CUBA, Gibara Provisional, 1898, 2c Bluish Handstamp. Clear "Correos Distrito Gibara De Holguin 2cts." provisional circular handstamp in blue struck twice (for double rate), paired with two strikes of purple "No stamps available/ Postage paid Military/ Govt." three-line handstamp on 1898 cover from Cuba to Cincinnati O., endorsed "soldier's mail", blurry strike of Gibara blue circular datestamp (Nov. 26?), back with New York (Dec. 5) and Cincinnati (Dec. 6) transit and receipt datestamps, endorsed "Photo" and addressed to Free Press office, couple tiny edge tears

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE GIBARA 2-CENT PROVISIONAL HANDSTAMP ON A DOUBLE RATE SOLDIER'S LETTER FROM CUBA TO THE UNITED STATES AT THE END OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. ONLY FOUR FULL COVER EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED.

Similar to the experience of towns in Puerto Rico at the end of the Spanish-American War, severe shortages of stamps were experienced in Cuba at the end of 1898. The shortage was dealt with initially by using revenue stamps as postage in some locations, but as even these adhesives ran out, provisional issues were needed. The best known provisionals are the Cuba Puerto Principe issue, and in Puerto Rico, the Ponce and Coamo issues (see lots 434-444 in this sale).

The Gibara Provisional was the only one in use in Cuba at the same time as the Puerto Principe issues. It was not reported in the philatelic press until 1997. Only four covers are recorded (including one with 5c denomination), plus two fragments at the Cuban Postal Museum (one a 5c). The cover offered here is the only known 2c double-rate use and also the earliest known use. An article by Dr. Yamil H. Kouri on the Gibara provisional appeared in the Collectors Club Philatelist (Sep.-Oct. 2012, copy included). It illustrates this cover and discusses all known examples of the provisional.

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