color of the paper. He then decides which head is represented, and
finally ascertains whether it is an "A" or "B" die. The specialist, or
any collector who is sufficiently interested to possess the various
sub-varieties, goes a step further. Having determined the head, he
finds to which of the four classes of line measurement a given specimen
belongs. Thus the apparently bewildering number of varieties, through
the knowledge of the heads and the "U" line measurement, are brought
into perfect order, and all risk of confusion is avoided. It is evident
that, henceforth, the collector of cut squares will try to obtain at
least one specimen of the different heads of both die A and B, while
the collector of entires may go to any length to satisfy his zeal and
ambition.
The large die (Die B), measuring horizontally 25-1/2 mm. or more, is
comparatively scarce and it is found most commonly on the small
envelope, Knife 22.
THREE CENTS, ROSE.
K. 22 Heads 1, 2, 4 White
" 11 " 4 Buff
" 9 " 1, 4 White
" 9 " 1 Buff
" 12 " 2, 4 White
" 12 " 2 Amber
THREE CENTS, BROWN.
K 21 Head 1 White
" " " 1, 2 Buff
" " " 2 Amber
With the issue of the three cents, rose, the contractor, at the order
of the Post Office Department, introduced a second quality of buff
paper. This matter is of importance to all collectors and should be
duly noted.
In a circular letter from the Finance Office, dated "Washington Oct.
1866," signed "A. N. Zevely, 3d Asst. P. M. G.", it is stated:--
"Letter size envelopes stamped 3 cents, made of a _cheaper_
quality of paper than those hitherto furnished, are
furnished by the Department at $32.80 per 1,000."
The schedule of 1867 gives the prices of three cent
envelopes, etc., and of letter size _second quality buff_. A
circular to the public of the same date says that "letter
size _second quality_ are furnished ONLY in buff."
The white and colored paper of this issue exists in various qualities,
of which the extremes may be called nearly cardboard paper and almost
tissue. The texture is soft and highly surfaced. An interesting
variety of the white paper is a decidedly brownish-white, which, as far
as the writer knows, has not been mentioned heretofore. There are also
various shades of buff and even a reddish toned orange paper.
Doubtless collectors would like to possess some information about the
rarity of the various heads found in the three cents, rose, of this
issue. From a study of some six thousand envelopes of this series the
writer can give a fairly accurate estimate. Calling the total number of
envelopes examined one hundred per cent, the respective percentages of
the five heads were:
Head 1--50%
" 2--30%
" 3--10%
" 4--09.5%
" 5--00.5%
--------
100.
In regard to the sub varieties of the various heads it is also of
interest to observe that a considerable number are "repeating dies,"
_i.e._, generally a die, say of Head 1 on white paper and on Knife 11,
is liable to be found on buff and amber paper not only on Knife 11, but
also on Knife 9. Only very few sub varieties of a given Head exist on
of this series. Although it is evident that of all Nesbitt issues the 3
cent rose 1864 has by far the largest number of die varieties, it is by
no means an impossible task to classify all existing varieties as has
been done with the two cent Jackson, and it is the intention of the
writer to carry out this work at no distant day. Probably due to the
apparent similarity of many dies collectors have been apathetic and
have considered one as good as the other, but a little study speedily
convinces the student of this error. Indeed, this issue contains a
number of extremely rare dies, and as soon as proper information and
classification is published, the 3 cent rose of 1864 will be a favorite
of all true philatelists.
Before leaving these interesting dies we must not fail to mention that,
on the three cents and six cents, there is often a small dot on
Washington's face shaped like a mole, about one mm. under the ear. It
is of little importance, and is evidently merely a flaw.
In addition to the 3 and 6 cents, Nesbitt produced, in 1864, a new
design for the 9, 12, 18 and 30 cents, while the old design of the
former 24 and 40 cents was changed in December 1865. The main
difference between the new and the old design is that the oval band and
small circular disks are with colored background bordered by colorless
lines. The inscriptions and numerals are now colorless. The branches
have eight leaves.
Of these values no die varieties are known; but, excepting the 40 cents
pink, there are several distinct shades of each stamp.
Commencing with the Nine Cents, we have a decided lemon-yellow and an
orange; the Twelve Cents appears in dark brown and red-brown; the
Twenty-four Cents in two shades of blue; the Eighteen Cents exists in
red and dark red, and the Thirty Cents in yellow-green, dark green and
olive-green.
This concludes the Nesbitt issues of United States envelopes. His
connection with the Postal Department ceased March 31, 1870, when a new
contract was awarded to George H. Reay, of New York.
To the philatelists the Nesbitt issues are by far the most interesting
series of all the United States Postal issues and, as the years pass
on, the intrinsic value of these die varieties will increase rapidly.
Specialization is the watchword of the now growing class of collectors,
and there is no field so inviting and which will repay a student so
richly for his labor as a specialized collection of the Nesbitt issues.
What is wanted to-day is a special album for United States envelopes,
which would insure to this prominent branch of United States philately
that measure of official recognition for which collectors have long and
earnestly contended. An equally valuable aid would be the formation of
a Society of Collectors of United States envelopes. The writer
confidently expects that this suggestion will soon assume a more
tangible form.
If this series of articles has, in even the slightest degree, helped
collectors of United States envelopes to a wider knowledge and better
appreciation of these hitherto unknown die varieties, the writer will
feel well repaid for the many hours of labor. In closing, he again
asserts; "Variety is the spice of life!"
* * * * *
A REFERENCE LIST OF THE ENVELOPES OF THE SERIES OF 1864 AND 1865.
1864.
THREE CENTS, ROSE.
DIE A.
HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Variety. Remarks.
501 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
502 " 22 1 " 2
503 " 22 1 " 3
504 " 22 1 " 4
505 " 11 3 139 × 83 1
506 " 11 3 " 1 Unwatermarked.
507 " 11 3 " 2
508 " 11 3 " 3
509 " 11 3 " 4
510 " 9 3 " 1
511 " 9 3 " 2
511a " 9 3 " 2 Without Patent Lines.
512 " 9 3 " 3
513 " 9 3 " 4
514 " 12 5 160 × 90 2
515 " 12 5 " 3
516 " 12 5 " 4
517 Buff 11 3 139 × 83 2
518 " 11 3 " 3
519 " 11 3 " 4
520 " 9 3 " 1
521 " 9 3 " 2
522 " 9 3 " 3
523 " 9 3 " 4
524 " 12 5 160 × 90 2
525 " 12 5 " 4
526 Buff 2nd 11 3 139 × 83 3
527 " 11 3 " 4
528 Amber 11 3 " 1
529 " 11 3 " 2
530 " 11 3 " 3
531 " 11 3 " 3 Ungummed.
532 " 11 3 " 4
533 " 9 3 " 3
534 " 9 3 " 4
535 " 12 5 160 × 90 2
536 " 12 5 " 3
537 " 12 5 " 4
538 Amber 2nd 11 3 139 × 83 2
539 " 11 3 " 3
540 " 11 3 " 4
HEAD II.
541 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
542 " 22 1 " 2
543 " 22 1 " 3
544 " 11 3 139 × 83 1
545 " 11 3 " 2
546 " 11 3 " 3
547 " 9 3 " 1
548 " 9 3 " 2
549 " 9 3 " 3
550 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
551 " 12 5 " 2
552 " 12 5 " 3
553 Amber 11 3 139 × 83 1
554 " 11 3 " 2
555 " 11 3 " 4
556 " 9 3 " 1
557 " 9 3 " 3
558 " 12 5 160 × 90 2
559 " 12 5 " 3
HEAD III.
560 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
561 " 22 1 " 2
562 " 22 1 " 3
563 " 2 3 139 × 83 3 Ungummed. Probably a proof.
564 " 11 3 " 1
565 " 11 3 " 2
566 " 11 3 " 3
567 " 9 3 " 1
568 " 9 3 " 2
569 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
570 " 12 5 " 2
571 Buff 2 3 139 × 83 3 Ungummed. Probably a proof.
572 " 11 3 " 1
573 " 11 3 " 2
574 " 11 3 " 3
575 " 9 3 " 1
576 " 9 3 " 2
577 " 9 3 " 2 Without patent lines.
578 " 9 3 " 3
579 " 12 5 " 2
580 " 12 5 " 3
HEAD IV.
581 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
582 " 22 1 " 2
583 " 22 1 " 3
581 " 1 1 " 2
585 " 11 3 139 × 83 2
586 " 11 3 " 3
587 " 11 3 " 3 Unwatermarked
588 " 9 3 " 1
589 " 9 3 " 2
590 " 9 3 " 3
591 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
592 " 12 5 " 2
593 " 12 5 " 3
594 Buff 11 3 139 × 83 1
595 " 11 3 " 2
596 " 11 3 " 3
596a Buff 2nd 11 3 " 2
597 Buff 9 3 " 1
598 " 9 3 " 2
599 " 9 3 " 3
600 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
601 " 12 5 " 2
HEAD V.
602 White 11 3 139 × 83 3
603 Buff 11 3 " 2
604 Buff 2nd 11 3 " 2
605 " 11 3 " 3
DIE B.
HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Variety. Remarks.
606 White 22 1 120 × 73 2
607 " 9 3 139 × 83 2
608 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
609 Buff 9 3 139 × 83 2
610 " 9 3 " 3
HEAD II.
611 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
612 " 22 1 " 3
613 " 9 3 139 × 83 3
614 " 12 5 160 × 90 4
615 Amber 9 3 139 × 83 1
616 " 12 5 160 × 90 2
617 " 12 5 " 3
HEAD III.
617a White 12 5 160 × 90 5
HEAD IV.
618 White 22 1 120 × 73 1
619 " 11 3 139 × 83 2
620 " 9 3 " 1
621 " 9 3 " 2
622 " 9 3 " 3
623 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
624 " 12 5 " 2
625 Buff 11 3 139 × 83 1
626 " 12 5 160 × 90 1
627 " 12 5 " 2
629 Amber 12 5 160 × 90 3
1865.
THREE CENTS, BROWN.
DIE A.
HEAD I.
630 White 21 7 225 × 98 2
631 Buff 21 7 " 2
633 Amber 21 7 " 2
634 " 21 7 " 3
HEAD II.
635 White 21 7 225 × 98 2
637 Buff 21 7 " 3
HEAD III.
638 White 21 7 225 × 98 2
639 Buff 21 7 " 1
640 " 21 7 " 2
HEAD IV.
642 White 21 7 1
643 " 21 7 2
644 " 21 7 3
645 Buff 21 7 1
646 " 21 7 2
DIE B.
HEAD I.
647 White 21 7 225 × 98 2
648 Buff 21 7 " 2
HEAD II.
649 White 21 7 225 × 98 2
650 Buff 21 7 " 4
650a Amber 21 7 " 2
650b " 21 7 " 4
SIX CENTS, PURPLE.
HEAD I.
651 White 11 3 139 × 83
652 Amber 11 3 "
HEAD III.
653 White 11 3 139 × 83
654 Buff 11 3 "
655 Amber 11 3 "
SIX CENTS, ROSE.
HEAD I.
656 White 21 7 225 × 98
657 Amber 21 7 "
HEAD III.
658 White 21 7 225 × 98
659 Buff 21 7 "
660 Amber 21 7 "
NINE CENTS, YELLOW.
661 Buff 21 7 225 × 98
662 Amber 21 7 "
NINE CENTS, ORANGE.
663 Buff 21 7 225 × 98
664 Amber 21 7 "
TWELVE CENTS, BROWN.
665 Buff 21 7 225 × 98
666 Amber 21 7 "
TWELVE CENTS, RED-BROWN.
667 Buff 21 7 225 × 98
EIGHTEEN CENTS, RED.
668 Buff 20 8 249 × 104
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS, BLUE.
669 Buff 20 8 249 × 104
670 " 20 8 " Dark blue
671 Amber 20 8 "
THIRTY CENTS, GREEN.
672 Buff 20 8 249 × 104 Yellow-green.
673 Buff 20 8 " Dark green.
674 Buff 20 8 " Olive green.
FORTY CENTS, ROSE.
675 Buff 20 8 249 × 104
APPENDIX
SERIES OF 1853-1855.
DIE I.
Since the publication of the early portion of the present work the
writer has discovered two new varieties of this die, both with Head I,
which must be known as varieties 1a and 2a and which, therefore,
necessitate his re-writing the descriptions of Vars. 1 and 2.
He has, also, re-written the description of variety 3 with the idea of
enabling collectors to more easily differentiate between it and the
other varieties.
The following should, therefore replace the descriptions of these
varieties on pages 107 and 108 of the JOURNAL for 1905.
HEAD I.
LONG SIDE LOCK.
Var. 1. "CENTS" is near the frame line. "C" and "N" are
in an almost vertical position. "N" is near "T." "S" is
near curve. Letters "TH" are parallel and slant to left.
A line drawn along the "E" of "CENTS" and prolonged upwards
touches the right end of the top stroke of the first "E"
of "THREE."
Var. 1a. The "C" of "CENTS" and "E" of "THREE" slant distinctly
to the right. "EN" close and near outer frame line.
"N" and "T" are wide at base. A line drawn along "E"
touches the left end of the top stroke of the final "E."
Var. 2. "TH" of "THREE" widely spaced and "R" is almost in
center of label and vertical. The "N" of "CENTS" slants to
the right and is far from "T" at top and base. The top
of "S" is some distance from curve. There is a flaw in the
outer colored line nearly opposite the tip of nose. A line
drawn along "E" touches right the end of the top stroke of
the final "E."
Var. 2a. There is a flaw in the red outer frame line nearly opposite
the junction of the queue with the garment. "CENTS" is
near the inner frame line. "HR" wide at top and near at
base. "C" is some distance from the curve. "EN" near.
"N" short and broad. The upper right curve is nearly a
straight line. A line drawn along "E" touches the left end
of the top stroke of the second "E" of "THREE."
HEAD 1a.
SHORT SIDE LOCK.
Var. 3 The "C" of "CENTS" is high and close to curve. "CE" very
wide. "EN" wide. "N" nearly vertical. "EN" close at
top. A line drawn along "E" touches the left end of the top
stroke of the final "E."
*/
ADDENDA.
The following envelopes and wrappers have been discovered since the
lists were published and should, therefore, be added to them.
ENVELOPES.
1853-55.
THREE CENTS, RED.
DIE I.
VAR. 1A. HEAD I.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Gum. Remarks.
2a W 2 3 139 × 83 Seal
2b B 2 3 " "
VAR. 2A. HEAD I.
4a W 2 3 139 × 83 Seal.
4b B 2 3 " "
DIE V.
HEAD XV.
VAR. 21.
98a B 4 3 139 × 83
VAR. 29.
131a B 5 3 139 × 83
1860.
ONE CENT, BLUE.
VAR. 3.
163a B 9 3 139 × 83 U
VAR. 7.
177a L. Or. 5 3 139 × 83 U
VAR. 8.
178a B 5 3 139 × 83 U
178b B 5 3 " U No watermark
178c Y. B. 5 3 " U " " wove paper
VAR. 10.
183a B 11 3 139 × 83 G
VAR. 11.
184a W 11 3 139 × 83
THREE CENTS, RED.
VAR. 1.
No. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Gum. Remarks.
187a B 7 2 137 × 77 G
VAR. 3.
199a W 7 2 137 × 77 G
WRAPPERS.
VAR. 3.
Distance of stamp
No. Paper. Dimensions. Laid. from upper edge. Remarks.
245a S. B. 148 × 225 H 35
VAR. 4.
252a B 148 × 232 H 38
1863.
TWO CENTS. BLACK.
ENVELOPES.
DIE A.
No. Class. Paper. Knife. Size. Dimensions. Remarks.
373a 4 Buff 11 3 139 × 83 Gummed.
1864.
DIE D.
VAR. 19.
415b 3 Buff 12 5 160 × 90 Gummed.
WRAPPERS.
DIE D.
VAR. 35.
No. Class. Paper. Dimensions. Laid. Remarks.
496a 5 Buff 100 × 200 H
ERRATA.
Page 13, last line under Head 6, read: _narrow_ for "norrow."
" 18, add to description of Var 2, Head XI: _there is usually a flaw
in the outer colored line opposite the lower left straight line near "C."_
Page 31, Head XVIII, second line, after "eye-brow", read; _some
distance_ instead of: "a considerable distance."
" 35, No. 46 should read: "W 2 3 139 × 82."
" " " 47 " " "B 2 3 "
" 37, No. 89 and 90, under "Remarks", add: "_Reprints on white
and buff vertically laid paper_."
" 38, No. 121 and 122, under "Remarks", cancel: "_Reprints on
white and buff vertically laid paper_."
" 42, Variety 3, add: "_distance from "E" to "C" is_ 3-1/2 _mm_."
" " The cut marked "7" should have its number changed to "9."
" 43, The cut marked "9" should have its number changed to "7."
" 52, No. 248, read: "V" instead of "H".
" " No. 270, dimensions should be: 180 × 260.
" 62, No. 327 and 327a are: Size 3.
" 85, No. 417, is gummed.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes
[HW:] contains handwritten errata notes, as listed above. Roman and
Arabic numeral inconsistencies were retained. Minor punctuation errors
and the following typos were corrected:
CONTENTS: Changed The 1853-55 Series from page 5 to 6.
Page 3: Changed "humilation" to "humiliation".
(it is an humilation to American philatelists)
Page 3: Changed "unkown" to "unknown".
(timorous traveler to proceed into the unkown country)
Page 4: Deleted duplicate "the".
(spacings between the the letters)
Page 5: Changed "ascer" to "ascertained".
(easy manner, we have ascer [end of line] three important classes.)
Page 6: Changed "proceeed" to "proceed".
(and the manufacture will at once proceeed.)
Page 7: Changed "accordence" to "accordance".
(In accordence with the instructions of the United States Postal)
Page 7: Changed "pecular" to "peculiar".
(artists, had pecular ideas of the manly beauty)
Page 7: Deleted duplicate "the".
(expression runs the the gamut of meekness)
Page 8: Changed "aquaintance" to "acquaintance".
(Die 1 are concerned, a thorough knowledge of, or aquaintance)
Page 31: Deleted duplicate "the".
(Together with the the side-lock)
Page 40: Changed "realty" to "reality".
(new SIX and TEN CENTS. In realty the latter two appeared)
Page 44: Changed "broarder" to "broader".
(To give the philatelist a broarder hold on this issue)
Page 59: Changed "bu" to "but".
(the SIX CENTS is very similar to the last one, bu)
Page 64: Changed "uts" to "cuts".
(Class V.--Line falls outside of "W" and sometimes uts "O.")
Page 65: Changed "luckly" to "lucky".
(a rarity possessed only by a few luckly mortals.)
Page 68: Changed "contracter" to "contractor".
(the contracter for furnishing the Post Office Department)
Page 68: Changed "vareties" to "varieties".
(five letters which differ greatly in many vareties.)
Page 69: Changed "measurment(s)" to "measurement(s)".
(and the measurments are made as follows:)
(The student who employs these measurments)
(In case of doubt that single measurment is decisive.)
(the characteristic line measurment is mentioned)
Page 75: Deleted duplicate "of".
(top stroke of of "T" nearly touches "W.")
Page 77: Changed "manilla" to "manila".
(Buff Orange and Light Manilla.)
Page 78: Changed "deteoriation" to "deterioration".
(This is due to great deteoriation of the die.)
Page 82: Changed "beheind" to "behind".
(Bust point beheind "O.")
Page 82: Deleted duplicate "and".
("C" almost vertical and and close to point.)
Page 84: Under VAR. 13: Changed "041" to "401".
Page 103: Changed "discriptions" to "descriptions".
(replace the discriptions of these varieties)