials (9X2). Crisp impression on deeply blued paper, large margins three sides, just in at bottom, cancelled solely by red New York "Paid" arc cancel FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT NEW YORK POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON BLUE WOVE, CANCELLED BY THE "PAID" HANDSTAMP AND WITHOUT THE USUAL PEN CANCELLATION.
The last printing of the New York provisional was furnished on January 7, 1847, when 100 sheets were delivered. Philip T. Wall believes that most of the stamps on Gray paper (Scott 9X3) and Blue paper (Scott 9X2) come from this last printing.
With 2011 P.F. certificate.
Providence, Rhode Island, 5c & 10c Gray Black, Se-Tenant (10X2a). Complete sheet of twelve, original gum, Positions 2, 6, 8, 9 and 12 Mint N.H., others lightly hinged, large margins, crisp impression, few faint toned spots barely affect Positions 11 and 12VERY FINE APPEARING COMPLETE SHEET OF THE PROVIDENCE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
With 1988 and 2005 P.F. certificates.
Providence, Rhode Island, 5c Gray Black (10X1). Position 9, large margins to just touched, cancelled by manuscript "V", red "Providence R.I. Feb. 9" circular datestamp with matching "Paid" and "5" handstamps on blue 1847 folded letter to Boston, light vertical file fold well clear of stampVERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND DESIRABLE EXAMPLE OF THE PROVIDENCE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON COVER.
With 1986 P.F. certificate
Providence, Rhode Island, 5c & 10c Gray Black, Bogert & Durbin Second Reprint Sheet of Twelve (10X1-10X2R). With printing on reverse and printed in 1898, without gum as issued, large margins, bright shade, fresh and Very Fine, only 171 sheets printed
St. Louis, Missouri, 5c Black on Greenish (11X1). Type III, Position 5, large margins to just touched, without pen cancellation, tied by red "St. Louis Mo. Mar. 6" circular datestamp on small pieceVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ST. LOUIS "BEARS" POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON GREENISH PAPER. RARE CANCELLED SOLELY BY THE RED ST. LOUIS DATESTAMP.
Ex LeBow and Wall. Colson's small "W.H.C." backstamp. With 2008 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $8,000.00 for normally pen-cancelled stamp off cover (footnote states: "Values for used off-cover stamps are for pen-cancelled copies. Handstamp cancelled copies sell for much more.")
St. Louis, Missouri, 10c Black on Greenish (11X2). Type I, Position 2, large margins to clear at top, without pen cancellation, tied by red "St. Louis Mo. Nov. 28" circular datestamp on small piece, lifted and hinged in place to confirm soundness of the stampVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ST. LOUIS "BEARS" POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL CANCELLED SOLELY BY THE RED CIRCULAR DATESTAMP.
Ex Ferrary and with his small purple trefoil at bottom right. Ex Waterhouse, Faiman, Buck and Wall. With 2004 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $8,000.00 for normally pen-cancelled stamp off cover (footnote states: "Values for used off-cover stamps are for pen-cancelled copies. Handstamp cancelled copies sell for much more.")
St. Louis, Missouri, 5c Black on Gray Lilac (11X4). Type III, Position 5, large margins to clear, crisp impression on nicely grayed paper, cancelled solely by red circular datestamp, small surface scrape at bottom left (really nothing more than some ink flaking off)VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ST. LOUIS "BEARS" POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ISSUE ON GRAY LILAC PAPER.
The layout of the plate was altered just before the paper was changed from Greenish to Gray Lilac paper. The original layout contained three 5c stamps at left and three 10c stamps at right. The plate was altered, and the top two 5c stamps were converted to 20c stamps. Only one position, the bottom left position of the plate, yielded 5c stamps. The new plate layout, combined with limited production from the altered plate before it was converted back again to its original format, accounts for the rarity of the 5c on Gray Lilac paper.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
St. Louis, Missouri, 10c Black on Gray Lilac (11X5). Type I, Position 2, large even margins all around, cancelled solely by red St. Louis circular datestamp, bright and freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ST. LOUIS "BEARS" POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON GRAY LILAC PAPER IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS MAY WELL BE THE FINEST EXAMPLE IN EXISTENCE. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
With 2007 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $8,000.00 for normally pen-cancelled stamp off cover (footnote states: "Values for used off-cover stamps are for pen-cancelled copies. Handstamp cancelled copies sell for much more.")
St. Louis, Missouri, 20c Black on Gray Lilac (11X6). Type I, Position 1, large margins to full, detailed impression, unobtrusive manuscript cancel, tiny scissors cut in top right margin well clear of frameline (could be trimmed to leave a full margin)EXTREMELY FINE. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 20-CENT GRAY LILAC ST. LOUIS "BEARS" POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL IN EXISTENCE. THIS IS A DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN WITH FOUR MARGINS AND IN SOUND CONDITION.
Our census of St. Louis 20c on Gray Lilac (11X6) contains approximately 50 examples on or off cover (including multiples). Of the 30 or so off-cover stamps, only seven have four full margins. There are probably four or five four-margin sound stamps, such as the one offered here.
Ex Caspary, B. D. Phillips, Weill Stock and Dr. Maffeo. Colson's small "W.H.C." backstamp. With 1984 P.F. certificate (does not mention scissors-cut).
St. Louis, Missouri, 5c Black on Bluish Pelure (11X7). Type III, Position 5 with retouched ball in "5", full margins to barely touched at lower left, detailed impression, cancelled by single unobtrusive manuscript line which leaves entire design clearly visible, tiny scissors-cut at bottom right just into framelineVERY FINE. EXCEPTIONALLY CHOICE CONDITION FOR THIS RARE ST. LOUIS "BEARS" PROVISIONAL ON PELURE PAPER, EXAMPLES OF WHICH ARE SELDOM ENCOUNTERED IN SOUND CONDITION AND WITH A LIGHT CANCELLATION.
A survey of our Levi records and auction catalogues produced a tally of approximately 35 examples of the 5c Pelure off and on cover. The vast majority have faults or margins cutting into the design. This lightly-cancelled stamp with a tiny scissors-cut is one of the most attractive of all, and it is essentially sound.
Ex Caspary, Pope and Wagshal. With 1985 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $11,000.00, but footnote states: "Values of Nos. 11X7-11X8a, on and off cover, reflect the usual poor condition of these stamps, which were printed on fragile pelure paper. Attractive examples with minor defects sell for considerably more."
St. Louis, Missouri, 10c Black on Bluish Pelure (11X8). Type II, Position 4, large margins to just clear, cancelled by two neat penstrokes, small ink erosion spot in top penstroke, small fault at lower leftFINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT ST. LOUIS "BEARS" PROVISIONAL ON PELURE PAPER.
A survey of our Levi records and auction catalogues produced a tally of approximately 35 examples of the 10c Pelure off and on cover. The vast majority have faults or margins cutting into the design.
Ex T. Cullen Davis ("Texas Collector", Siegel Sale 278). From our 1975 Rarities sale where offered with the five surrounding lots as part of a complete plate reconstruction.