EXTENDS OVER THE TOP OF "T". Lower left curve fat and very
far from "C". "CE" wide. Upper left curve much deeper than
upper right curve, which is almost a straight line. "T" very
short. "TH" wide at top, "HR" wider. Note that "R" stands to
right of the centre of stamp and, also, the wide, colored
space above the top of "THRE". "N" of "CENTS" is broad.
Compare varieties 16 and 26.
Variety 28:--"T" OF "THREE" IS LOW, SMALL AND HEAVY. "RE"
nearest. "T" is near the inner oval line and much nearer to
upper left curve than "E" to upper right curve. "TH" near,
"H" and "E" at top about the same distance apart from "E",
which is upright and close to outer frame line. "EE" near.
Lower left curve short; lower right curve deep. "CE" on
level and close. "EN" far. "N" short and thick and, at base,
nearer "E" than "T". Compare variety 29.
[Illustration]
Variety 29:--"THR" SPACED CLOSEST. "T" of "THREE" slightly
nearer the curve than "E" is to upper right curve. Upper
curves are deep and well rounded. "TH" close. "C" of "CENTS"
is heavy and close to the short, round curve. "NT" near and
sometimes touching at top. "TS" wide and "S" far from curve.
Lower right curve deep and well rounded. Note that the word
"CENTS" is near the outer frame line. Compare variety 30 for
"S" distance.
Variety 30:--"C" NEAR OUTER FRAME LINE AND ON LEVEL WITH
"E". "TH" very near and top of "T" close to curve. "RE" much
wider at top than "HR". "EE" wide at top. Upper right curve
much larger than upper left curve and much further from top
than from base of "E". Lower curves short and round. "NT"
wide at base. "TS" close at top and top of "S" close to
curve. There is a colored dot, or circle, immediately above
centre of the lower right curve. Note wide colored space
above top of "R" and "E". Compare varieties 21 and 28.
SIX CENTS, RED AND SIX CENTS, GREEN.
Short labels with straight ends.
8-1/2 loops on the left; 9 loops on the right.
The date of issue of the SIX CENTS red is generally placed about July
31st. 1853; that of its congener--but with color changed--sometime
before Sept. 30th of the same year. As there has never been much demand
for a six cent envelope, it is strange that this issue has four
distinct heads of Washington, two forms of "SIX", small and large, and
different spacings of the word "CENTS". Unlike the last issue, the die
is exceedingly well printed, and it is not difficult to get fine
copies.
In Varieties 1 and 2 "SIX" is widely spaced:
In Varieties 3 and 4 the spacing is closer.
VARIETY 1.
[Illustration]
No description of the head is needed; it is HEAD I of Die 1 of 1853.
"CE" very wide; "EN" wide; "NT" near at top and "S" is far from "T".
VARIETY 2.
[Illustration: XVI.]
HEAD XVI. Side-lock is long, straight, curved at its point, and ends
near the ear-lobe. There are five locks in the front row and four in
the back row. The highest front-lock is split into two parts. Between
the side-lock and the lowest front-lock and well towards the middle of
the former, commences a thin lock which extends far beyond the ear-lobe
and ends in the queue. "CE" wide; "EN" wide; "NT" further at base than
in Var. 1. "TS" near. This head is found on the reprints on white and
buff vertically laid paper.
VARIETY 3.
[Illustration: XVII.]
HEAD XVII. A very heavy eyebrow which comes close to the side-lock. The
latter is very fine and near the ear-lobe. The hair consists of five
long and nearly parallel locks. The second longest and heaviest lock
touches the queue. "CE" very wide; "EN" wide. "NT" wide at top. "TS"
very widely spaced.
VARIETY 4.
[Illustration: XVIII.]
HEAD XVIII. A heavy eyebrow. A short side-lock with a sharp point,
starting near the eye-brow, ends [HW: some] distance from the ear-lobe.
There are five locks in the front row and the same number in the back
row. Of the five front locks four are heavy. There is also a long and
thin strand between the second and third front-lock. Together with the
side-lock starts the lowest front-lock which broadens out towards its
middle and ends in a point a short distance behind the ear-lobe. The
second front-lock is in line with the queue. "CENTS" close to outer
frame line. "CE" nearer than in Var. 3. "T" has a short cross-stroke;
"TS" is wide and "NT" is near at top.
All varieties of the SIX CENTS red exist only on Knife 3, and all those
of the SIX CENTS green only on Knife 2. The former is a newcomer and
was styled "Official, Size 7". On account of its size (221 × 98 mm.)
the envelope did not meet with much favor, and to-day it is difficult
to find a cancelled specimen in fine condition. In accordance with the
instructions of the Post Office the envelope should have been folded so
that the right side flap overlapped the left, but this rule was not
strictly adhered to, so that many collectors possess specimens with the
opposite folding.
TEN CENTS, GREEN.
Narrow labels with straight ends. 8-1/2 loops on the left; 9 loops on
the right.
This die appeared in April, 1855. Its issuance is due to an Act of
Congress of March 3, 1855, which fixed the letter rate for
transportation over 3000 miles at 10 cents.
[Illustration]
HEAD XV: VAR. I:--Letters of "TEN" about equally spaced. "T" slants
back and is somewhat nearer the left label than "N" to the right. "CE"
close: "NT" near, and the top of the latter above "N". "S" closer to
curve than "C". Frequently a little white line runs out from the left
ornamental scrollwork a short distance above "C".
TEN CENTS, GREEN.
Very wide upper label (measuring horizontally 24-1/2 mm.) with straight
ends.
7 loops on each side.
* * * * *
[Illustration: XIX.]
[Illustration]
HEAD XIX: VAR I:--A short fine eyebrow extends upward from the end of
the nose. Another short, but much heavier one, is attached to the
corner of the eye. Two fine, short side-locks commence a little
distance from the heavy eyebrow and finish just above the ear-lobe.
There is a double row of five short and heavy locks, while the queue is
continued from the lowest lock in the back row. The garment at the back
has three folds.
"TEN" near, but "N" nearer to right label than "T" to the left. Letters
of "CENT" closely spaced, but "S" some distance from "T".
* * * * *
A REFERENCE LIST OF ENTIRE ENVELOPES OF THE SERIES OF 1853 TO 1855.
THREE CENTS, RED.
DIE I. "THREE" IN NARROW CURVED LABEL.
VAR. 1: HEAD I.
No.[C] Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
1 W 2 3 139 × 83 Seal.
2 B 2 3 " " "
VAR. 2: HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
3 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
4 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 3: HEAD Ia.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
5 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
6 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 4: HEAD II.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
7 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
8 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
9 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 5: HEAD III.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
10 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
11 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 6: HEAD IV.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
12 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
13 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
14 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 7: HEAD V.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
15 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
16 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
17 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 8: HEAD VI.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
18 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
19 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
20 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 9: HEAD VII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
21 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
22 W 2 3 " " No watermark, plain.
23 B 2 3 " " Plain and seal.
VAR. 10: HEAD VIII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
24 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
25 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
26 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 11: HEAD IX.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
27 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal; also hor. laid.
28 B 2 3 " " Plain and seal.
VAR. 12: HEAD X.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
29 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
30 B 2 3 " " " " "
DIE II. "THREE" IN NARROW, STRAIGHT LABEL.
VAR. 1: HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
31 W 2 3 139 × 83 Seal.
32 B 2 3 " " "
VAR. 2: HEAD XI.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
33 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
34 B 2 3 " " " " "
VAR. 3: HEAD XII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
35 W 1 1 120 × 73 Plain.
36 W 2 3 139 × 83 Plain and seal.
37 B 2 3 " " " " "
DIE III. "THREE" IN SQUARE LABEL WITH A DIAGONAL LINE ACROSS EACH
CORNER, CALLED "K ENDS".
VAR. 1: HEAD XIII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
38 W 1 1 120 × 73
39 W 2 3 139 × 83
40 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 1: HEAD XIV.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
41 W 2 3 139 × 83
42 B 2 3 " "
DIE IV. "THREE" IN WIDE LABEL WITH SQUARE ENDS.
HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
43 W 1 1 120 × 73
44 W 2 3 139 × 83
45 B 2 3 " "
DIE V. "THREE" IN MEDIUM CURVED LABEL.
"T" WITH LONG CROSS STROKE.
VAR. 1: HEAD XV.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
46 W 2 3 139 × 82
47 B 2 3 " "
48 W 4 3 139 × 82
49 B 4 3 " "
VAR. 2.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
50 W 1 1 120 × 73
51 W 2 3 139 × 83
52 W 2 3 " " No watermark.
53 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 3.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
54 W 2 3 139 × 83
55 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 4.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
56 W 1 1 120 × 73
57 W 2 3 139 × 83
58 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 5.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
59 W 1 1 120 × 73
60 W 2 3 139 × 83
61 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 6.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
62 W 2 3 139 × 83
63 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 7.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
64 W 2 3 139 × 83
65 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 8.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
66 W 2 3 139 × 83
67 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 9.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
68 W 2 3 139 × 83
69 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 10.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
70 W 2 3 139 × 83
71 B 2 3 " "
"T" WITH SHORT CROSS STROKE.
VAR. 11.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
72 W 2 3 139 × 83
73 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 12.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
74 W 2 3 139 × 83
75 B 2 3 " "
76 W 4 3 139 × 82
77 B 4 3 " "
VAR. 13.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
78 W 2 3 139 × 83
79 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 14.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
80 W 2 3 139 × 83
81 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 15.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
82 W 2 3 139 × 83
83 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 16.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
84 W 1 1 120 × 73
85 W 2 3 139 × 83
86 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 17.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
87 W 2 3 139 × 82
88 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 18.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
89 W 2 3 139 × 83 [HW: Reprints on white and buff
90 B 2 3 " " vertically laid paper.]
VAR. 19.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
91 W 2 3 139 × 83
92 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 20.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
93 W 2 3 139 × 83
94 B 2 3 " "
95 W 4 3 139 × 82
96 B 4 3 " "
VAR. 21.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
97 W 2 3 139 × 83
98 B 2 3 " "
99 W 5 3 139 × 82
100 B 5 3 " "
VAR. 22.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
101 W 2 3 139 × 83
102 B 2 3 " "
103 W 5 3 139 × 82
104 B 5 3 " "
VAR. 23.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
105 W 2 3 139 × 83
106 B 2 3 " "
107 W 4 3 139 × 82
108 B 4 3 " "
109 W 5 3 " "
110 B 5 3 " "
VAR. 24.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
111 W 2 3 139 × 83
112 B 2 3 " "
113 W 4 3 139 × 82
114 B 4 3 " "
115 W 5 3 " "
116 B 5 3 " "
VAR. 25.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
117 W 2 3 139 × 83
118 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 26.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
119 W 2 3 139 × 83
120 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 27.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
121 W 2 3 139 × 83 [HW: removed remarks]
122 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 28.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
123 W 2 3 139 × 83
124 B 2 3 " "
125 W 4 3 139 × 82
126 B 4 3 " "
VAR. 29.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
127 W 1 1 120 × 73
128 W 2 3 139 × 83
129 B 2 3 " "
130 W 4 3 139 × 82
131 B 4 3 " "
132 W 6 1 118 × 6 Ladies Note.
VAR. 30.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
133 W 2 3 139 × 83
134 B 2 3 " "
135 W 4 3 139 × 82
136 B 4 3 " "
SIX CENTS, RED.
VAR. 1. HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
137 W 3 7 221 × 98
138 B 3 7 " "
VAR. 2. HEAD XVI.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
139 W 3 7 221 × 98 Reprints on vertically laid
140 B 3 7 " " paper.
VAR. 3. HEAD XVII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
141 W 3 7 221 × 98
142 B 3 7 " "
VAR. 4. HEAD XVIII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
143 W 3 7 221 × 98
144 B 3 7 " "
SIX CENTS, GREEN.
VAR. 1. HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
145 W 2 3 139 × 83
146 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 2. HEAD XVI.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
147 W 2 3 139 × 83 Reprints on vertically laid
148 B 2 3 " " paper.
VAR. 3. HEAD XVII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
149 W 2 3 139 × 83
150 B 2 3 " "
VAR. 4. HEAD XVIII.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
151 W 2 3 139 × 83
152 B 2 3 " "
TEN CENTS.
DIE I. SHORT LABEL WITH SQUARE ENDS.
HEAD XV.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
153 W 2 3 139 × 83 Various shades.
154 B 2 3 " " " "
DIE II. LONG LABEL WITH SQUARE ENDS.
HEAD XIX.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
155 W 2 3 139 × 83 Various shades. Reprints on
156 B 2 3 " " vertically laid paper.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote C: NOTE:--The numbers used in this list are arbitrary,
consecutive, and have no relation to the numbers used in any other work
of a similar nature. Under the heading "Paper," "W." means white and
"B." buff paper. The numbers under the headings "Knife" and "Size" are
those of the knives illustrated and described in the _Catalogue for
Advanced Collectors_ and in _Bartel's Catalogue of United States
Envelopes_, 1904 edition. Those under "Dimensions" give the size of the
envelope in millimetres.]
SECOND ISSUE: 1860.
The 36th Congress, by an Act approved April 30, 1860, reduced postage
on drop letters, also the charge for the delivery of a letter by
carriers, to one cent. We further learn from the Report of the
Postmaster-General, dated December 1st, 1860, that "the new one cent
envelope is designed mainly for circulars and will also be used largely
for city correspondence". In our days of cheap postage it strikes us as
rather curious to be informed that the Post Office, to cover the
expense of collecting letters, dropped into letter boxes attached to
lamp posts, which letters were delivered by the mail carriers to the
next post office, evolved the scheme of printing two entirely different
stamps on the same envelope, i.e. a ONE CENT (BLUE), and a new THREE
CENTS (RED). The one cent paying the carrier's fee, and the other stamp
paying the postage.
In addition to the one and three cent, the Post Office issued also a
new SIX and TEN CENTS. In reality the latter two appeared in October,
1860, while the ONE and FOUR CENTS were added in December of the same
year.
For the collector the most interesting novelty is, however, the
invention of the wrapper now-a-days so commonly used that we can
scarcely think of the time when this commodity did not exist. The sizes
of the envelopes were also increased by the addition of a new one known
as knife 9, bearing on the inside of the left flap the "patent lines."
ONE CENT: BLUE.
HEAD OF FRANKLIN TO THE RIGHT, OVAL 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 MM. "ONE CENT"
ABOVE; "U. S. POSTAGE" BELOW.
TWELVE VARIETIES.
The easiest way of classifying the various dies is to extend the base
line of the bust and note its position with regard to the letters "A"
and "G" of "POSTAGE". By this simple method we obtain the following
groups:--
1) Bust points at G;
2) " " between A and G;
3) " " at A.
Next in importance is to note the position of the back of the bust with
reference to the strokes of letter "U". Calling the stroke next to the
star ornament the first stroke, and that next to "S" the _second_, we
have two additional distinctive features. Finally, the distance from
the back of the bust to inner oval line furnishes a third valuable
clue.
To the above we may add three 10 mm. unit distance measurements, taken
from the upper end of the first stroke of "U" towards "ONE"; from the
right end of the horizontal stroke of "T" of "CENT" towards the "E" of
"POSTAGE"; and from the upper end of the final stroke of "N" of "CENT"
towards the "E" of "ONE", noting each time the end of the 10 mm. line.
The result is shown in the subjoined table:--
Measured from upper extremity of "U" the end of the 10 mm.
line touches right side of "O"; strikes base of "N"; or
falls between the strokes of "N";
Measured from "T" the end of the 10 mm. line touches end of
"E" reaches to about the middle of the lower horizontal
stroke; or falls behind "E".
Measured from "N" end of 10 mm. line touches upper end of
"E"; reaches to the middle of the upper horizontal stroke;
or falls outside "E".
We are now well prepared to take up the several varieties.
PERIOD AFTER "POSTAGE".
BUST POINTS AT "G".
Base line of bust touches "G" to the left.
Back of bust opposite 2nd bar of "U" in Varieties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 10, 11 and 12.
Unless otherwise stated the stamp measures 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 mm.
[Illustration]
Variety 1:--"O" and "N" of "ONE" widely spaced. "SP" near at
top. "CENT": "CEN" widely spaced at top. "NT" close.
"POSTAGE": "GE" near to inner frame line. Back of bust far
from inner oval. 10 mm. from "U" strikes first bar of "N".
10 mm. from "N" touches "E". 10 mm. from "T" strikes a
little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".
Variety 2:--Widely spaced between "U. S." and inner frame
line. "ONE": "ONE" near. Wide space between "U" of "U.S."
and "O" of "ONE". "CENT": "EN" close. Distance between "ONE"
and "CENT" only 3 mm. Back of bust far from inner oval line.
10 mm. from "U" touches right side of "O". " " " "N" touches
middle of upper bar of "E" of "ONE". " " " "T" strikes a
little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".
[Illustration]
Variety 3:--"S" of "U. S." nearly touches inner frame line.
"CENT": "C" of "CENT" near inner frame line.
"NT" wide. Back of Bust far from inner oval line.
10 mm. from "U" reaches to centre of "N".
" " " "N" touches "E" of "ONE".
" " " "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of
"E" of "POSTAGE".
[HW: Distance from "E" to "C" is 3-1/2 mm.]
BUST POINTS BETWEEN A AND G.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
BASE LINE OF BUST PASSES THROUGH RIGHT BAR OF A.
Varieties 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Variety 4:--"O" of "POSTAGE" considerably above outer frame
line; "TAGE" close, especially "GE", which are close to
inner frame line and above level of the other letters. STAMP
measures 20 × 24-1/2 mm. "ONE": "NE" far apart. Letters of
"ONE" especially the "E" close to outer frame line. "CENT":
"C" far from "E." "POSTAGE": "PO" close. "O" to "U": 7-1/2
mm. From end of upper right point of "C" to top of left
stroke of "O" of "ONE" is 5 mm.
Variety 5:--"PO" of "POSTAGE" wide; "OS" and "AGE" near
lower frame line: "GE" near. "ONE": "NE" wide. Distance
between "ONE" and "CENT" widest. Sometimes a spot under left
star and also in central oval at back of head. A rare die.
"O" to "U": 8 mm. "C" to "E": 5 mm. _falls considerably
outside_ "E".
Variety 6:--DISTANCE BETWEEN "S" of "U. S." and "P" of
"POSTAGE" wide. "ONE": "NE" wide, and the latter tipped to
right. "POSTAGE": "PO" wide: "TE" wide at foot: "GE" close.
There is often a comma after the "S" of "POSTAGE", and a dot
above the head in the central oval under the "N" of "ONE".
"O" to "U": 7-1/4 mm.
"C" to "E": 5 mm. is barely outside "E".
10 mm. from "U" falls at centre of "N".
" " " "T" touches middle of lower bar of "E".
This die is found greatly worn, especially in the wrappers.
Variety 7:--"U" AND "S" close. This is the only die in which
back of bust nearly touches inner frame line. "E" of "ONE"
equidistant from oval lines. "ONE": "NE" far apart.
"POSTAGE": "PO" wide; "ST" wide at foot: "AGE" close.
"O" to "U": 8 mm.
"C" to "E": 5 mm.
10 mm, from "T" touches "E" to the left;
" " " "U" touches "N"
" " " "N" touches middle of top stroke of "E" of "ONE".
[Illustration]
Variety 8:--Similar to the last, but _back of bust is some
distance from inner oval line_. "POSTAGE": "TAGE" closely
spaced and near outer frame line.
10 mm, from "T" strikes one-half mm. into the lower bar of "E".
" " " "U" falls between "O" and "N".
" " " "N" touches "E".
5-1/2 mm. strikes "E".
"O" to "U": 8-1/2 mm.
There is a dot under the left star, and sometimes, also, one
above it.
BUST POINTS AT A.
BASE LINE OF BUST CUTS LEFT BAR OF A.
Variety 9:--Back of bust opposite first bar of "U". "S" of
"U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" very close. "U. S." widely
spaced. "POSTAGE": "OS" close to lower frame line.
10 mm. from "U" touches "N".
POINT OF BUST BETWEEN A AND G. Oval 20 × 24 mm.
Variety 10:--Back and front of bust cut into inner frame line.
NO PERIOD AFTER POSTAGE. Oval 21 × 25 mm.
BUST POINTS BETWEEN A AND G.
[Illustration]
Variety 11:--Back of bust opposite second bar of "U". Base
of bust nearly touches inner frame line, and entire bust low
in frame. "CENT": "C" much nearer "E". "POSTAGE" close to
outer frame line.
BUST POINTS AT G.
Variety 12:--Same as last, but back of bust far from inner
frame line, and entire bust lower in frame. "CENT": "C" much
nearer "E". "POSTAGE": "POST" close to inner frame line.
NEWSPAPER WRAPPERS.
By the Act of Feb. 27th, 1861, Chap. LVII, Sec. 2, the
Postmaster-General was authorized "to adopt such improvements as may be
deemed advisable from time to time in connection with postage stamps or
stamped envelopes for letters or newspapers." Under authority of this
Act the Postmaster decided to introduce one cent wrappers and they were
first issued in October, 1861. By the Act of March 3, 1863, the rate
for transient newspapers was changed to two cents, and accordingly, the
Post Office issued what is known as the "two cent, Jackson", newspaper
wrapper.
* * * * *
Collectors have often complained that the wrappers of this issue are
troublesome. This is largely due to the fact that no one has undertaken
the task of compiling a complete list of the fairly numerous varieties
in existence. Again, the various tints of paper used in this issue have
justly caused a good deal of confusion. The catalogues distinguished
between coarse and yellow buff, salmon, pale buff and amber buff, pale
and dark manila, but it is safe to assume that no two collectors would
agree in regard to color. It seems reasonable to distinguish between
buff, salmon buff (a pinkish yellow) and yellow buff, while the manila
paper used for the one cent wrappers may properly be called coarse
manila.
To give the philatelist a broader hold on this issue and a better
insight, Mr. J. M. Bartels, together with the writer, has made a
thorough study of the one cent wrapper, and the result of their united
labor is embodied in the list which will follow this series of
articles.
For the identification of a wrapper of this issue it is well to observe
the following method:
Note whether the paper is horizontally or vertically laid;
Whether or not the wrapper has a watermark;
Measure the distance between the top of the stamp and the
horizontal edge of the wrapper; it will be found that this
distance varies from 35 to 120 mm. and constitutes a
valuable help for differentiation and identification of a
wrapper;
Note the dimensions of the wrapper which may be:
148 × 225 to 227 mm.
151 × 227 mm.
148 × 257 mm.
151 × 257 mm.
In the absence of a watermark the paper may be either wove or laid. A
noteworthy innovation in this issue is the introduction of orange paper
used both for envelopes and wrappers.
The one cent wrapper has also been found on a somewhat coarse, white
paper, of which the writer has seen a single copy, contained in the
magnificent collection of Mr. G. H. Worthington, of Cleveland, Ohio,
but, as far as known, the white paper was not issued with the sanction
of the Post Office authorities.
An envelope on white paper, of a somewhat similar texture to the
wrapper spoken of above, was in the collection of Mr. Van Derlip, of
Boston, but, it is impossible to trace its present whereabouts, and,
therefore, I have no means of ascertaining the die.
THREE CENTS: RED.
HEAD OF WASHINGTON TO LEFT. A SMALL UPRIGHT OVAL MEASURING 20 × 24 MM.
"THREE CENTS" ABOVE; "U. S. POSTAGE" BELOW.
At each side is a six-rayed star between the inscriptions.
NINE VARIETIES.
It has already been mentioned that the new die was issued in accordance
with the action of the 36th Congress, and that this stamp is also used
to form a compound value with the one cent die.
The collector of entire envelopes finds in this issue two new shapes,
knives 6 and 7, of which the former was supposed to supply the needs of
the gentler portion of humanity, and is officially known as "Ladies'
Note Size," while knife 7 is styled "Medium Letter" and is for
commercial correspondence. These envelopes have "patent lines."
With the exception of variety 8, which measures 24-1/2 mm., the
vertical dimension of the die is 24 mm. The several varieties may be
grouped by observing the position of the back of the bust with relation
to the letters "G" and "E" of "POSTAGE."
GROUP I.--Back of bust points at "G." (Vars. 1 to 7.)
GROUP II.--Back of bust points between "G" and E." (Var. 8.)
GROUP III.--Back of bust points almost at "E." (Var. 9.)
For the specialist the writer recommends the use of a 10 mm. unit
distance measurement to be applied as follows: