Sale 1244 — The Arthur S. Przybyl Collection of United States, Confederate States and Hawaii
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 November, 2021
Category — Confederate States, Postmasters' Provisionals
Tuscumbia Ala., United States 3c Rate, Red on Buff Confederate Provisional entire (6AXU1; formerly 12XU1). Handstamped provisional in upper right corner of cover to Mr. C. H. Howland in St. Louis Mo., light strike of Tuscumbia circular datestamp at left, missing bottom flap, edgewear and nicksFINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE TUSCUMBIA 3-CENT PROVISIONAL, ISSUED PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF NEW CONFEDERATE RATES.
The Tuscumbia Postmaster's Provisional is one of seven adhesive stamps or entires that the Scott Catalogue now lists separately as "3c 1861 Postmasters' Provisionals". They are distinct from the 5c and 10c Confederate Provisionals in that the postmasters who issued the stamps were still technically under the control of the U.S. Post Office Department, and were remitting postal receipts to the Department (and in some cases were avoiding ordering new U.S. stamps in anticipation of a final change in administrative control of their offices). The 1861 Provisionals are all 3c adhesives or handstamped entires, reflecting the then-current U.S. letter rate. The Tuscumbia entires were handstamped as 3c provisionals, but the postmaster evidently received (or had) a supply of U.S. stamps, as some of the few known examples bear the 3c 1857 Issue. The Crown census on the Civil War Philatelic Society website records only four covers.
With 1993 P.F. certificate as the old No. 12XU1. Scott value $17,500.00
Atlanta, Georgia, 5c Black entire (6XU2). Clear strike, with "Atlanta Ga. Aug. 21, 1861" circular datestamp on buff cover to Griffin Ga., some very minor staining, still Very Fine, Scott value $900.00
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2c Green (11X1). Calhoun Type A, full margins all around, tied by "Baton Rouge La. May 19" (1862) circular datestamp on buff drop-rate cover addressed to Mrs. C. D. DeRussey, manuscript "Point Couple Light Artillery" return address at top, carried by favor and deposited in the mails at Baton Rouge, original letter enclosure headed "Fort Pillow 4 8 62", pencil docketing "Fort Pillow Apl. 8, 1862", right edge of cover restored including filling a tiny nick in the margin of the stamp, which is all but undetectable, also light diagonal crease in stamp and other cover corners cosmetically enhanced, soiling from a fire but stamp appearance is unaffectedVERY FINE APPEARING STAMP AND AN EXTREMELY RARE ON-COVER USE OF THE BATON ROUGE 2-CENT PROVISIONAL. ONLY SIX COVERS ARE RECORDED.
Of No. 11X1, we record three unused, five used off cover or on piece and five used on covers, for a total of 13 stamps. Of Scott No. 11X1a (“McCcrmick” error) we record three examples, including one unused stamp, one used off cover, and one used on cover. The 2c covers, in order of date, are as follows:
Scott 11X1, 11X1a
1) Type C, tied by Baton Rouge Aug. 5, 1861 circular datestamp on preprinted locally addressed cover to G. W. Dearing, ex Hiram E. Deats, Hessel and Dr. Brandon (Sale 1073, lot 212)
2) Type D, tied by Baton Rouge Sep. 27, 1861 circular datestamp, addressed locally to Jno. P. Behrnes, ex Caspary, Lightner, Lilly, Kilbourne, Gross, Sharrer (Sale 1035, lot 12)
3) "McCcrmick" error (11X1a), Pos. 7, Baton Rouge Nov. 30, 1861 circular datestamp on cover to Robert W. Boyd Esq. in New Orleans, ex Caspary, Lilly, Dr. Graves and D.K. collection (Sale 1022, lot 1008)
4) Tied by Baton Rouge circular datestamp (listed as Jan. 1 in Calhoun pamphlet) on cover to Administrator of the Estate of R. B. McGimpsey, P.F. certificate states rebacked cover front but we are confident it is the original back which has been reattached to the cleaned and restored cover, ex Emerson, Haas and Hill (Sale 896, lot 732)
5) Type A, tied by Baton Rouge May 19 (1862) circular datestamp on soldier's drop-rate cover to Mrs. C. D. DeRussey, the cover offered here
6) Tied by "Paid" straightline on preprinted locally addressed cover, date unknown, ex Caspary and Muzzy
From our 1964 and 1985 Rarities sales. Scott value $50,000.00
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 5c Green & Carmine (11X2). Position 1, three large margins including top left corner sheet margins and part of adjoining stamp at right, clear to just in at bottom, tied by "Baton Rouge La. Oct. 6, 1861" circular datestamp on yellow-lined cover to New OrleansVERY FINE. A RARE CORNER SHEET-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE BATON ROUGE 5-CENT POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
Ex Moody and Powell. Scott value $5,000.00
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Beaumont, Texas, 10c Black on Pink (12X2). Position 4, from the bottom right corner with "Beaumont" showing broken "T", light pink paper, enormous margins including part of frameline of adjoining stamp above, cleanly cut margins at bottom and right and rough separation at left, tied by pen stroke with matching "June 18" (1864) manuscript date on buff cover to Mrs. S. L. Lloyd, Houston Tex., small piece of backflap torn away, tiny edge tear at top, stamp has light wrinkling in right margin but is sound and very choiceEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE TWO OR THREE FINEST OF THE TWELVE RECORDED BEAUMONT 10-CENT PINK PROVISIONAL COVERS--AND ONE OF ONLY FOUR TIED EXAMPLES OF ANY BEAUMONT PROVISIONAL.
According to Jim Wheat's Postmasters & Post Offices of Texas, 1846-1930, the following men served as postmaster of Beaumont, Texas, from 1860 to 1866: John J. Herring, appointed Aug. 17, 1860 (resigned); Wilson A. Junker, Aug 5., 1861 (CSA) (resigned); P. H. Glaze, Nov. 12, 1861 (CSA); Rev. Alexander Hinkle, Dec. 5, 1863 (CSA); Thomas Snow, Feb. 22, 1865 (CSA); John J. Herring, Apr. 6, 1866; and George L. Ewing, Jul. 19, 1866.
Since all recorded examples of the Beaumont provisional stamps are dated in 1864, they were probably issued by Reverend Alexander Hinkle, a Methodist pastor who settled in Beaumont around this time and was appointed postmaster on December 5, 1863.
The stamps were typeset and printed from three different settings: one printed on Pink paper (Scott 12X2), and two on Yellow paper (12X1 and 12X3). A setting of four subjects (two by two) has been reconstructed from the Pink singles (there are no recorded multiples). Each subject has a different arrangement of long and short frame pieces. The printings on Yellow paper were made from two entirely different settings: one slightly smaller than the Pink stamps, and the other much taller with the words "Texas" and "Postage" added to the design.
Only 21 of any kind are recorded, including the unique Large 10c on Yellow (on cover), five of the Small 10c on Yellow (each on cover), and 15 of the Small 10c on Pink (12 covers, 3 off cover). Most of the recorded covers are faulty, and only four have postmarks of any kind tying the stamps.
Of the Pink paper stamps on cover, perhaps two others may be considered on a par with this cover--the July 16 use with a corner-margin stamp, cover restored around edges, ex Hill (2005 Rarities Sale 896, lot 738) and the October 25 cover bearing a stamp with smaller margins and not tied but fresh and sound condition, ex "Camina" (Sale 757, lot 610). By virtue of this stamp's margins, the tying cancel and sound condition, this cover is easily one of the finest extant. The condition of the other nine 10c Pink covers is generally quite poor, with stamps repaired or torn into the design, and several with stamps cut out and reattached to the envelope.
Ex Hind, Caspary, Hill, Kilbourne, Gross and Middendorf. Scott value $27,500.00
Canton, Mississippi, 5c Black entire (14XU1). Perfect strike of provisional handstamp on grayish-blue cover to Jackson Miss., "Canton Miss. Sep. 13, 1861" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, a superb strike of this fancy provisional handstamp, the "P" in center of the star is the initial of Postmaster William Priestly, with 1982 P.F. and 2001 C.S.A. certificates, Scott value $4,000.00
Charleston, South Carolina, 5c Blue (16X1). Huge margins showing all four outer framelines, tied by clear strike of “Charleston S.C. Dec. 12, 1861” circular datestamp on small immaculate cover to Hon. J. Johnston, Newberry Courthouse, S.C.EXTREMELY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT CHARLESTON 5-CENT ADHESIVE PROVISIONAL STAMP ON A PRISTINE COVER.
Ex Everett and Sharrer. With 1993 and 2004 P.F. certificates. Scott value $2,000.00
Charleston, South Carolina, 5c Blue on Orange entire (16XU3). Boldly struck "Charleston S.C. Sep. 23, 1861" circular datestamp, addressed to Greenville S.C., Extremely Fine, Scott value $2,250.00
Columbia, South Carolina, 5c Blue entire, Seal on Back (18XU4a). Beautifully clear strike of oval provisional handstamp on bottom flap, "PAID" straightline handstamp and "5" rate with matching bold "Columbia S.C. Aug. 13" (1861) circular datestamp on buff cover to Concord N.C., Extremely Fine, with 2009 P.F. certificate, Scott value $1,250.00
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Fredericksburg, Virginia, 5c Blue on Thin Bluish (26X1). Position 11, large margins to just touching border, tied by "Fredericksburgh Va. Paid Oct. 22" (1861) circular datestamp on light buff cover to Fairfax Station Va., expertly cleaned to remove some stainsVERY FINE STAMP AND AN ATTRACTIVE FREDERICKSBURG POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL COVER.
Ex Emerson, Brooks, Hart and Powell. Signed Ashbrook. 1989 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. Scott value $5,500.00
Greenville, Alabama, 5c Red & Blue on Pinkish Glazed (33X1). Typical margins with borders and type almost complete, strong impressions and rich colors on bright fresh paper, uncancelled as always, "Greenville Ala. Oct. 19" (1861) circular datestamp on yellow cover addressed to "George L. Henry Esqr., Care of Capt. H. B. T. Montgomery, 5th Georgia Regiment, Pensacola, Fla.", inconsequential slight wearVERY FINE. ONE OF TWO RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE 5-CENT GREENVILLE PROVISIONAL STAMP--FOUR OTHER EXAMPLES ARE KNOWN OFF COVER. THE STAMP ON THIS COVER IS COMPLETELY SOUND AND HAS RICH COLORS. A MAGNIFICENT COVER BEARING ONE OF THE FIRST BICOLORED POSTAGE STAMPS TO APPEAR IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. AN OUTSTANDING RARITY OF CLASSIC AMERICAN PHILATELY.
The Greenville provisionals were issued by Judge Benjamin F. Porter (1808-1868). His papers are located at Auburn University Libraries and a biography of Porter from the library website provides details of his life (http://www.lib.auburn.edu/archive/find-aid/155.htm ): "Benjamin Faneuil Porter was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1808. His father died while he was very young, which left his family financially troubled. His educational background was limited, having left school at an early age to support his mother and sister. He initially worked as a druggist in Charleston and attempted to study medicine. Porter however changed his mind and began to study law. In 1826 was admitted to the South Carolina Bar and soon afterwards began to practice law in Charleston. Three years later, in 1829, Porter and his new wife relocated to Claiborne, Alabama. He was granted a license to practice law in Alabama in 1830. In 1832 he was elected to the State Legislature from Monroe County. Two years later he was elected as County Judge. He and his family moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1835. Returning to politics he was re-elected to the State Legislature in 1837 and elected Circuit Court Judge in 1839. He was the first chair of the University of Alabama School of Law in 1845 but resigned within the year. Prior to the American Civil War he edited a newspaper; served as Reporter to the Alabama State Supreme Court; was the Superintendent of Education; was the President of Will's Valley Railroad; and ran for State Senate but was defeated. At the outbreak of the war, he offered his services to Jefferson Davis and was appointed to command a camp of instruction at Greenville, Alabama. Following the war, Porter joined the Republican Party and accepted the Judgeship of the 12th Judicial Circuit. He died on June 4, 1868 in Greenville, Butler County, Alabama."
Postmaster Porter's typeset provisional issue is not only very rare, it is remarkable as one of three postmaster issues printed in two colors--the others were issued at Baton Rouge and Lenoir. These are the first government-issued, bicolored adhesive postage stamps to appear anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.
After a thorough search of relevant records (auction sales, Levi clippings, Philatelic Foundation and Confederate Stamp Alliance certificates) we have located only eight examples of either Greenville denomination, including four off-cover 5c stamps, two 5c covers, and two 10c covers. None of the Greenville stamps is cancelled.
This cover was included in the Ferrary sale as part of a mixed lot of doubtful items, which included a few Greenville provisionals (Gilbert Sale 4, lot 4). The lot was purchased by Edward Stern of the Economist Stamp Co., and two of the 5c Greenville stamps were pronounced genuine: one off cover and the stamp on the cover offered here, which was sold to Alfred H. Caspary.
Ex Ferrary, Caspary, Dr. Graves ("Argentum"), Birkinbine and "D.K." collection. Scott value $47,500.00.
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Knoxville, Tennessee, 5c Brick Red on Grayish Laid (47X1). Full margins to just clear at lower right, bright color, tied by "Knoxville Ten. 18 Jan. 1862" circular datestamp on buff cover to Madisonville E. Tenn., very freshEXTREMELY FINE. A PRISTINE AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT KNOXVILLE PROVISIONAL TIED ON COVER BY A HANDSTAMP.
Our records indicate that approximately 22 covers are known with the 5c Brick Red Knoxville Provisional. Of these, over half are pen cancelled. Perhaps ten covers exist with the stamp tied by a handstamp.
Ex Col. Green, Brooks, Boker and Haub. Scott value $8,000.00
Lenoir, North Carolina, 5c Blue & Orange (49X1). Clear impression, ample margins to just touching frameline, tied by circular "Paid 2" rate handstamp, matching "Lenoir N.C. Apr. 12" (1862) circular datestamp on cover to Salem N.C., small insignificant restored spot in address at center far from stampEXTREMELY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED LENOIR PROVISIONAL TIED BY THE "PAID 2" RATE HANDSTAMP. AN IMPORTANT RARITY IN SUPERB CONDITION.
Of the approximately 29 known Lenoir provisional covers, perhaps four or five have the stamp tied by the town datestamp. This is the only known Lenoir provisional cover on which the rate marking was used as a canceller. The remaining Lenoir covers in our records are cancelled by pen markings (some tied). Accompanied by a second cover bearing a four-margin example of Scott No. 4 with similar cancels (color slightly oxidized).
Ex Emerson, Caspary, Haas and Gross. Scott value $20,000.00
Limestone Springs, South Carolina, 5c Black on Light Blue (121X1). Two, each cut to square shape, left stamp slightly larger, each with bold black rate handstamp on cover with elaborate seven-line military address to "Mr. Edwd J. Dean, `Spartan Rifles', 5th Regt. So. Car. Volunteers, Col. M. Jenkins Commander, Tudor Hall, Near Manassas Junction, Virginia" and endorsed in corner "Care Capt. Jos. Walker," no postmark as always, cover has been extensively and expertly restored around edges and staining removed, left stamp with nick at upper left corner and right stamp with repair at upper right corner, the restoration is so well done that it is barely noticeableVERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF SIX RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE LIMESTONE SPRINGS POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL STAMP, AND ONE OF ONLY THREE BEARING TWO EXAMPLES OF THIS RARE PROVISIONAL.
Five of the six known Limestone Springs covers come from the Dean correspondence, including one addressed to Lucy E. Simpson (in the handwriting of Lizzie Dean), rather than Corporal Edward J. Dean. Two covers bear single circular die-cut stamps. Three covers, including the example offered here, bear two rectangular-cut singles each, paying the 10c rate. The sixth cover bears a rectangular-cut single.
This rare cover was discovered in the 1990s in a New Zealand estate. It is known that the deceased--a long-time collector--visited the United States in the early part of the 20th century.
Ex Hill and Haub. Scott value $15,000.00.
Macon, Georgia, 5c Black on Light Blue Green Wove, Comma after "Office" (53X1). Large margins all around, tiny tear and small scuff, tied by "Macon Ga. Oct. 2, 1861" double-circle datestamp on cover to Sparta Ga. with "N. Weed Hardware, Macon Ga." blue advertising design in the shape of a padlock, central tablet with long list of products, cover with some minor cosmetic edge mends and lightly cleanedVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE HARDWARE DEALER'S CORNER CARD USED WITH THE MACON FOUR-LINE PROVISIONAL ISSUE.
The Macon provisional with “Post Office, Macon, Ga.” added to the setting is very rare on cover (Peter W. W. Powell reported 24 on cover in the Confederate Philatelist, Sep.-Oct. 2000). Only three advertising covers are known with this stamp, including one other with a hardware design (ex Sharrer, Sale 1035, lot 41). There are also four or five printed college covers.
Macon, Georgia, 5c Black on Yellow Wove (53X3). Vertical pair, huge margins to full at right, tied by lightly struck Macon Ga. circular datestamp on small cover to Richmond Va., from the Howell Cobb correspondence, "John B. Lamar" docketing at bottom (Cobb's brother-in-law and a former U.S. congressman, killed at Crampton's Gap in 1862), reduced at right where missing flap, the pair is sound and choiceEXTREMELY FINE PAIR OF THE MACON 5-CENT FLORAL-BORDER PROVISIONAL AND ONE OF ONLY FIVE RECORDED COVERS WITH A PAIR.
All of the Macon provisional stamps were printed from typeset forms. The 2c and two of the three 5c settings simply state the denomination and nothing else, and they were the first stamps printed. These were followed by the four-line "square" stamp, which includes the words "Post Office" and "Macon, Ga." The order of issue is confused by the Scott Catalogue listings.
Ex Caspary, Lilly, Boker and Haub. Weil backstamp. Scott value $11,000.00
Macon, Georgia, 5c Black on Yellow Wove (53X4). Huge margins all around, small indentation at left, tied by light strike of Macon Ga. "PAID" circular datestamp (June 1861) on small cover to Clinton Ga., missing most of backflapEXTREMELY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE MACON PLAIN BORDER 5-CENT PROVISIONAL ON A SMALL COVER.
Based on dated examples, it is certain that the 5c with plain border was the first stamp issued in Macon, despite its Scott listing as 53X4. Almost all of the recorded covers are dated during the first half of June 1861, including an uncancelled stamp on a cover dated June 1, the first day of the Confederate postal system.
Scott value $7,500.00
Marion, Virginia, 5c Black (55X1). Huge margins all around, tied by bold "Marion Va. Jun. 7" (1861 but not year-dated) circular datestamp on restored blue cover to Rural Retreat Va., front and backflaps separated and affixed to another envelope, some concealed edge faults in cover, tiny tear in extreme top margin of stamp (could be trimmed and still leave a huge margin)VERY FINE STAMP AND ATTRACTIVE COVER. ONE OF THREE MARION 5-CENT PROVISIONAL COVERS IN PRIVATE HANDS. THE EARLIEST RECORDED USE OF THE MARION PROVISIONAL AND AN OUTSTANDING RARITY.
The Marion Va. 5c and 10c provisional stamps, with their distinctive "Check" label at top, were issued by Postmaster J. H. Francis in 1861. The stamps were printed in two steps: first, the typeset form containing the border and words "P. Office, Marion, Va., Check. Paid" were impressed; then the values, "5" or "10" were handstamped on the blank center. Postmaster Francis described his stamps in a January 1880 letter to August Dietz, and he offered to make more from the "die" which he still possessed. Various "reprints" made from the typeset form were made by John W. Scott, including 2c, 15c and 20c values that have never been seen genuinely used.
Genuine Marion provisional stamps are extremely rare. Our records contain a total of 10 examples of the 5c, including 4 covers (one of which is in the British Library's Tapling collection), 3 stamps remaining on pieces, 2 used off cover and an unused example on bluish paper (of uncertain status, but counted in our census). The four recorded covers are dated as follows: Jun. 7 (1861), the cover offered here; Jun. 11 (1861), ex Haas; Jan. 24 (1862), ex Hessel; and Mar. 31 (1862), British Library, Tapling Collection. Although the cover offered here could benefit from expert attention to properly restore edge faults in the envelope, the stamp itself is superb, and the cover is colorful and attractive. Stanley B. Ashbrook described this cover in his article on the Brooks collection in Stamp Specialist (Black Book, 1945) as follows: "quite a fine example of the 5c black on white on a cover showing an extremely early use, viz: 'June 7,' presumably 1861."
Signed Ashbrook. Ex Brooks, Weatherly, Kilbourne and Gross. Scott value $20,000.00
Marion, Virginia, 10c Black on Bluish (55X2 var). Huge margins to full at top, distinct bluish paper, slight stain at top, tied by "Marion Va. Nov. 18" (1861) circular datestamp on cover to Scottsburg Va., docketing at left has been removed, stamp lifted and placed back on cover which has sealed tears and repairs partially under the stamp, missing backflapVERY FINE STAMP AND ATTRACTIVE APPEARING COVER. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY SIX AVAILABLE COVERS BEARING THE MARION POSTMASTER'S 10-CENT PROVISIONAL ISSUE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THIS STAMP IS THE ONLY 10-CENT KNOWN ON BLUISH PAPER, WHICH HAS YET TO BE LISTED IN SCOTT.
The Marion Va. 5c and 10c provisional stamps, with their distinctive "Check" label at top, were issued by Postmaster J. H. Francis in 1861. The stamps were printed in two steps: first, the typeset form containing the border and words "P. Office, Marion, Va., Check. Paid" were impressed; then the values, "5" or "10" were handstamped on the blank center. Postmaster Francis described his stamps in a January 1880 letter to August Dietz, and he offered to make more from the "die" which he still possessed. Various "reprints" made from the typeset form were made by John W. Scott, including 2c, 15c and 20c values that have never been seen genuinely used.
Genuine Marion provisional stamps are extremely rare. Our records now contain seven covers with the Marion 10c provisional, plus a repaired stamp affixed to the back of a cover noted in the Crown book as part of the Worthington collection. In addition to the seven stamps on covers, there are two unused singles and perhaps one or two off-cover singles. Of the seven known covers, one is part of the Tapling collection at the British Library (a sound example dated Oct. 15, 1861). This is the only known 10c Marion Postmaster's Provisional on bluish paper, and should be separately listed in Scott--as the two varieties of the 5c on bluish are separately listed.
Ex Hessel and Haub. With 1976 P.F. certificate not specifying the paper type. Small "W.H.C." handstamp (Warren H. Colson). Scott value $35,000.00 as normal No. 55X2
Memphis, Tennessee, 5c Red (56X2). Large margins to just in including part of adjoining stamps at top and left, tied by "Memphis Ten. ? 12, 1861" circular datestamp on embossed Commission Merchant's corner card cover to Lamar Miss., manuscript "yr freight is at Lamar W. Hull", minor soiling, Very Fine, ex Powell, with 1988 P.F. certificate, Scott value $2,000.00
Mobile, Alabama, 2c Black (58X1). Full margins to just in at top left, rich color, creased by light file fold, tied by "Mobile Ala. Sep. 2? 1861" double-circle datestamp on oatmeal cover to Clarke County Ala., slightly reduced at right, some cover edgewear and restored bottom right corner, otherwise Very Fine, Scott value $2,000.00
Nashville, Tennessee, 5c Brick Red (61X3). Ample margins to slightly in, tied by blue "Adams Express Co. Nashville Aug. 2" (1861) oval datestamp on United States 3c Red Star Die entire (U26) to Cleveland Tenn., North-to-South across-the-lines express use, blue "POSTAGE/PAID" rimless handstamp applied by Nashville office of Adams Express Company, 3c embossed stamp cancelled by black "Adams Ex. Co. * Louisville, Ky. * Jul. 27, 1861" circular datestamp (month inverted), small manuscript "2" (two bits or 25c) express charge, expert restoration to close opening tears along top, but the provisional is soundVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SPECTACULAR COVER AND ONE OF ONLY SIX RECORDED WITH THE 5-CENT NASHVILLE PROVISIONAL USED IN COMBINATION WITH UNITED STATES POSTAGE.
Very few covers are recorded with Confederate provisional stamps or markings used in conjunction with across-the-lines express service. This group includes the provisionals of Atlanta (handstamp), Houston (handstamp), Lynchburg (press-printed entire), Memphis (adhesive), Mobile (adhesive), Montgomery (handstamp), Nashville (adhesive and handstamp) and New Orleans (adhesive).
This North-to-South express cover is one of six recorded with the 5c Nashville provisional and U.S. stamps used together. Five are listed in the Special Routes book--census nos. S-AD-38 (offered here), N-AD-48, 73, 81 and 83. A sixth cover came to light in recent years, which has a "The Southern Express Company" oval handstamp (both the marking and the cover were unknown to the authors at the time the Special Routes book was published). In addition to the 5c covers, there are three Nashville 10c provisional combinations carried by Adams (S-AD-44, 45 and 46). Adams was required to pay Confederate postage, but letters never actually entered the mails at Nashville. Instead, the blue "POSTAGE/PAID" marking was used to indicate prepayment.
Special Routes census no. S-AD-38. Illustrated and described in detail in Ashbrook's article on the Brooks collection (Stamp Specialist, 1945 Black Book). Ex Emerson, Brooks, Muzzy, Kilbourne and Haub.
Nashville, Tennessee, 5c Gray (61X4). Large to full margins all around, deep rich color, tied by bold blue "5" handstamp with matching "Nashville Ten. Oct. 29, 1861" circular datestamp and "PAID" straightline handstamp on yellow cover to Macon Miss., expertly restored at top where tears and old scotch tape stains have been mitigated (not affecting stamp)EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE NASHVILLE 5-CENT POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL IN THE GRAY SHADE, BEAUTIFULLY TIED ON A COVER SOLELY BY THE "5" CENTS CONFEDERATE RATE HANDSTAMP. THE GRAY SHADE IS RARER THAN ANY OF THE OTHER 5-CENT SHADES.
Ex "Tara" and Haub.
New Orleans, Louisiana, 2c Blue (62X1). Three singles, two have ample to large margins, third has two large margins, other sides touching to slightly in, remarkably deep shade, tied by "New Orleans La. 1 Dec." (1861) circular datestamps on bluish-gray folded printed prices-current with additional letter to Woodville Miss., 1c overpayment of 5c rate, small mended break in file fold at top centerEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF FOUR RECORDED COVERS WITH THREE OR MORE NEW ORLEANS 2-CENT BLUE PROVISIONAL STAMPS--IN TERMS OF CONDITION, ONE OF THE TWO FINEST MULTIPLE-RATE FRANKINGS.
Our records contain four covers franked with three or more 2c Blue New Orleans Provisional stamps--two with five stamps, one with three stamps and a 5c Red Brown provisional, and one with three stamps, as follows:
1) Horizontal strip of five, tied by Oct. 12 (1861) New Orleans circular datestamp to Augusta Ga., paying over-500 miles 10c rate, ex Caspary, Meroni, Freeland and Myerson
2) Five singles, tied by "Paid" straightlines, Jul. 26 (1861) New Orleans circular datestamp, to Hartsville Tenn., paying over-500 miles 10c rate, ex Hessel, Dr. Brandon and our 2016 Rarities sale
3) Three singles and 5c Red Brown (62X4), tied by "Paid" straightlines, New Orleans Oct. 1 (1861) circular datestamp, to Orange C.H. Va., paying over-500 miles 10c rate (1c overpayment), ex Seybold, Needham, Grant, Dr. Skinner and D.K. collection (Siegel Sale 1022, lot 1078)
4) Three singles, tied by Dec. 1 (1861) New Orleans circular datestamp, to Woodville Miss., paying 5c under-500 miles rate (1c overpayment), ex Emerson, Caspary, Muzzy, Siegel 1970 Rarities, Kilbourne and Gross, the cover offered here
Ex Emerson, Caspary, Muzzy, Kilbourne and Gross. With 1967 P.F. certificate. Scott value $20,000.00
New Orleans, Louisiana, 2c Red (62X2). Large margins to clear, radiant color, tied by "New Orleans La. 7 Feb." (1862) circular datestamp on blue folded printed circular to members of the Southwestern Bible Society and addressed to Blossom Hill La., wonderful content datelined "Bible House, 163 Camp Street New Orleans, Jan. 27, 1862" and soliciting donations to provide bibles to Confederate soldiers, few minor age spots, stamp with light diagonal crease at top right and tiny surface scrapesVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN OUTSTANDING USE OF THE RARE NEW ORLEANS 2-CENT RED PROVISIONAL ON A NEW ORLEANS "BIBLE HOUSE" CIRCULAR. ONLY TWELVE COVERS ARE RECORDED IN THE CROWN CENSUS.
New Orleans postmaster J. L. Riddell prepared provisional stamps in June 1861 and advertised them for sale on June 12th. The 2c Red stamps were printed without the marginal inscription "Usable exclusively in the New Orleans Post Office". The 5c and subsequent 2c Blue printings all have the imprint. It is the accepted theory that the 2c Red stamps were printed first, before Riddell added the imprint, and were withheld from use until January 1862 when the supply of 2c Blue stamps was exhausted. The Crown census at the Civil War Philatelic Society lists 12 2c Red covers.
Ex Freeland, Hill and Wall. 2005 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2016 P.S.E. certificate not mentioning any stamp faults. Scott value $25,000.00.
New Orleans, Louisiana, 5c Chocolate Brown on White (62X3c). Full to ample margins, rich color in this distinctive shade, tied by "New Orleans La. 7? Jul." circular datestamp on blue folded notary protest notice (for non-payment) to Holly Springs Miss., some internal splits along folds, Very Fine stamp and a scarce use of this shade on cover, Power Search lists only one other cover with the Chocolate Brown, sold in our 2000 sale of the Skinner collection, with 2011 P.F. certificate, Scott value as off-cover stamp is $1,500.00
New Orleans, Louisiana, 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Large margins to huge at left, portion of adjoining stamp at bottom, deep rich color, tied by "New Orleans La. 25 Aug." (1861) circular datestamp on small narrow cover to Mobile Ala., Extremely Fine stamp and cover, Scott value $425.00
Petersburg, Virginia, 5c Red (65X1). Position 1 with top sheet margin, large margins at left and bottom, clear to just barely in along tips of ornaments at right, tied by sharp strike of blue "Petersburg Va. 5cts. Nov. 26" (1861) integral-rate circular datestamp on yellow cover to Hillsboro N.C.VERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE PETERSBURG POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON A FRESH AND EXTREMELY FINE COVER.
This is an early state of Position 1 with the "e" of "Office" very complete and the "G" of "Petersburg" fully formed.
With 2008 P.F. certificate. Scott value $2,500.00
Spartanburg, South Carolina, 5c Black (78X1). Cut to shape with outer rim of design visible essentially all around, tied by double-struck "PAID" straightline handstamp, bold "Spartanburg S.C. Ju. 10, 1861" double-circle datestamp on buff cover to "Corpl. Edward J. Dean, 'Spartan Rifles', 5th Palmetto Regt. South Carolina Volunteers, Col. M. Jenkins, Commander, Tudor Hall P.O., Near Manassas Junction Virginia", sender's instructions at bottom "Care Capt. Jos. Walker 'Spartan Rifles'", cover with expert edge restoration including top right corner but not affecting the stamp, which is essentially sound with just a very minor crease at lower left, missing backflapEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE APPROXIMATELY TWENTY KNOWN COVERS BEARING THE SPARTANBURG POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
Spartanburg S.C. takes its name from the "Spartan Rifles," a group of militia soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The name was adopted by Confederate soldiers from Spartanburg during the Civil War. John A. Lee was a prominent merchant who served as postmaster of Spartanburg from 1850 through the end of the war. Residents of Spartanburg remembered him as the "Wartime Postmaster" (John B. O. Landrum, History of Spartanburg County, available at Google Books--thanks to Vince King for this citation).
Postmaster Lee created his provisional stamps by applying the "5" numeral rate marking inside the "Spartanburg S.C." double-circle datestamp on a sheet of paper. The stamps are known cut square and cut to shape. As one might imagine, the stamps come on a variety of papers. Two types of "5" markings were used, and one example is known with the denomination omitted. Most of the paper and numeral varieties are listed separately in the C.S.A. and Scott catalogues.
Corporal Edward J. Dean and the Dean correspondence were the subjects of an article by the late Daniel M. Gilbert, published in the Confederate Philatelist. Joseph Walker was enrolled as captain of the Spartan Rifles on April 13, 1861. Micah Jenkins, a resident of Yorkville, South Carolina, was mustered into service as colonel of the 5th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment in June 1861. He was elected colonel of the Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, on April 13, 1862, and promoted to brigadier general in July 1862.
Ex Caspary and Haub. Scott value $20,000.00.
Tellico Plains, Tennessee, 5c Red (81X1). Clear to large margins except at upper right where just touching frameline, tied by customary "Decr 10/61" manuscript postmark on bright buff cover addressed to William G. McAdoo, Clerk of Confederate Court, Knoxville Tenn., flap partly removed and trimmed along top edge of cover, couple inconsequential bleached specks and light vertical fold, very fresh and attractiveVERY FINE STAMP AND THE ONLY RECORDED COVER WITH THE TELLICO PLAINS POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL. AN OUTSTANDING WORLD-CLASS RARITY.
The Rheatown and Tellico Plains provisionals were printed by the same printer, using a typeset form of three subjects. For the Tellico Plains provisional, which probably followed the Rheatown, the post office and postmaster's names were changed, and the third subject at right was reset with a 10c denomination. Only two used examples are recorded, both December 1861 dates--the unique cover offered here and an off-cover 5c, illustrated in the Crown book (p. 337). It, too, bears a manuscript cancel, dated December 12th. In our opinion the cancel and address are from the same hand and pen; the court address indicates possible official usage of the adhesive.
Ex Ferrary, Hind, Emerson, Brooks, Everett, Kilbourne and Gross. Scott value $40,000.00
Tullahoma, Tennessee, 10c Black entire (111XU1). Clear strike of provisional handstamps, neat "Tullahoma Ten. Mar. 31, 1863" circular datestamp on cover to Brandon Miss., some very minor erosion at lower rightFRESH AND VERY FINE. ONE OF ONLY SEVEN EXAMPLES OF THE TULLAHOMA POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL RECORDED IN THE CROWN CENSUS.
Dr. Thomas L. Ray in the Nov. 1960 Confederate Philatelist explains that after the Battle of Murfreesboro, the Army of the Tennessee went into 1862-63 winter quarters in the vicinity of Tullahoma. The soldiers quickly depleted the stamps on hand and the Tullahoma postmaster prepared provisional envelopes to help relieve the shortage. Apparently, not many were prepared as they are quite rare. The seven examples recorded in the Crown census at the Civil War Philatelic Society's website are dated Mar. 13, Mar. 28, Mar. 31 (two, including the example offered here), Apr. 1 (or 11), Apr. 5 and Apr. 7, all in 1863.
Illustrated in Confederate Philatelist (Nov. 1960, p. 103). Ex Green, Wilkinson, Dr. Agre, Myerson and Dr. Brandon. With 2014 P.F. certificate. Scott value $6,000.00.
Uniontown, Alabama, 2c Dark Blue on White (86X2). Pane of four, unused (no gum), huge margins all around, creases with slight soiling and tiny pinpoint breaks in paperTHE CELEBRATED AND UNIQUE PANE OF THE UNIONTOWN 2-CENT POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL, DISCOVERED BY THE WEILLS OF NEW ORLEANS IN 1938. NO OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS PRINTING ON WHITE PAPER ARE KNOWN, AND ONLY TWO OTHER UNIONTOWN 2-CENT STAMPS ARE RECORDED (EACH ON COVER). AN EXTRAORDINARY SURVIVAL OF ONE OF THE RAREST STAMPS IN THE WORLD.
Uniontown's postmaster at the start of the C.S.A. postal system was Parham N. Booker. Parham, one of eleven children, was the namesake son of a U.S. internal revenue officer. The senior Booker represented Madison County in the legislature in 1836 and moved to Uniontown sometime later. He became a planter and hotel keeper, and he also served as postmaster and mayor of the town. Booker Senior died in 1861, and we are not certain if both father and son ran the post office. Because of a permanent physical disability, Booker Junior did not serve in the Confederate Army, but served the government in a civil department.
The Uniontown 2c provisional is one of six 2c provisional stamps issued by Confederate post offices--Baton Rouge, Macon, Memphis, Mobile and New Orleans are the others. The Uniontown and Macon provisionals are the rarest of this group. Of the Macon 2c, just four stamps are known, including three on covers. The Uniontown 2c is represented by this sheet on white paper (the only examples recorded on this paper) and two covers with the 2c on Gray Blue paper, both drop-rate uses, one with a Position 1 top left corner copy (ex Ferrary, Caspary, Lilly, Boker and Haub) and the other with a Position 2 top right corner copy (ex Hessel and Haub). We know of no other examples, nor does the Crown book on the Uniontown provisionals list any others.
In an account by telephone, Raymond H. Weill recollected that in 1938 the 2c sheet was brought to the Weills in New Orleans by a woman who had family correspondence from Uniontown. Enclosed with one of the letters inside a cover was the 2c sheet, and the letter commented that these stamps were being used in Uniontown. Regrettably, the letter has long since vanished. The Weills sent the sheet to Alfred H. Caspary, asking for his opinion of genuineness (because the 2c stamp was not listed on white paper), and offering him the sheet. Caspary declared it genuine, but declined the offer, explaining that he was concentrating on covers.
Later in 1938, John Klemann of Nassau Stamp Company visited the Weills and bought the sheet, presumably hoping to sell it to Caspary and unaware that the offer had already been made. The sheet remained in Nassau's inventory until the stock was sold in a 1953 H. R. Harmer auction, at which sale the sheet was bought by a Birmingham Ala. collector named J. Hubert Scruggs. It was subsequently donated to Father Flanagan's Boys Town and sold for their benefit in 1991 at an auction by Superior in Los Angeles. Charles Kilbourne acquired the sheet at the Boys Town auction. When the Siegel firm sold the majority of the Kilbourne Confederate Provisionals in 1999, William H. Gross was the winning bidder for the 2c Uniontown sheet (Sale 815, lot 152). Charles F. Shreve sold the Gross Confederate collection in 2009 (Spink-Shreves sale, Nov. 19, 2009, lot 41) and at that sale the sheet was acquired by the Hon. J. William Middendorf II.
This 2c sheet perfectly illustrates the relative positions of the four different subjects, which are distinctive in the style and arrangement of the corner ornaments and hyphens after the letters "CSA". The solid oval-shaped ornaments (Losenge) are found in the four corners of Positions 1, 3 and 4. Only Position 2 (upper right) has the Lobe corner ornaments at the top and the Loop ornaments at the bottom corners, as well as the Loops beneath "Paid", making it easily distinguishable from the other positions. Only Position 3 (lower left) has the Losenge corner ornaments at right turned in the wrong direction and the Lobe ornament used instead of the Loop at top (third from the left). Positions 1 and 4 are configured similarly to each other, with Losenge ornaments in the same directions in all four corners; they differ in the "CSA" type arrangement--Position 1 has no hyphen after "A", while Position 4 has a hyphen.
Illustrated on front cover of Francis J. Crown's Uniontown, Alabama, Postmaster's Provisionals. Ex Scruggs, Father Flanagan's Boys Town, Kilbourne, Gross and Middendorf. With 1987 A.P.S. certificate. Scott value $60,000.00
Uniontown, Alabama, 5c Green on Gray Blue (86X3). Position 3, large margins all around, tied by usual lightly struck "Uniontown Ala. ? Nov." circular datestamp on large part of yellow cover to Mrs. C. O. Shrivers in Marion Ala.EXTREMELY FINE GEM STAMP ON AN ATTRACTIVE COVER. ONLY 13 COVERS WITH THE UNIONTOWN 5-CENT ON GRAY BLUE PAPER ARE RECORDED IN THE CROWN CENSUS.
Ex Caspary. Weill backstamp. Scott value $15,000.00.
Uniontown, Alabama, 10c Red on Gray Blue (86X5). Position 4, enormous margins all around, intense shade on deeply blued paper, uncancelled with blurry strike of "Uniontown Ala. 27 Sep." (1861) circular datestamp on small piece of cover with "S. Price" Virginia addressEXTREMELY FINE GEM STAMP. THIS IS THE FINEST OF ONLY EIGHT RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE UNIONTOWN POSTMASTER'S 10-CENT PROVISIONAL.
Uniontown's postmaster at the start of the C.S.A. postal system was Parham N. Booker. Parham, one of eleven children, was the namesake son of a U.S. internal revenue officer. The senior Booker represented Madison County in the legislature in 1836 and moved to Uniontown sometime later. He became a planter and hotel keeper, and he also served as postmaster and mayor of the town. Booker Senior died in 1861, and we are not certain if both father and son ran the post office. Because of a permanent physical disability, Booker Junior did not serve in the Confederate Army, but served the government in a civil department.
Postmaster Booker issued three denominations of adhesive provisionals: 2c, 5c and 10c. They were probably typeset and printed at the offices of the local newspaper, the Weekly Herald. The same typeset form of four subjects was used to print all three values (although the spacing between subjects changed between two 5c printings). The numeral in parentheses between the "PA" and "ID" of "PAID" was changed for each value, and different color inks were used: Dark Blue (2c), Green (5c) and Red (10c). All three values were printed on Gray Blue paper, and the 2c and 5c are also known on White paper, which was probably used for subsequent printings. The 10c has not been found on White paper.
Eight examples of the Uniontown 10c Red are recorded. These are (in order of plate position):
1) Position 1 with stationer’s embossed crest, on cover to Maria L. Kidd, Port Royal Va., ex Kimmel, Haas, Birkinbine, "D.K." collection, Dr. Brandon (Sale 1073, lot 347)
2) Position 1 on cover to John D. Pitts, near Richmond Va., ex Ferrary, Caspary, Peyton ("Isleham"), Hill, Sharrer (Sale 1035, lot 91)
3) Position 2 on cover to Col. A. P. Calhoun, Pendleton S.C., ex Dr. Simon, "D.K." collection (Sale 1022, lot 1120)
4) Position 2 on cover to Maria Louisa Kidd, Port Royal Va., ex Brooks, Meroni, Kilbourne, Gross (Sale 1225, lot 137)
5) Position 2 repaired stamp on repaired cover to Mrs. John B. Carey, ex Weill Stock
6) Position 3, corner creases, tiny tear, on lady’s embossed cover to Mr. Richmond Christian, Richmond Va., ex Ferrary, Hind, "Beverly Hills"
7) Position 4 on cover to Col. A. P. Calhoun, Pendleton S.C., ex Sweet, Muzzy, Boker
8) Position 4 uncancelled on large piece dated Sep. 27 (1861) with part of addressee’s name “S. Price”, Virginia destination, ex Ferrary, Walcott, Caspary, Lilly, Boker, Haub, the example offered here
Of the eight recorded examples of Scott 86X5, there two others with a decent size sheet margin, but no other stamp has margins as large as the sound example offered here.
Illustrated in Crown survey book on p. 350. Ex Ferrary, Walcott, Caspary, Lilly, Boker and Haub. Weill backstamp. Scott value $14,000.00 as off-cover stamp.