security of valuable letters posted for transmission in the
mails of the United States, the Postmaster General be, and
hereby is authorized to establish a uniform plan for the
registration of such letters on application of parties posting
the same, and to require the prepayment of the postage, as well
as a registration fee of five cents, on every such letter or
packet, to be accounted for by postmasters receiving the same,
in such manner as the Postmaster General may direct: Provided,
however, that such registration shall not be compulsory: and
shall not render the Post Office Department, or its revenues
liable for the loss of such letter or package, or the contents
thereof.
By this Act there was established for the first time compulsory
prepayment, at a uniform rate of 3 and 10 cents, according as the
distance was less or greater than 3,000 miles, upon letters in the
United States, and the Act of the XXXIV Congress, Session III, Chapter
1, approved January 2d, 1857, entitled: "An Act to provide for the
compulsory Prepayment of Postage on all transient printed matter," which
provided, that such postage "shall be prepaid by stamps or otherwise, as
the Postmaster General may direct," completes the legislation upon the
subject, so far as it is of interest here, up to the year 1861.
Upon the approval of this Act, the following circular, dated at
Washington, March 12th, 1855, was issued to postmasters:
NEW POSTAGE ACT.
INSTRUCTIONS TO POSTMASTERS.
The particular attention of Postmasters and others is invited to
the annexed Act, passed at the last session of Congress. It will
be observed:
1st. That from and after April 1st, 1855, the single rate of
postage on a letter conveyed in the mail, for any distance in
the United States, not exceeding three thousand miles, is three
cents, and for any distance exceeding three thousand miles, ten
cents.
2nd. That from and after April 1st, 1855, prepayment by stamps,
stamped envelopes or in money is compulsory.
3rd. That from and after January 1st, 1856, all letters, between
places in the United States, must be prepaid either by postage
stamps or stamped envelopes.
4th. That the laws relating to the Franking Privilege are not
altered.
5th. That the existing rates and regulations in regard to
letters to or from Canada, and all foreign countries, remain
unchanged.
Unpaid letters mailed before April 1st, 1855, will be forwarded
and delivered upon payment of the postage, by the person
addressed. Postage stamps and stamped envelopes, of the
denomination of ten cents, will be prepared and issued speedily,
and the Department will use every exertion to supply all post
offices with one and and three cent stamps also, as fast as they
are required.
Absolute prepayment being required on all letters to places
within the United States, from and after April 1st, 1855, great
care should be used as well in prepaying the proper amount on
letters above the weight of half an ounce, as on single letters.
Postmasters will post up conspicuously in their respective
offices a notice, calling attention to the provisions of the Act
requiring prepayment.
The provisions in regard to the registration of valuable letters
will be carried into effect, and special instructions issued on
the subject, as soon as the necessary blanks can be prepared and
distributed.
(Signed) JAMES CAMPBELL,
Postmaster General.
_Post Office Department, March 12, 1855._
N. B.--Copy of the Act of March 3d, 1855, on the back.
Another circular dated at Washington, Nov. 20th, 1855, also signed by
the Postmaster General, after reciting certain regulations which are
addressed to and concern only the postmasters themselves, contains the
following:
"Section 7. The denominations of postage stamps authorized by
the Department to be issued, are _one_, _three_, _five_, _ten_
and _twelve_ cents."
The one, three and twelve cents of the issue of 1851, remaining in use
without apparent change, and the same contract with Messrs. Toppan,
Carpenter, Cassilar & Co., of Philadelphia, remaining in force, the
following were added to the series:
ISSUE OF MAY 5TH, 1855.
TEN CENTS. Portrait of Washington, after Stewart, faced three-quarters
to the left, on an oval disk with hatched ground, bordered by a
colorless line between two fine colored lines, the colorless line
crossed in parts by small horizontal lines, on a hatched back-ground,
bordered by outlined foliations, which form small ovals in the upper
corners containing a colorless "X," with "_U. S. Postage_" in colored
capitals between them. Thirteen colorless stars on the ground above the
oval. "_Ten Cents_" in colorless capitals in a waved line below.
Plate impression, 18 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper.
10 cents, green.
This stamp was issued to provide for the single rate to California.
ISSUE OF JANUARY 5TH, 1856.
FIVE CENTS. Portrait of Jefferson, the third President of the United
States, faced three quarters to the right, on an oval disk, 121/2 by 151/2
mm., with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line between two fine
colored lines, in a broad frame with solid ground, ornamented by
colorless lines forming a geometric lathe pattern. This frame is
rounded at the corners, with a small projection of about 2 mm. between
at the top, bottom and sides, and is surrounded at a little distance by
a fine colored line following the same outline. On the back ground,
without labels, above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Five Cents_," in
colorless Roman capitals.
Plate impression, 19 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper.
5 cents, in shades of yellow brown, red brown,
and dark brown.
This stamp was issued to prepay the registration fee, but is often found
in unsevered pairs upon California letters, and sometimes in triplets
including the registration fee and a single postage to California.
On the 24th of April, 1856, a stamp of the value of twenty-four cents
was approved.
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Portrait of Washington, after Stewart, faced three
quarters to the right, on an oval disk, with hatched ground, bordered by
a colorless line, surrounded by a solid band of color, inscribed in
colorless Roman capitals, above "_U. S. Postage_," below "_Twenty-four
Cents_," separated by a sort of buckle at the sides. A broad solid
colored frame, ornamented by colorless lathe work is surrounded, at a
little distance, by a fine colored line, and the corners are rounded,
with a single swell between them above and below, and three between them
at the sides.
Plate impression, 181/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper.
24 cents, lilac.
Although made and approved, this stamp is said to have been withheld
from issue in this imperforate condition. They were finished and gummed,
and some of them seem to have gotten into circulation, as occasional
specimens are to be found in collections, and one entire sheet, at
least, is known to have existed.
OBSERVATIONS.
Every collector ought at least to be aware of the nature and character
of the varieties that exist in these stamps. Although many of them are
very minute, and can be distinguished only by the use of a good
magnifying glass, others, once noticed, can readily be selected by the
unassisted eye. Few will care, probably, to place more than the most
marked varieties in their collections, still fewer will have the
patience to explore the necessary piles of common "stock," in order to
find these marked varieties, for the most marked are the most uncommon,
or to distinguish the more minute varieties from each other.
The plates of all values printed 200 stamps each upon the sheet. Before
the stamps were distributed, each sheet was cut vertically into half
sheets, the place where they were to be cut being marked on the plate by
a vertical colored line, and each half containing ten rows of ten
stamps each. Upon each side of the plate, at a little distance from the
outer row of stamps, the tops of the letters being towards the stamps,
and running along the sides of the 5th and 6th stamp from the top or
bottom of the sheet, and part of the 4th and 7th stamp, is the maker's
imprint, "Toppan, Carpenter, Cassilar & Co., BANK NOTE ENGRAVERS,
Phila., New York, Boston and Cincinnati," with "No--P." in a second
line. This imprint was afterwards changed by leaving out the third name.
The one cent eagle is an exception, as the imprint here appears at the
top and bottom of the sheet, running along the space covered by four
stamps, and the sheet is said to have contained only 100 stamps.
Upon some of the sheets, of the other values, from the first plate,
there is also a vertical line from the top to bottom of the plate,
probably upon each outer margin. Upon other sheets, this does not
appear. Specimens of these are now difficult to obtain, as the wide
borders at the sides, the top and bottom of the sheets, were usually cut
off when the stamps were used.
ONE CENT UNPERFORATED.
The stamps are about 1/2 mm. apart between the nearest points of the tops
and bottoms, and 1 mm. between the nearest points of the sides.
It should be noticed that the top and bottom labels have a fine line
parallel to the solid body of the inscribed labels, both at the top and
bottom.
The imprint is about 11/2 mm. from the outer row of stamps. The central
vertical line is about 13/4 mm. from each central row. The side vertical
lines are about 33/4 mm. from the outside rows. These dimensions vary
slightly. There is little appreciable difference in the stamps in a
sheet, except in the thickness of the lines bordering or shading the
ornaments. In some specimens, these lines are all fine in all parts of
the stamp, in others, they are much heavier, and in others fine in parts
and heavy in other parts, in many gradations. The color used seems to
have been always the same, varying only in intensity, as more or less
ink was left on the paper in printing. Dark, or pale specimens, with
intermediate shades may therefore be found. The paper is always white,
but more or less tinted with the color of the stamp from imperfect
wiping of the plates.
THREE CENTS UNPERFORATED.
The number of plates used in printing this value unperforated, has not
been possible to determine. The distance between the stamps varies
considerably in different plates. In some, they are only 7/10 mm. apart
between the tops and bottoms, in others a little over 1 mm. In some they
are only 9/10 mm. apart between the side lines, in other fully 1-2/10
mm. Specimens with broad, white margins (A) show the paper to have
extended, sometimes 15 mm. beyond the stamps. The vertical lines are (B)
6 mm., or (C) 21/2, 3 and 33/4 mm. from the center rows. The makers imprint
(D) is about 11/2 mm. from the outer rows, but varies slightly in
different sheets.
The process of making these plates is said to have been; first to mark
out on a soft plate of steel the points at which the right vertical line
of each vertical row of stamps was to come, by a dot at the top and
bottom of the plate. These dots were sometimes too large and too heavily
put in, and may be found in some specimens (E) at or near, the upper or
lower right hand corner of the stamp. The lines however were not always
accurately drawn so that the dot appears (F) on the top or bottom line,
at a distance to the left of the corner, or (G) above the line, or (H)
below the line, or (I) entirely outside of the stamp to the right. These
lines having been drawn, the next step in the process was to put in the
body of the design, which had been engraved on a soft steel punch or
die, and then hardened, by placing the die successively in the position
to be occupied by each stamp on the plate, and "rocking" it back and
forth under pressure. As this process was not as perfect as that now
employed, the die was not always placed in exactly the proper position,
not infrequently being too near or too far from the vertical side lines,
or the die was not rocked far enough, and the edges were left imperfect.
In the design, it was evidently intended that the outside lines should
be equally distant from the top and bottom labels, and the side edges of
the block, and that the corners should be exactly mitered. The top and
bottom lines are practically always at the same distance from the
labels, and one engraver maintains that they were engraved on the die.
But specimens are plentiful in which (a) the top and bottom line
projects beyond the side line, or (b) does not touch it, or rarely (c)
is double or split, or again the side line (d) projects beyond the top
or bottom line, or (e) does not touch it. Again, instead of the side
line being (f) at the proper distance from the corner blocks, it is not
infrequently (g) too far from one or more of them, or (h) too near one
or more of them, or (i) touches one or more of them. Again, the side
line is found (j) connecting with the next stamp above or below, and
occasionally there is a second line (J) near this between two stamps.
In the die itself it will be noticed that the lower left block is almost
always a little further to the left than the top one, in fact, that the
distance from the right of the right block to the left of the left block
is about 1/4 of a mm. greater at the bottom than at the top of the stamp.
The lower right rosette is a little too far also to the right,
ordinarily at least. The blocks vary in size in the same and different
stamps, as well as the diamonds in them, which are not of uniform shape
or size. The labels above and below are crowded upon the rosettes. The
sides of the groundwork should terminate in a straight line, formed by
the bases of the little colored triangles, which touch each other. But
this line is often broken in appearance as parts of it are too finely
cut, or the die was not rocked far enough. In some cases this seems to
have been remedied by re-engraving this line, and there is a heavy line,
independent of the base lines of the triangles extending, (K) from
rosette to rosette, (L) from the lower rosette to the upper triangle,
(M) from the lower rosette to the middle of the upper triangle, (N) from
the lower rosette to the top of the upper triangle, (O) from the lower
rosette to the upper block, (P) a light line extending from the lower
rosette to the upper block, (Q) a heavy line extending from the middle
of the lower block to the upper triangle, (R) or from the middle of the
lower triangle to the upper rosette. Frequently there is a light line
(S) from the side of the triangle in the corner to the adjacent block.
The triangles are ordinarily shaded by horizontal parallel lines, and
are formed by a single fine line on the top and vertical sides, while
the curved side is double. But the following variations occur: (T) the
triangle has a heavy side line, (U) a double side line, (V) a triple
side line, (W) is white or nearly so, the horizontal line having
disappeared.
Again it will be found that there are added lines along the whole or
part of either side line, making these double, or even triple. Thus
whether there is a distinct line, as described, between the rosettes,
etc., or not, if the next line be called the frame line, there may be
found varieties with an extra line outside the frame line, but (k) very
near it, (l) farther from it, (m) very heavy, the frame line being
thin, (n) the frame line split into two parts from the middle up, (o)
frame line split into two parts from chin up, (p) two extra side lines
all the way, (q) extra line from the level of the chin to the upper
rosette, (r) extra line from the level of the lips to upper rosette, (s)
from the level of the lips to the centre of the rosette, (t) from the
level of the nose to the top of the triangle, (u) from the level of the
breast to the top of the triangle, (v) opposite the bottom rosette. If
there be added to these letters the numerals 1 to express the left side,
2 the right when the variations occur along the whole side, and 1 for
the top, 3 for the bottom on the left side, 2 for the top, and 4 for the
bottom on the right side, when the variations occur only at the top or
bottom, the following table will facilitate investigation.
On the On the
LEFT Specimens Showing RIGHT
at the at the
Top Bottom Top Bottom
A^1 broad margin over 6 mm. and no line A^2
B^1 " " ver. line 6 mm. from stamp B^2
C^1 " " " 21/2 to 31/2 " C^2
D^1 " " printer's imprint D^2
... ... dot on or near the corner E^2 E^4
... ... " " the end line, away from corner F^2 F^4
... ... " above " G^2 G^4
... ... " below " H^2 H^4
... ... " outside the corner I^2 I^4
a^1 a^3 end line projecting beyond the corner a^2 a^4
b^1 b^3 " " not touching " b^2 b^4
c^3 " " split or double c^4
d^1 d^3 side " projecting beyond " d^2 d^4
e^1 e^3 " " not touching " e^2 e^4
f^1 f^3 " " ordinary distance from block f^2 f^4
g^1 g^3 " " too far from " g^2 g^4
h^1 h^3 " " too close to " h^2 h^4
i^1 i^3 " " touching the " i^2 i^4
j^1 j^3 " " connecting with the next stamp j^2 j^4
... ... " " and another " " " J^2 ...
K^1 heavy " from rosette to rosette K^2
L^1 " " " low. roset. to up'r triangle L^2
M^1 " " " lo. r. to mid. of " " M^2
N^1 " " " " " top of " " N^2
O^1 " " " " " " block O^2
P^1 light " " " " " " P^2
Q^1 heavy " " mid. low. block to triangle Q^2
R^1 " " " " tri. to up. roset. R^2
S^1 S^3 fine " " triangle to adjoining block S^2 S^4
T^1 T^3 triangle with heavy side line T^2 T^4
U^1 U^3 " extra " U^2 U^4
V^1 V^3 " 2 " " V^2 V^4
W^1 W^3 " white or nearly so W^2 W^4
k^1 extra line, outside frame line near it k^2
l^1 " " " " far off l^2
m^1 heavy " " thin frame line m^2
n^1 frame " split into 2 parts half way n^2
o^1 " " " " 3/4 " ...
p^1 two extra lines, continuous ...
q^1 extra line frame, lev. of chin to up'r roset. ...
r^1 " " " lips " ...
s^1 " " " " center roset. ...
t^1 " " " nose, top of trian. ...
u^1 " " " breast, " ...
v^1 " opposite the bottom rosette ...
All the variations mentioned in this table have been found. It is
scarcely possible that each of them exists separately, i. e.; on
specimens that are in other respects normal. Many of them have been
found so, but most of them only in combination. The following may be
mentioned:
A, B, C, D. Specimens showing broad margins with no outer line,
with outer line 6 mm. from stamp, with outer line about 3 mm.
from the stamp, or with printer's imprint, have been found, both
from the left and right sides of the sheet, with all the other
parts normal. These would be,
A^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, A^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, B^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, B^2 f^{1 2 3 4},
C^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, C^2 f^{1 2 3 4}, D^1 f^{1 2 3 4}, D^2 f^{1 2 3 4}.
With the vertical line about 3 mm. from the stamp, three corners
only normal, the side line too near the lower right block, a dot
on the upper right corner, the right line connected with the
stamp below, and a fine line from each of the upper triangles to
the block above, which would be C^2 f^{1 2 3} h^4 E^2 j^4 S^{2 4}.
And also with the vertical line about 3 mm. from the stamp, all
the corners normal, a heavy line terminating the ground between
the rosettes on the right, both the triangles on the right
connected with the blocks next them, and an extra vertical line
in the upper right triangle, which would be C^2 f^{1 2 3 4} K^2
S^{2 4} U^2, which will serve to show the character of the
combinations in which these varieties may be found.
Varieties showing the dot, E to I, generally present other
varieties also. The following combinations may be noted:
With the bottom line double, or rather split, three of the
triangles have fine connecting lines, c^3 c^4 S^{2 3 4}.
With the right side prolonged, and continuous with the side line
of the stamp above or below, j^2 or j^4.
With the right side line prolonged upwards, and continuous with
the lower, but not with the upper stamp and a second line 1 mm.
to left from stamp to stamp, J^2.
With the extra line outside the frame line on right and near it,
all the other parts being normal, the line of the ground work
not appearing as a separate line, k^2.
With an extra line outside the frame line on right and near it,
a heavy line from rosette to rosette on the right, giving the
appearance of three parallel lines on that side, a similar line
from rosette to rosette on the left, and a fine line from the
upper right triangle to block, k^2 K^{2 1} S^2.
With the same arrangement, but the heavy line on the right of
ground extends to the top of the upper triangle, there is a fine
line to the block, k^2 K^1 N^2 S^2.
With an extra line outside the frame line on the right but
further from it. The left line touches the rosette, and is very
near the upper left block. The upper triangles both have the
extra vertical line, and the right triangles both have the fine
line connecting them with the adjacent block, l^2 h^1 U^{1 2}
S^{2 4}.
With the right frame line split into two parts in its lower
half. The upper right triangle has the extra vertical line, and
the fine line to upper block, n^2 U^2 S^2.
With the extra line outside the left frame line, and a distinct
line between the left rosettes, the right line near the corner
blocks, k^1 K^1 h^{2 4}.
With the same peculiarities, but frame line touches the lower
left corner, k^1 K^1 h^2 i^4.
With two extra lines outside the left frame line, and a heavy
line between the left rosettes, so that the stamp appears to
have four lines on that side. The right frame line runs from
block to block, touching both triangles and rosettes. There is a
dot in the lower right corner, and another to the left of it,
p^1 S^1 i^{2 4} E^4 F^4.
With the extra line on the left very light, and a heavier one
outside, and the ground does not appear to end in a line, m^1.
With the extra line on the left the usual thickness, and the
frame line heavier. The right frame line touches all the parts
on that side, l^1 i^{2 4}.
With the frame line on the left split into two parts from the
level of the chin up, the inner touches the rosette, the
triangle and almost touches the block. The right frame line is
split into two parts in the lower half. Both the right triangles
have the finer line, and the upper the extra vertical line, q^1
i^2 n^2 U^{2 4} S^4.
With the extra outside line from level of lips to the upper
rosette. All four triangles are connected with the blocks, the
upper right and lower left have the extra vertical line, r^1
U^{1 2 3 4} S^{3 4}.
With extra outside line from level of the lips to the level of
the center of the rosette. The frame line is too near the top on
the left, the upper right triangle is connected with the block,
and has the extra vertical line, the lower right triangle is
also connected with the block, s^1 h^1 S^{2 4} U^2.
With the extra left line from the level of the nose to the top
of the rosette, the upper right triangle connected with the
upper block, and with extra vertical line, t^1 S^2 U^2.
With the extra line on the left from the level of the breast to
the top of the rosette, the frame line is too near the upper
left corner, and an extra vertical line in all the triangles,
u^1 i^1 U^{1 2 3 4}.
With the extra line on the left opposite the bottom rosette
only. The two upper triangles are connected with the blocks, and
an extra line in the upper right one, v^1 S^{1 2} U^2.
With the left frame line heavy, and too near to the bottom
block, a split runs off to left half way down. Both sides appear
to have a heavy line from rosette to rosette, but the left one
is irregular, all the triangles are connected with the adjoining
blocks, and all except the lower right one have the extra
vertical line, h^3 n^1 S^{1 2 3 4} U^{1 2 3} K^{1 2}.
In the above descriptions, no mention has been made of those parts that
are in their proper ordinary position.
These varieties are the leading ones, and are probably more than enough
to show the combinations. Less conspicuous ones are numberless. Owing to
the scarcity of adhering specimens, and the uncertainty as to how many
plates were actually employed, no attempt has been made to reconstruct
any plate. It is perhaps necessary to repeat that the collection of any,
except perhaps the more marked varieties, is not advocated.
The color of these stamps varies wonderfully, every shade from pale to
dark, with yellowish vermilion, pink, red, and carmine may be found.
Some are undoubtedly changelings from accidental causes, particularly
those that run from brown and black brown, to an almost jet black, which
were at one time much sought after.
UNPERFORATED FIVE CENTS.
The stamps are about 11/2 mm. apart each way on the sheet. All have the
projection at the top and bottom. Double and triple adhering specimens
may be found, but are rare. The imprint is on the sides, 13/4 mm. from the
stamps. No specimens have been found with vertical lines.
The color is generally dark, either a chestnut brown, or with a stronger
reddish cast.
UNPERFORATED TEN CENTS.
The stamps are 21/2 mm. apart each way on the sheet. The imprint is at
about 13/4 mm. from the side rows. The few specimens with the vertical
lines examined, show it at 3 mm. from the stamps. The color is a
yellow-green, of which dark and light impressions may readily be found.
A block of four used, adhering 2 and 2, is possessed by Mr. Sterling.
UNPERFORATED TWELVE CENTS.
The stamps are 1 mm. apart each way on the sheet. The vertical line 21/2
mm. from the stamps. No specimens with the imprint have come under the
notice of the author. The color is very uniform, slightly greyish-black.
Adhering specimens are rare. A pair adhering by the sides, used, and a
block of four unused, are in Mr. Sterlings' collection, and the curious
specimens divided diagonally, on the original letters, in the same
collection, have already been mentioned.
UNPERFORATED TWENTY-FOUR CENTS.
The imprint is at the side, 13/4 mm. from the stamp. The stamps are 2 mm.
apart. The rarity of specimens has prevented further examination. The
color of the specimens seen is lilac, with the reddish cast.
ONE CENT "CARRIER," (FRANKLIN.)
This stamp was never issued perforated. The imprint is 4 mm. from the
side rows, and the stamps are about 1 mm. apart.
ONE CENT "CARRIER," (EAGLE.)
This stamp was never issued perforated, and any specimens so catalogued
will be found to be the reprints. The printer's imprint is at the bottom
or top of the four centre rows in the sheet. As the Department is
accustomed to call the half sheets issued "sheets," it is often
difficult to know which is meant. It has been stated that there are only
100 stamps on the plate. The imprint is 4 mm. from the stamps, and the
places where the stamps are to be cut apart are indicated by single
lines ruled horizontally and vertically.
XIX.
THE ISSUE OF 1857.
Without any change in the law, and, so far as is known, without any
announcement of the improvement, on the 24th of February, 1857, the
three cent value of the type of 1851 was issued perforated, and the
other values of the series speedily followed with the perforation, and
so remained without addition until the middle of 1860.
ISSUE OF 1857.
Same values, types and colors as the prior issue, perforated with 15
holes in the space of two millimetres.
Plate impression, in color, on white paper, perforated 15.
1 cent, shades of indigo blue.
3 " " " red.
5 " " " brown.
10 " " " green.
12 " " " black.
The report of the Postmaster General, dated December 1st, 1860, states
that:
"Larger denominations of postage stamps have been adopted and
introduced, especially intended for the purpose of affording
requisite facilities to prepay the postage on letters to foreign
countries, and of removing all excuse heretofore existing for
paying such postages in money. The new denominations are
twenty-four cents, thirty cents and ninety cents. The two latter
have been introduced since July 1st, last," i. e. since the
commencement of the new fiscal year.
ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1860.
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. The stamp described on page 95 as prepared
imperforated in 1856, but not regularly issued in that condition, was
now issued perforated.
Plate impression, 181/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
15.
24 cents, lilac.
ISSUE OF AUGUST 12TH, 1860.
THIRTY CENTS. Head of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to the left, similar
to that on, the Carrier's Stamp of September, 1851, on an oval disk with
hatched back-ground bounded by a colorless line ornamented by a single
fine colored line. A colored back-ground fills out the rectangle and is
ornamented by a shield of the United States in each of the four corners,
the bottom of the shields pointed towards the center, and the ground
just behind them ornamented by colorless rays, with a foliated ornament
on each side of them. Between the ornaments in colorless capitals, on
the solid ground, above, in two lines, "_U. S._" and "_Postage_," below
"30," on the left side "_Thirty_," and on the right side "_Cents_."
Plate impression, 20 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 15.
30 cents, orange.
ISSUE OF AUGUST 13TH, 1860.
NINETY CENTS. Bust of Washington, in General's uniform, after Trumbal,
faced three quarters to the left, on closely hatched ground, appearing
nearly solid, square below, arched above, bordered by a colorless line.
Solid arched label above, inscribed in colorless capitals, "_U. S.
Postage_"; below, solid straight label, inscribed in the same letters
"_Ninety Cents_." The ends of the upper label are curved inwards, those
of the lower label outwards, and the colorless line borders the ends and
remaining side of each. Outside a double colored line borders all,
forming foliated ornaments, etc. There is an added colored line at the
top and bottom, and fine lines shading the ornaments.
Plate impression, 181/2 by 24 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
15.
90 cents, deep indigo blue.
The twenty-four cents was required to prepay the single rate of postage
on letters to England, and the thirty cents to prepay the single rate on
letters to Germany. The ninety cents does not seem to have been required
for any single rate. The contract with the Bank Note Engravers, Toppan,
Carpenter and Co., expired on the 10th of June, 1861, and all the stamps
made by them were withdrawn from circulation, and ceased to be
available for postage, between August 1st, 1861, and January 1st 1862,
as will appear from the circulars quoted, relating to the issue of 1861.
They have been reprinted, differently perforated, and sold to collectors
by the department. (See chapter on reprints.)
OBSERVATIONS.
The one, three, five, ten and twelve cent values were first made by
perforating sheets from the original plates, and later, certain changes
were made that require to be noticed.
ONE CENT, PERFORATED.
The first perforated sheets being from the same plates as the
unperforated, the same observations apply to them. It is to be noticed
that these had the fine colored line outside the labels _at the top and
bottom_. Owing to the nearness of the stamps on the sheets the
perforation generally cut into the stamps, either at the top or bottom,
and cut these lines, but the remains will be found on the points left
between the holes. Careful search will secure specimens in which both
these lines are intact, though they are somewhat rare. The vertical
lines, printer's imprint, etc., are of course in the same positions, and
the same varieties of finer or coarser lines may be found. The color
varies in the same degree. The paper is apparently the same, with the
same tinting, from the imperfectly wiped plates.
In later specimens, however, the attempt was made to keep the
perforations from impinging on the printed portion. This was done by
removing the larger portion of the fine colored lines outside the
labels, and with them, portions of the upper and lower ornaments. In
many cases, they appear to have been wiped off, and the ends are
smudged. In others, they are clear and distinct. A great many varieties
result, as a greater or less portion of the lines or ornaments were
removed. Some of them are curious enough, in stamps that have always
been supposed to present no varieties. The fact being pointed out, it is
hardly worth while to attempt to distinguish them.
The vertical lines and printer's imprints are in the same positions.
The stamps are still so near together that evenly perforated specimens,
i. e.; specimens in which the perforation does not cut some portion of
the stamp, are not easily found.
_Two marked varieties_ may be noticed. In one, the outer fine line _is
removed above the top label_, while that under the bottom is left
intact. In the other, this outer line is removed _below the bottom
label_, while it remains intact above the top label. Both these
variations are exceedingly uncommon and appear to belong to the bottom
and top rows of the sheet respectively, though this has not been
verified. The same observations may be repeated as to variations in the
thickness of lines, the color of the paper and the impression.
_Oddities._ Specimen showing two rows of perforations at the top and
bottom. Specimen without the outer lines to labels, unperforated.
THREE CENTS PERFORATED.
The first perforated sheets of the three cents were from the same plate
as the last unperforated sheets, and consequently have the rectangular
outside frame lines, not only at the sides, but at the top and bottom as
well. As the stamps measure 25 mm. vertically and are only 1 mm. apart,
and the horizontal rows of perforation are about 251/2 mm. from center to
center of the holes vertically, the perforations generally cut into the
stamp and partially obliterate these lines. As the stamps are only 1 mm.
apart at the sides, and are 191/2 mm. wide, and the vertical rows of
perforations are 201/2 mm. from center to center of the holes horizontally
and the holes are nearly 1 mm. in diameter, the side perforations also
usually cut into some part of the stamp. It is therefore quite difficult
to find good specimens of this variety, and to distinguish some of the
minor varieties, as the corners are generally imperfect. Specimens were
found showing the sheet cut along the colored vertical line, and (X)
perforated between this line and the stamp, from either half of the
sheet. New plates were however, soon constructed. In one of these, No.
24, the side lines are drawn on the plate from the top to the bottom,
and are about 191/2 mm. apart. The fine outer lines at the top and bottom
are entirely omitted. The maker's imprint, "Toppan, Carpenter & Co.,
Bank Note Engravers, Phila., New York, Boston and Cincinnati," 11/4 mm.
from the outer rows, is 68 mm. long. "No. 24 P," is 4 mm. from the
outer rows. The vertical center line is 13/4 mm. from the stamp. The sheet
measures 418 mm. from side to side, and 2521/2 mm. from top to bottom of
the printed part. The paper is 447 by 283 mm. The vertical rows of
stamps are 11/2 mm. apart, and the vertical rows of perforations nearly 21
mm. apart horizontally from center to center of the holes. The last two
rows at the sides are a little further apart. The horizontal rows of
holes are 251/2 mm. apart vertically. Most of the differences in the
stamps on this sheet arise from the fact that the central portion is not
always placed in the same position in regard to the vertical lines. A
few of the stamps show dots in or near the corners.
In some the lines are too near some of the corners, in some too far off,
and in others they touch and even cut into the blocks. Some few show
double or partly double lines.
The whole sheet from plate 24, above mentioned, does not contain all the
varieties round, nor are they arranged just in the same order that they
appear in portions of other sheets examined.
All the varieties possible, considering merely the position of the
corners and side lines, would be 246. So that each stamp on a sheet
might be different in this respect without showing them all.
In sheet 24 however, only 32 exist. There are therefore, a number of
each variety, as follows, by the table previously given:
hhhh 1 hiif 1 ifih 2 fihh 5
hhhf 2 hifh 1 ifif 13 fiih 8
hhih 16 hfif 3 fhhh 2 fiii 2
hhif 20 ihih 14 fhhi 1 fiif 9
hihh 2 ihif 32 fhhf 2 fihh 2
hihi 2 iiih 7 fhih 3 fihi 3
hiih 20 iiii 12 fhif 5 ffhf 1
hiii 5 iiif 1 fhff 1 ffif 2
The 11th stamp in the first horizontal row, the 11th and 12th in the
second row, the 13th in the 4th row, and the 17th to 20th in the 10th
row show an extra line to the left of the left bottom rosette, V^1.
In the 18th vertical row the left line actually cuts through the left
block in four specimens which are marked as if it merely touched in the
foregoing list.
The 14th and 15th stamps in the top row show the dot.
The 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th stamps in the upper row show
the right vertical line not only too far, g^2 g^4, as marked, but very
far from the corner block.
The 9th stamp in the upper row has the double left line.
The center stamps of this sheet are all of the varieties marked hiih in
the list, on the right half of the sheet, and hhih or hhif, on the left
half.
None of the more prominent varieties are to be found on this sheet
unless the 9th stamp in the upper row may be considered as such. Loose
specimens from other plates show the vertical line only 7/8 mm. from the
stamps. Some of these are otherwise like those mentioned before, and
hfhg, gfff and ffhf from the left side, and hfhh, fhfg, fgfg and ifig
have also been noted. The above are all cut at or near the vertical
line. Some of the same varieties exist perforated along this line, and
higg and fihh exist also so perforated. In loose specimens have also
been found, igig, ihih, ifif, hhhf, hhhi, hhfh, hhff, hhif, hfhh, hfif,
hfig, hgig, hgif, hifi, hiih, gfgh, gfgf, gfff, ghgh, gigi, ffff, fffh,
ffhg, fgfg, fghf, fghg, fgig, fhfh, figh, varieties not on sheet from
plate 24.
Passing now from these varieties dependent upon the nearness of the
lines and corner blocks the following more interesting variations may be
found:
With the upper left corners too far from the blocks, the others being
ordinary; there is an extra line outside the frame line and close to it,
at the right, g^1 f^{2 3 4} k^2.
With the upper left corner too far from the block, the lower left corner
too near to the block, an extra line outside the frame line and close to
it, g^1 f^2 h^3 f^4 k^2.
With the upper left corner too far from the block, the others ordinary,
the frame line light, the extra line heavier. Numerous specimens showing
the frame line broken, those with it perfect are much rarer, g^1 f^{2 3
4} m^2.
With the upper right corner very near the block, all the others ordinary
but the right frame line runs only half way down, and into the ground
work. The extra line outside is the real side line, beginning too far
from the upper right corner, and running down to the right position at
the bottom (Y). Both the triangles on the right have the fine line
connecting them with the adjacent blocks, and also the extra vertical
line, f^1 i^2 t^{3 4} Y^2 S^{2 4} U^{2 4}.
With the side line on the right starting at the usual distance from the
block, and running off to the right, and ending half way down, at nearly
twice the distance from the body of the stamps at which it started. A
second line starts at the proper distance from the stamp, and inside the
other at about the level of the lower point of the upper triangle, and
runs off to the right, down to the level of the lower rosette. A third
line starts at the proper distance from the stamp, inside this at about
the middle of the stamp, and runs down straight, (Z) g^1 f^2 i^3 f^4
S^{1 2 3} Z^2.
With the right line split about 1/2 way down, into two or three parts, i^1
f^{2 3} g^4 n^2.
With an extra line on both sides, f^{1 2} g^3 f^4 k^1 k^2.
With an extra line outside the left frame line, but far from it (almost
the same distance as the frame line is from the blocks), f^1 f^2 h^3 g^4
l^1.
With the frame line thin, often broken, and the extra line heavy and
further off. The outer line is really the one drawn on the plate, and
the inner line probably put in afterwards. A number of differing
specimens. Also one in which there is no side line on the left except a
very thin line from the level of the chin down, and another from the
middle of the lower triangle down, apparently an impression from a worn
plate, the left margin is wide, the perforation cutting into the next
stamp, m^1 in varieties.
With the left frame line split into two parts from the level of the chin
up, n^1.
These variations, and a few others easily recognized, not found in the
imperforate stamps add to the table:
LEFT. RIGHT.
Top Bottom Top Bottom
X^1 perforated along center line X^2
... extra line inside half way Y^2
... side line starts thrice Z^2
extra line opposite lower 1/2 of stamp w^4
" " " 1/4 " x^4
" cen. of roset. to cen. of stamp y^4
" lower block to upper " z^4
The color of all these stamps varies like the unperforated greatly, and
the same remarks concerning it might be here repeated.
PERFORATED FIVE CENTS.
The stamps are 21/2 mm. apart between the sides and 11/2 between the tops
and bottoms; the imprint etc., as before. In these sheets the
perforations generally cut into the stamp. They were printed in many
varying shades of several colors; dark brown, dark black-brown, yellow
brown, red brown, and almost rose.
The second plate was slightly altered. The little projection or salie at
the top and bottom was partially or wholly removed, forming the
following variations:
5 cents perforated, projection at top and bottom.
" " 1/2 " " "
" " no " " or "
The color is very variable, numerous shades of dark black-brown, dark
chestnut-brown, brown, and yellow-brown may be found.
PERFORATED TEN CENTS.
The stamps were apparently, a little further apart in some sheets than
in others, and the color presents only shades of the yellow-green. A
specimen is shown perforated in two rows at the sides.
PERFORATED TWELVE CENTS.
There seems to have been no change in this value. An oddity is shown,
showing two extra lines at the right.
TWENTY-FOUR, THIRTY AND NINETY CENTS.
The plates for these values having been prepared with a view to
perforating, the stamps are arranged about 13/4 mm. apart between the
sides, and 11/4 mm. apart between the tops and bottoms. There is very
little difference to be noted in the color beyond a dark and lighter
shade of the orange of the thirty cents, and of the dark blue of the
ninety cents. There are however, two shades of the lilac of the
twenty-four cents, a red and a blue cast.
XX.
THE ISSUE OF 1861.
The reason for the introduction of this issue is not to be found in any
change in the law. The report of the Postmaster General, dated on
December 2d, 1861, states that:
"The contract for the manufacture of postage stamps having
expired on the 10th of June, 1861, a new one was entered into
with the National Bank Note Company of New York, upon terms
very advantageous to the Department, from which there will
result an annual saving of more than thirty per cent, in the
cost of the stamps. In order to prevent the fraudulent use of
the large quantity of stamps remaining unaccounted for, in the
hands of postmasters in the disloyal States, it was deemed
advisable to change the design and the color of those
manufactured under the new contract, and also to modify the
design of the stamp upon the stamped envelope, and to substitute
as soon as possible the new for the old issues. It was the
design of the Department that the distribution of the new stamps
and envelopes should commence on the first of August, but, from
unavoidable delays, that of the latter did not take place until
the 15th of that month. * * * Those of the old issue have been
exchanged and superseded. The old stamps on hand, and such as
were received by exchange, at the larger offices, have been to a
great extent counted and destroyed, and those at the smaller
offices returned to the Department."
The Act of the 27th Congress, Statute II, Chapter 37, Section 14,
approved March 3d, 1861, had so qualified the Act of 1851:
"As to require the ten cent rate of postage to be prepaid on
letters in the mail, from any point in the United States east of
the Rocky Mountains to any State or Territory on the Pacific,
and from any State or Territory on the Pacific to any point in
the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. And all drop
letters shall be prepaid by postage stamps."
Other sections also introduced minor changes in the rates on printed
matter, which it is not important to notice.
The denomination of the stamps of the new issue therefore remained at
first the same.
The circular letter from the Department to the several postmasters,
informing them of the change is as follows:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
_Finance Office_ ... 1861.
POSTMASTER,
Sir: You will receive herewith a supply of postage stamps which
you will observe are of a new style, differing both in design
and color, from those hitherto used, and having the letters U.
S. in the lower corners of each stamp, and its respective
denomination indicated by figures as well as letters. You will
immediately give public notice through the newspapers and
otherwise, that you are prepared to exchange stamps of the new
style for an equivalent amount of the old issue, during a period
of six days from the date of the notice, and that the latter
will not thereafter be received in payment of postage on letters
sent from your office.
You will satisfy yourself by personal inspection that stamps
offered in exchange have not been used through the mails or
otherwise; and if in any case you have good grounds for
suspecting that stamps presented to you for exchange, were sent
from any of the disloyal states, you will not receive them
without due investigation.
Immediately after the expiration of the above period of six
days, you will return to the Third Assistant Postmaster General
all stamps of the old style in your possession, including such
as you may obtain by exchange, placing them in a secure package,
which must be carefully registered in the manner prescribed by