offices of weights of the denomination of grams, 15 grams to equal one
half ounce, and the postal laws to be applied accordingly.
Also the Act of the XL Congress, Session I, Chapter 246, Section 10 and
11, approved July 29th, 1868, provided penalties for re-using stamps
that had once paid postage, and authorized the sale of stamps at a
discount of five per cent to persons to sell again as agents.
OBSERVATIONS.
The plates of this issue having been prepared with a view of
perforating, the stamps are placed sufficiently far apart to allow a
perforation, without ordinarily cutting into the stamps. Occasionally
eccentricities may be found, which are the result of accident. The
sheets, as in the previous issue, consist of 200 stamps, the central
point is indicated by three lines at the top and at the bottom, and the
sheets are cut apart on this line and distributed in half sheets of 100,
or ten stamps in ten rows. The printer's imprint is generally to be
found at the center of the top and bottom of each half sheet, at about 4
mm. from the printed stamps, and consists of a small colored label with
a dotted edge, inscribed "National Bank Note Co." preceded by "New
York," and followed by "City" in colored capitals. The plate number also
appears near this.
The ONE CENT varies in color from a pale blue to a dark blue, generally
of the shade known as ultramarine. The paper is ordinarily white with a
yellowish cast, but there are specimens which appear surfaced with the
same ink as the stamp, which is probably an accident from imperfect
wiping of the plates, and others the paper of which has a pale pink
cast, both on the front and back.
The TWO CENTS varies from grey to black, with occasional specimens
partially tinted with the ink, probably from the same cause as in the
one cent.
_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides.
The THREE CENTS varies from a very faint rose to a deep rose, with
occasional specimens tinted as in the other values, probably from the
same cause.
_Variety._ Doubly perforated at sides.
" " top and bottom.
There are also a few specimens known of a scarlet tint. They resemble
the ordinary stamps of this value in all other particulars, and it does
not appear to be settled whether they were ever used or not. Proofs,
both perforated and unperforated, exist in this shade, and the better
opinion would seem to be that all of this shade are proofs. It is
claimed, however, that a sheet, or part of a sheet unused, was picked up
at the New York Post Office by a collector.
Strips of ten stamps adhering, forming a vertical row from the sheet,
and showing a double perforation along the sides are also exhibited.
Unperforated specimens have been catalogued.
The FIVE CENTS was originally issued in a pale yellow brown or ochre,
but was changed in September to a darker brown, with a reddish cast,
there is also a brown with a yellowish cast, another with a blackish
cast and a chestnut brown. It would appear that the latter is the true
color composed of red, yellow and black, and that the others result from
some improper mixing of these colors, by which one or the other
predominates.
_Variety._ Doubly perforated at the sides.
A "yellowish brown," meaning the brown with a yellowish cast, has been
chronicled unperforated.
The TEN CENTS is light and dark green. The lighter shade is generally
called a yellow-green, but the two shades differ only in intensity.
The TWELVE AND FIFTEEN CENTS also vary from grey to deep black.
The TWENTY-FOUR CENTS is violet, and pale or dark lilac.
The THIRTY CENTS is of two shades of orange, and an orange-brown.
The NINETY CENTS is faint deep blue and indigo blue.
The number of the several values of these stamps issued, without the
_grille_ is approximated as follows: it being not quite certain whether
a few with the grille were not issued prior to the dates to which the
enumeration is made.
1 cent 91,256,650
2 cents 254,265,050
3 cents 1,847,559,100
5 cents 8,258,460
10 cents 28,872,780
12 cents 7,639,525
15 cents 2,139,300
24 cents 10,238,650
30 cents 3,208,980
90 cents 337,770
XXI.
THE ISSUE OF 1867-9.
The Act of the XXXIX Congress, Session I, Chapter 114, Section 7,
approved June 12th, 1866, entitled an Act to amend the Postal Laws, had
provided among other things.
"Sec. 7. And be it further enacted: that whenever it shall
become expedient in the opinion of the Postmaster General to
substitute a different kind of postage stamps for those now in
use, he shall be, and is hereby authorized to modify the
existing contracts for the manufacture of postage stamps, so as
to allow the contractors a sum sufficient to cover the increased
expenses, if any, of manufacturing stamps so substituted."
The Report for the Postmaster General for the year ending June 30th,
1867, states that experiments had been made in printing postage stamps
on an embossed paper, which appeared to offer a fair guarantee against
fraud; that the tissues of the paper were broken by the process, so that
the ink of the cancelling stamps penetrated the stamps in such a manner
as to render cleaning impossible; that the adhesiveness of the stamps
was also increased, to say nothing of other advantages, which recommend
the invention. Some of these curious experiments will be noticed in the
chapter on Essays. The plan adopted was, however, to emboss the stamp,
after it was printed, with a series of small square points, arranged in
the form of a rectangle, much in the same way that checks are sometimes
treated to prevent alteration. This breaks the tissues of the paper. The
French collectors call this a _grille_, or grating, which it resembles.
There were several varieties used on this issue, and they were applied
to the stamps then current, without other change in the design, paper,
color or gum.
ISSUE OF 1867 TO 1869.
The first variety was a grille covering the entire stamp, adopted May
8th, 1867, and applied only to the;
3 cents, rose, perforated 12, grilled all over.
If this is examined with a glass on the face of the stamp, there appear
to be rows of slightly raised squares, separated by depressed straight
lines, with a still more raised cross, formed by diagonal lines running
from corner to corner of the square. If the back is examined, the
straight lines appear raised, the crosses depressed. In all specimens
examined, the embossing is very flat.
The second variety does not cover the entire stamp, but shows a
rectangle, measuring 13 by 16 mm., composed of 16 rows of 20 small
squares each. It was adopted August 8th, 1867, and was applied only to
the;
3 cents, rose, perforated 12, large grille.
Copies with this grille may be found in which one side row or the other
shows only half squares instead of whole ones, also with some of the top
or bottom rows missing, wholly or partly.
_Var._ 121/2 by 16 mm., 151/2 by 20 rows, 3c., perf. 12.
121/4 " 15 " 15 by 181/2 " 3c "
The appearance of this grille, examined on the face, is just the reverse
of the preceding, as the straight lines are raised and the crosses
depressed.
The third variety was a still smaller rectangle, about 11 by 14 mm.,
composed of 14 rows of 17 small squares or parts of squares. The date is
January 8th, 1868. Numerous variations may be found. It was applied only
to the;
1 cent, blue, perforated 12, medium grille.
2 " black " 12 "
3 " rose " 12 "
10 " green " 12 "
12 " black " 12 "
15 " black " 12 "
_Var._ 111/2 by 141/2 mm., 15 by 18 rows, 3c, rose, perf. 12.
11 by 14 mm., 14 by 171/2 " 3c " "
14 by 17 " 3c " "
14 by 161/2 " 1c blue "
14 by 161/2 " 3c rose "
14 by 161/2 " 10c green "
14 by 161/2 " 12c black "
14 by 161/2 " 2c " "
14 by 161/2 " 3c rose "
11 by 13 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " "
14 by 16 " 3c " "
101/2 by 14 mm., 14 by 161/2 " 3c " "
13 by 161/2 " 3c " "
13 by 161/2 " 10c green "
_Oddity._ With 2 grilles touching on the same stamp. 3 cents, rose,
perforated 12.
_Note._ It is not uncommon to find parts of two grilles on the same
stamp at a distance from each other, part of a grille being at the top
and part at the bottom, or part of a grille on each side. The oddity
noted presents two grilles touching by the top and bottom, one a little
farther to the left than the other, making a strip of squares from the
top to the bottom of the stamp.
This medium grille if examined on the face is quite different from the
foregoing large grille. It appears to be composed of raised lines
between the squares and depressed crosses in them. A glass transforms
these lines into rows of diamonds. On the reverse it appears as if
composed of depressed lines, between the squares, and raised crosses in
them.
_Note._ The other values so far as known, have not been found with this
grille. Up to May, 1868, only the values from 1 to 12 cents had been
noted by the stamp papers as having been found with any grille. The 24
and 30 cents are chronicled with a grille in the November, 1868, but the
90 cents was not so noticed until much later, February, 1869, (see
American Journal of Philately).
The fourth and most common grille is a square of 9 by 14 mm., composed
of 12 rows of 161/2 squares each. The date of its adoption is not known.
It was applied to the whole series.
1 cent, blue, perforated 12, small grille.
2 " black " 12 "
3 " rose " 12 "
5 " brown " 12 "
10 " green " 12 "
12 " black " 12 "
15 " black " 12 "
Nov. 1868, 24 " lilac " 12 "
" 30 " orange " 12 "
Feb. 1869, 90 " blue " 12 "
_Varieties._ 9 by 14 mm., 12 by 161/2 rows, 1c., perf. 12.
" " " 3c "
" 12 by 17 " 30c "
OBSERVATIONS.
The colors are generally stronger than in those without the grille. The
majority of the specimens of these stamps appear to have the surface of
the paper tinted slightly with the color of the stamps, possibly from
some imperfection in cleaning the plates. A few values have been noted
on pure white paper.
1 cent, blue, small grille, perforated 12.
2 " black " " 12
10 " green " " 12
The 3 cents, rose, small grille, unperforated, has been noted, and
2 cents, black, grille, variety 4 { unperforated
3 " rose " " 4 { at the
5 " brown " " 4 { sides.
The re-impressions of these designs did not have the grille.
The five cents was in use up to September, 1870.
Some specimens examined seem to indicate that all these varieties of
grille are occasionally to be found reversed, i. e. they present the
appearance on the face that is usually to be seen on the back, and vice
versa.
Of these stamps with the grille, there were, issued approximately the
following numbers:
1 cent 9,638,600
2 cents 46,440,000
3 " 231,773,300
5 " 1,006,400
10 " 3,076,070
12 " 2,087,575
15 " 868,080
24 " 167,453
30 " 214,000
90 " 26,870
During the currency of these stamps, a new contract was entered into
with the same company. A special despatch to the St. Louis
Globe-Democrat, dated Oct. 3rd, 1868 states:
"Postmaster General Randall to-day accepted the proposal of the
National Bank Note Company, of New York, for furnishing stamps
for four years at 251/2 cents per 1000. This includes everything
required for preparing the stamps for immediate use, gumming,
perforation printing and preparing receipts. The contractors are
also required to furnish new designs, at least four of which
must be printed in combination colors."
The number of the several values of these stamps issued, with the
_grille_ is approximated as above, it being not quite certain whether a
few without the grille were not in stock at the dates from which the
enumeration is made.
XXII.
THE ISSUE OF 1869.
The New York Evening Post of October 6th, 1868, also contains a notice
of;
"THE NEW CONTRACT FOR POSTAGE STAMPS.
In June last, Postmaster General Randall, advertised for
proposals for furnishing the Government with postage stamps for
a term of years. The Committee of experts appointed for the
purpose, decided in favor of the National Bank Note Company, and
on Saturday last, the Postmaster General awarded the contract to
that Company for a term of four years. We have been shown proofs
of the new stamps, and they reflect credit upon the artistic
taste of the Company."
Some of these proofs are then described.
"One of the characteristics of the stamps manufactured by this
Company is that the ink used prevents persons washing, and using
the stamps a second time. The fiber in the centre of the stamp
is broken completely, and they adhere better, while the ink of
cancellation sinks into the paper. The engraving on these stamps
are remarkable copies of historical pictures, and bear the test
of microscopical examination."
These are probably the only words of approbation to be found in the
daily press among the host of comments upon these stamps, which by the
terms of the contract were to be ready on the first of February, 1869.
Messrs. Butler & Carpenter, of Philadelphia, had claimed to be entitled
to the award on the ground that they had submitted a better bid than the
National Bank Note Co., which resulted in delay and the appointment of
the commission above mentioned.
However, in March, 1869, the greater part if not all the values were
printed and ready for issue, but were distributed to the public only as
the stock of the old issue was exhausted. About the end of April they
began to appear, and even in September only the 1, 2, 3 and 6 cents were
to be obtained in the larger post offices. Already the public demanded
that they should be replaced, and this was done in April, 1870. As late
as March, 1870, the 90 cents of the previous issue was on sale in some
of the offices.
This unfortunate issue was generally received with approval by the
Philatelic press. It is certainly well engraved, and forms an
interesting and handsome series for the most part, and is an adornment
to the collectors' album. But it is hardly so well suited to the
practical requirements of a postage stamp. It was announced that the
series was intended in some sort, to portray the history of the Post
Office in the United States, beginning with Franklin, the Continental
postmaster, and the post rider of the early days, followed by the
locomotive of a later day, and the Ocean Steamer carrying the mails
which had become so important a branch of the postal service, the most
important scenes in the early history of the country, its triumphant
arms, and Washington its first and Lincoln its last President. But
hardly had it been issued before its doom was sealed.
In August the New York Tribune says:
"The greater part of the stamps sold at the Post Office in this
city are worthless, and have not sufficient gum to make them
stick to letters. One can be amused, or become indignant, in
watching people who buy stamps, demanding a little mucilage from
the clerk, in order to fasten the stamp on their envelopes. It
appears that the invention of embossing which is continued in
this emission, while it spoils the stamps, does not increase
their adhesive properties as was pretended."
Other papers pronounced the stamp too small. The comic papers exhibited
caricatures in which the people were looking for their stamps in their
pocket books with powerful microscopes.
The Evening Telegram says:
"The new United States postage stamps have a very un-American
look."
The Evening Mail says:
"Our old postage stamps were really neat and pleasing in
appearance. They were National and American, as they ought to
have been. The head of Washington was venerable, and our three
cent stamps were as perfect as they well could be. So also the
one cent stamp with the head of Franklin was equally
appropriate. There was a fitness of congruity in putting the
head of the old, thrifty economist, on the one cent stamp. Our
youth were reminded of the wise saws and sayings of "Poor
Richard" and it taught them that if they learned to save the
cents, the dollars were more likely to take care of themselves.
But now think of the miserable, confused looking thing, with its
wretched printing, that the Post Office has given us for the
present three cent stamp. It is neither historical, national,
beautiful, nor anything but a paltry evidence of the fact, that
some engraver has got paid or will get paid for a job that ought
never to have been done. Can our authorities not let well enough
alone?
Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, all have railroad engines
such as ours. What is there in a big chimney on a railroad
carriage to indicate the nationality of our postal system. Aye,
but there are words, "United States Postage" on the stamp. Just
so. We remember to have seen a boy's drawing on a sheet of
paper, the words "this is a church" underneath, and certainly
the artistic performance needed the index, but not more so than
the new stamp requires a similar proclamation to tell the world
what it means. And then again look at the printing of the word
"Postage." Can our engravers do nothing better than that? We
hope that the contractors have been paid for their work. If so,
then let the post office folks give us back again our old head
of Washington, and save us from looking at the contemptible
thing that we are now getting in its stead."
Another paper says:
"The present miserable experiments in blue, with a meaningless
legend, are to be recalled and something new in red is to be
substituted. The old heads of Washington, Jefferson, Jackson,
Franklin and Lincoln are to be restored. It is about time that
some definite form and design of postage stamp should be
adopted, so that people may know to a certainty what mucilaged
square of paper will carry a letter to its designation, and what
not."
The New York Herald says:
"The old style of three cent postage stamps had thereon a face
of Washington, out of compliment to a good man. It now has a
railway scene to represent how Congressmen make money. The two
cent stamp represents a man on horseback. This represents
Booth's death ride into Maryland. The one cent stamp should
represent a cow with the favorite son of the Covington
postmaster fast to her tail. This out of compliment to Grant."
An Eastern paper says:
"The Government introduced the present nondescript things called
postage stamps, for the purpose of frightening counterfeiters."
And later the Herald says:
"Another attempt is to be made to give us decent postage stamps.
We suppose it will fail, as so many have hitherto. Our postal
authorities try too much. If they will only take the Italian or
French stamp, and put Washington's head in place of Victor
Emanuel's, or Napoleon's, they cannot fail; but they will try
some improvements and spoil all."
The post office department announced the issue in the following
circular:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
_Finance Office, March 1st, 1869._
Sir:
At an early day, in the regular course of business, the
Department will issue to Postmasters stamps of new designs.
[See description annexed.] In the proposed issue the six cent
stamp is substituted for the five cents. You are required to
exhaust all of the present style on hand, before supplying the
public with the new; and in no case will you be allowed to make
exchanges for individuals, or to return stamps to the Department
to be exchanged. The stamps now in use are not to be
disregarded, but must be recognized in all cases equally with
the new ones.
Special attention is called to the fact that sheets of all
denominations below 15 cents contain 150 stamps. The 15 cents
and all higher denominations, contain 100 stamps on each sheet.
This must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as
in the present issue each denomination has but 100 stamps to the
sheet. Special requests for the new style of stamps will be
disregarded until the stock of the present issue in possession
of the Department is exhausted. Due notice will be given of the
date of issue of any new design of stamped envelopes, therefor
all inquiries respecting them will be disregarded.
(Signed.) A. N. ZEVELY,
Third Assistant Postmaster General.
The description upon the other side requires to be supplemented for
collectors, but is incorporated in those following.
ISSUE OF MARCH 19TH, 1869.
Composed of ten values each of a different type.
ONE CENT. Head of Franklin, in profile, looking to the left, on a
circular disk horizontally lined, surrounded by a broad circle
ornamented with colorless pearls, bordered by a band of rayed lines
between fine white lines, with exterior fine colored line, and divided
into three labels by ornaments at the sides and bottom. "_U. S.
Postage_" at the top; large numeral "1" in a small oval (sic) with a
border of colorless loops between the words "_One Cent_" at the bottom.
Color, Roman ochre. Corners plain without color.
Plate impression, circular, 20 by 20 mm., in color, on white paper,
perforated 12, grilled and without grille.
1 cent, Roman ochre.
TWO CENTS. Post horse and rider facing to the left, trees, fence, etc.,
in background, surrounded by ornamental scroll work, "_United States_"
in small colored capitals on the ground above, a curtain inscribed
"_Postage_" in colorless capitals at the top. "_Two Cents_" at the
bottom on a ribbon with large numeral "2" between the words, both in
outline shaded. Color, light bronze.
Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12,
grilled and without grille.
2 cents, yellow-brown, light and dark chestnut-brown.
THREE CENTS. Locomotive heading to the right, surrounded by ornamental
scroll work, "_United States_" in colored block capitals on a curved
band, "_Postage_" in colorless capitals in a tablet beneath, at top.
"_Three Cents_" in outline shaded block capitals, in two scrolls at the
bottom, with numeral "3" in a shield (sic) between the words. Color,
Imperial ultramarine blue.
There is no shield as stated in the official description.
Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12,
grilled and without grille.
3 cents blue.
SIX CENTS. Head of Washington, three quarters face looking to the right,
on a ground of vertical and horizontal lines, bordered by a solid broad
colored line, ornamented by 68 pearls. Spandrels checkered and bordered
by colorless lines. Frame square, composed of vertically lined squares
in the upper corners, with narrower horizontally lined label between,
with a broad colored border, ornamented by pearls and exterior colorless
and colored line above. The colored labels are narrower than the upper
squares at the sides, and are bordered by colorless pearls and an
interior white line, an exterior colorless and fine colored line.
Horizontally lined label across the entire bottom, widened at the ends
to correspond with the upper squares, with exterior colorless and
colored line. "_U. S._" in upper left and right corners of frame
respectively. The word "_Postage_" in upper bar of frame, "_Six Cents_"
in lower, the numeral "6" between the words, and "_United States_" on
each side. Color, ultramarine.
Plate impression, 20 by 20 mm., square, in color, on white paper,
perforated 12, grilled and possibly without grille.
6 cents blue.
TEN CENTS. Shield of the United States on which is resting an eagle with
outspread wings, looking to the left. "_United States_" in small
colored capitals with "_Postage_" in large outline capitals, shaded in
a second line beneath, in the upper section of the shield, numeral "10"
in lower. The words "_Ten Cents_" in scroll at the bottom in outline
shaded capitals. The whole design surrounded by thirteen stars arranged
in a semicircle, (sic) color, orange. The background is rayed behind the
eagle and the semicircle of stars are upon this only, the background
behind the shield is of clouds, there is no frame.
Plate impression, 19 by 18 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12
and grilled, possibly also without grille.
10 cents orange.
TWELVE CENTS. Ocean Steam ship, headed to left in horizontal oval,
surrounded by ornamented scroll work. In a double tablet with arched top
on horizontally lined ground, and colored capitals in a curved line,
"_United States_" and "_Postage_" in outline capitals on a solid ground.
On three scrolls in outline capitals and numerals shaded, "_Twelve
Cents_" at the bottom, with numeral "12" between the words. Color,
malori green.
Plate impression, 20 by 19 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly
surfaced green, perforated 12 and grilled, possibly also without grille.
12 cents, green.
FIFTEEN CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture, in the
Capitol at Washington, of the "Landing of Columbus," in an oblong
rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with rounded upper corners, surrounded at a
little distance by a single colored line. Ornamental and scroll work at
top and bottom on a ground ruled horizontally inside and vertically
outside of the scrolls, the whole surrounded by a colorless and fine
colored line. On a colorless tablet, in Gothic capitals, "_U. S._"; in a
curved line of outline capitals on the ground, "_Postage_" at top.
_Fifteen Cents_ at bottom, with numerals "15" underneath in outline
colorless capitals, on the ground. Colors: picture, Prussian blue,
scroll and ornamental work pale Indian red.
Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12, grilled and not grilled. The paper is more or less surfaced with
blue.
15 cents blue and brown.
NOTE. There are two varieties of this stamp, depending on the type, and
an error, the latter was however never circulated. The line of the
frame, above the picture, is curved up on the left hand, beginning under
the O, and on the right hand beginning under the G, in what is called
the O. G. curve, till the two meet in a point. In the ordinary variety
there are two fine lines within the space left for the picture, which
along the whole top, including the curved corners and this central
double curve, are united in a heavy line and at about 1/2 a millimeter
from the center line on each side, curve down, as well as up, to a
point, forming a diamond. On the sides and bottom within this line,
there is a shading of fine diagonal lines. When the picture is exactly
in position, which is rare, the colored line surrounding it falls
between these fine lines, and on the heavy curved line, just touching
the lower part of the diamond.
In the rarer variety, the two fine lines, the broad top line, and the
bottom of the diamond are all omitted, the entire space is either empty
or shows one, two or three horizontal lines across the top of the space,
and three or four across the bottom, with a row of short horizontal
lines at the sides. When the picture is in proper place there is an
almost blank space at the top, and apparently a white line surrounding
the picture. When it is misplaced the colored lines described can be
seen and there appear to have been several varieties, as there were more
or less of them.
_The error_ is not as is sometimes supposed an error of printing, but in
the plate. Two plates, one for each color, had to be used. Originally,
there were 150 stamps as in the smaller values, (See circular of March
1st, 1869 above cited) but upon the plate for printing the picture, it
is said one picture was reversed, and the error once discovered, the
plate was cut down to print only 100 stamps as stated in the circular.
It is probable that no copies with the error were ever circulated.
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Microscopic reproduction of the large picture at the
Capitol, of the "Signing of the Declaration of Independence" forming an
oblong rectangle 20 by 10 mm., with all four corners cut off diagonally,
surrounded by a fine colored line at a little distance. Ornamental
scroll work at top and bottom on a lined ground. A line of pearls on a
colored line, between a colorless and colored line, forms the frame for
the picture. In block capitals "_U._" and "_S._" surrounded by ovals at
upper left and right corners respectively, the word "_Postage_" between
the two, in a curved line of outline capitals, shaded on the background.
"_Twenty-four Cents_" in scrolls at bottom, with numeral "24" beneath in
outline letters shaded. Colors: the picture, purple lake, scroll and
ornamental work, light malori green. Just beneath the picture in small
colored numerals, "1776."
Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12, grilled and not grilled.
24 cents, purple and green.
NOTE. There is the same error of this stamp "reversed picture" stated to
be from the same cause, a defect in the plate as for the 15 cents, and
the same remarks apply.
THIRTY CENTS. Eagle facing to left, with outspread wings, resting on
shield with flags grouped on either side. The words "_United States
Postage_" in upper section of shield. The numeral "30" in lower. The
words "_Thirty Cents_" across the bottom, with three stars arranged in a
semi-circle at top of the design. Colors: Eagle and Shield, carmine,
flags blue. Except for the change of numerals and words of value, the
omission of the scroll, and the substitution of the two flags on each
side for the clouds, the design, though not the drawing of this stamp is
identical with the ten cents. "Thirty cents" is however in block
letters, the T Y C E in outline, the rest shaded.
Plate impression, 211/2 by 22 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly
tinted with pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled.
30 cents, carmine and blue.
_Error._ There is also an error of this stamp in which the flags are
reversed. It is also stated to be an error on the plate, but may be only
an error in printing.
NINETY CENTS. Portrait of Lincoln in an oval, looking to the right,
surrounded by ornamental scroll work, numerals "90" at each of the upper
corners, set diagonally in outline, and shaded on vertically lined
ground. On a label with rayed ground, edged by a colorless and colored
line, in outline capitals shaded, "_U. S. Postage_" at top of oval.
"_Ninety_" and "_Cents_" on scrolls at the lower left and right corners
of oval respectively, set diagonally and in colored capitals. In outline
Gothic capitals "_U._" and "_S._" at the lower left and right corners of
the stamp respectively. Colors: portrait black, surrounding ornamental
and scroll work, carmine. It may be well to add that the portrait is
three quarters face, on a square hatched ground, and a single colored
line in same color surrounds the oval at a little distance. The space
left in the frame for the picture is bordered by fine short horizontal
lines, which show when the picture is not properly placed.
Plate impression, 211/2 by 211/2 mm. square, in two colors, on white paper,
slightly surfaced pink, perforated 12, grilled and not grilled.
90 cents, black and carmine.
The grille in this series is a square 91/2 by 91/2 mm. composed of 111/2 rows
of 12 smaller squares each, apparently separated by raised lines
crossing each other at right angles, each little square divided by
depressed diagonals also, as if produced by forcing a series of pyramids
set close together, but not touching, into the face of the stamp. Seen
from the reverse, the dividing lines are depressed and the squares stand
up like pyramids, with ragged edges showing the broken fibre of the
paper.
The numbers of the several values of this issue is approximated as
follows:
1 cent, 24,988,100
2 cents, 114,058,000
3 cents 530,346,800
6 cents, 6,363,700
10 cents, 5,770,130
12 cents, 4,088,875
15 cents, 2,360,740
24 cents, 414,325
30 cents 513,180
90 cents, 77,650
XXIII.
THE ISSUE OF 1870.
In the report of the Postmaster General for the year ending the 30th of
June, 1870, under date of Nov. 15th, 1870, he says:
The adhesive postage stamps adopted by my predecessor in 1869,
having failed to give satisfaction to the public, on account of
their small size, their unshapely form, the inappropriations of
their designs, the difficulty of cancelling them effectually,
and the inferior quality of gum used in their manufacture, I
found it necessary in April last, to issue new stamps of larger
size, superior quality of gum and new designs. As the contract
then in force contained a provision that the stamps should be
changed, and new designs and plates furnished at the pleasure of
the Postmaster General, without additional cost to the
department, I decided to substitute an entire new series,
one-third larger in size, and to adopt for designs the heads, in
profile, of distinguished deceased Americans. This style was
deemed the most eligible, because it not only afforded the best
opportunity for the exercise of the highest grade of artistic
skill in composition and execution, but also appeared to be the
most difficult to counterfeit. The designs were selected from
marble busts of acknowledged excellence, as follows: One cent,
Franklin, after Rubricht; two cents, Jackson, after Powers;
three cents, Washington, after Houdon; six cents, Lincoln, after
Volk; ten cents, Jefferson, after Powers' statue; twelve cents,
Clay, after Hart; fifteen cents, Webster, after Clevenger;
twenty-four cents, Scott, after Coffee; thirty cents, Hamilton,
after Cerrachi; ninety cents, Commodore O. H. Perry, profile
bust, after Walcott's statue. The stamps were completed and
issues of them began in April last. The superior gum with which
they are coated is not the least of the advantages derived from
the change.
Upon the conclusion of the postal treaty with the North German
Confederation, fixing the single letter rate by direct steamers
at seven cents, to take effect the 1st of July last, a stamp of
that denomination was adopted, and the profile bust of the late
Edwin M. Stanton selected for the design. This has been
completed in a satisfactory manner, but owing to the temporary
discontinuance of the direct mail steamship service to North
Germany, it has not yet been issued to postmasters.
It may not be uninteresting to remark that the following stamps were
adapted among other uses, to the payment of the rates under postal
treaties as follows;
6 cents, England, Dec. 3d, 1869;
Sandwich Islands, May 5th, 1870;
British Columbia, July 15th, 1870;
Germany, March 31st, 1871.
7 cents, Germany, April 7th, 1870;
Denmark, Dec. 1st 1871.
10 cent, Italy, Feb. 8th, 1870;
Belgium, March 1st, 1870;
Switzerland, April 13, 1870;
Salvador, Oct. 5th, 1870.
12 cents, British Honduras, August 11th. 1869;
New Zealand, Oct. 5th, 1870.
15 cents, Brazil, May 9th, 1870.
The series being ready for issue, was announced to the various
Postmasters in the following:
CIRCULAR TO POSTMASTERS.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General,
_April 9th, 1870_.
New Series of Postage Stamps.
At an early date in the regular course of business, the
Department will issue to Postmasters, postage stamps of a new
design. [See description annexed.]
You are required to exhaust all of the present style on hand
before supplying the public with the new; and in no case will
you be allowed to make exchanges for individuals or to return
stamps to the Department to be exchanged.
The stamps now in use are not to be disregarded, but must be
recognized in all cases equally with the new ones. The stamps
known as the series of 1861, of which a few are supposed to be
yet outstanding, are also to be recognized. Those issued prior
to the commencement of the war of the Rebellion were long since
declared to be valueless.
Special attention is called to the fact that each sheet, of all
denominations of the new series, contains but 100 stamps. This
must be borne in mind to prevent mistakes in counting, as in the
present issue some of the denominations have 150 stamps to the
sheet.
Special requests for the new style of stamps will be disregarded
until the stock of the present issue, in possession of the
Department, is exhausted. [ * * * * relating to envelopes to be
issued to conform * * * * ]
[Signed] Wm. H. Terrell,
Third Assistant Postmaster General.
[The "description annexed" is on the other side and is merely a list of
values, the bust from which the portrait was copied, the color, etc.,
exactly following that in the extract from the Postmaster General's
report above.] The exact date of issue is fixed by the Postmaster
General's report, as May, 1870.
ISSUE OF MAY, 1870.
Composed of ten values as follows:
ONE CENT. Bust of Benj. Franklin, in profile to the left, after
Rubricht, on an oval disk, lined horizontally and obliquely, bordered by
a broad colorless line and exterior colored fine line. Outside of this a
series of colorless curved lines, bordered by fine colored lines, and
foliated at the corners on a ground of parallel vertical colored lines,
completes the rectangle. There is no enclosing colored line at top or
bottom. Short horizontal colored lines form the shadows of the oval and
ornaments. The upper corners are formed by a line curved round from the
oval and terminating in a large ball, a second line curving round from
this and continued along the top, ending in two foliations with a small
leaf-shaped dash beyond. There is a large ball at the intersection of
these lines in the corner of the stamp. A slightly curved line continues
down from the corner, forming the sides. The lower corner being formed
by a curved line starting in a dot, curving upward and round, and
terminating inside the side lines in a large foliation with three balls
above it. The bottom is formed of a waved line. These are all distinct
and plain colorless lines between fine colored lines, and about the
width of the line surrounding the oval.
The ornaments in the corners have shadows beneath, and on the inner
edges, and the side lines have shadows on the outer edges, formed of
short horizontal lines. The oval has heavy shadows similarly formed. The
vertical lines of the background are fine, and of even width throughout.
Above the oval, a thin colorless line, bordered by a fine colored line,
within and without, parallel with the oval, but curved round at the ends
to meet it, forms a label inscribed in outline capitals, "_U. S.
Postage_," shaded without on a rectangularly hatched ground. Below the
oval a large outline pearled numeral "1" shaded without, divides the
lower border line, and a similar line parallel to the border line, but
terminated at each end by a ball, forms a label inscribed in outline
capitals "_One Cent_" shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground.
Above this label are three small white pearls on each side of the
numeral.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
1 cent, imperial ultramarine.
TWO CENTS. Bust of Andrew Jackson, in profile to the left, after Powers,
on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly obliquely, bordered by a
broad white line and fine exterior colored line, the whole super-imposed
on a shield, with ground of vertical colored lines, and bordered by a
very fine colored exterior line. The shield is curved in at the top,
corners diagonal, sides curved in and then out, bottom rounded and rests
on a background of horizontal colored lines. There are no exterior lines
on the sides. Below the oval, a large outline numeral "2" divides a
colorless ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, and inscribed "_Two
Cents_" in outline colored capitals shaded outside, on a background of
short vertical colored lines. Above the oval, a band bordered by a
colorless line edged by fine colored lines, extends nearly to the outer
edge of the stamp, and is inscribed, "_U. S. Postage_" in outline
colorless capitals, shaded outside on a rectangularly hatched ground.
The shadows of the shield are made by short vertical lines, those of the
oval by short horizontal lines. The shield is ornamented by fine laurel
leaves on each side, just above the lower label.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
2 cents, velvet brown.
THREE CENTS. Bust of Geo. Washington, after Houdon, in profile to left,
on oval disk with horizontally lined ground, and occasional diagonal
latticed hatchings, bordered by a broad colorless line with exterior
fine colored line, resting on a shield with vertically lined ground, on
a background of horizontal lines, with a border line on the right side
but none on the left. Above the oval, a band bordered by a colorless
line, with a ball on each end and three little foliations above on each
side, all edged by a fine colored line inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in
outline capitals, shaded outside on a horizontally lined ground. Below
the oval a large numeral "3," shaded outside, divides a ribbon bordered
by a colored line, and inscribed in similar capitals, "_Three Cents_" on
a ground of short vertical lines. The shadows of the oval are made by
short colored horizontal lines, and those of the shield by vertical
lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
3 cents, malori green.
SIX CENTS. Bust of Abraham Lincoln, in profile to the left, after Volk,
on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly lined obliquely, bordered
by a colorless line. On a depressed panel, lined horizontally, the sides
projected, darker than the frame of fine vertical lines which surrounds
it, completes the rectangle. There is no terminal line at the sides.
Above the oval a yoke-shaped label, bordered by a colorless line, edged
by fine colored lines, inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline colorless
capitals, shaded outside on a ground of horizontal lines. Below the oval
is a ribbon bordered by fine colored lines, inscribed in the same
letters, "_Six Cents_" divided by a large outline numeral "6," on a
ground of short colored vertical lines. A distinct line borders the
depressed panel all the way around, being heaviest on the left side. The
shadows of the oval and depressed panel are made by vertical colored
lines, and those of the upper and lower labels are made by horizontal
colored lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
6 cents, cochineal red.
TEN CENTS. Bust of Thomas Jefferson, in profile to left, after Powers,
on an oval disk, lined horizontally, and obliquely from right to left,
bordered by a colorless line with exterior colored line, on a shield
bordered by a fine colored line, vertically lined, on a rectangular
background, which is lined horizontally. Above the oval a label formed
by a colorless line edged by a colored exterior line, curved round from
the oval line at the ends, and then parallel with it, having a small
ball ornament at each end, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline
capitals, shaded outside, on a ground of vertical lines, except at the
ends, where the lines are horizontal. Below the oval, on a ribbon
bordered by colored lines, in the same letters "_Ten Cents_," on a
ground of short vertical lines, the words separated by large outline
numerals "10." Shadows of the oval in short horizontal lines crossed by
lines parallel to the oval. Shadows of the lower ribbon in vertical
lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
10 cents, chocolate.
TWELVE CENTS. Bust of Henry Clay, after Hart, in profile to the left, on
an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a colorless
line between two fine colored lines, surrounded by labels bordered
without by a second colorless line, between fine colored lines, but
curved inwards, crossed and the sides united in a vertical line at the
sides of the stamp, the whole arranged in a double tablet formed by
vertical lines, terminated by an outside colored line at top and bottom.
The outer edges representing a chamfer are horizontally lined. A little
distance from the edge, a series of diagonal lines between two parallel
lines, represent a beveled edge, making the parts within appear higher.
The upper label is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals,
doubly shaded outside, on a ground of horizontal lines. The lower label
is inscribed, "_Twelve Cents_," in outline block capitals, doubly shaded
on a ground of horizontal lines. Large outline numerals "12," doubly
shaded, divide the lower band and separate the words.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
12 cents, neutral tint.
FIFTEEN CENTS. Bust of Daniel Webster, in profile to the left, after
Clevenger, on an oval disk, very closely lined horizontally and
obliquely, bordered by a colorless line, on a vertically lined
background, with no terminal line at the top or bottom. There is a
triangular depression represented in each of the four corners by
horizontally lined ground and shade lines, and mitered at the angles.
Above the oval and following its outline, is a label indicated by a
colorless line between fine colored lines, square at the ends with a
ball beyond, inscribed on a horizontally lined ground in colorless
capitals, outlined by colored lines and shaded without, "_U. S.
Postage_." Below the oval is a similarly formed label with pointed ends,
inscribed in the same letters on horizontally lined ground, "_Fifteen
Cents_," divided by large pearled numerals "15."
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
15 cents, orange.
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS. Bust of Winfield Scott, in profile to the left, after
Coffee, on an oval disk closely lined horizontally, and bordered by a
colorless line with exterior colored line, on a rectangular background
of horizontal lines. Above and following the line of the oval are
thirteen five pointed stars, two at each end plain, and one letter of
the inscription "_U. S. Postage_" in colored block capitals in each of
the others. Above these and parallel to the oval is a colorless line
between colored lines, divided and curving into two balls below, but
curving into a single ball above and shaded by another colored line.
Above these in each corner on a solid ground of color, bordered by a
similar arrangement of lines, etc., in colorless block numerals "24."
Below the oval is a label inscribed "_Twenty Four_," with another
beneath it inscribed "_Cents_," both indicated by a colorless line
between colored lines, with a horizontally lined background. The letters
are colorless block capitals. In the lower left corner are flags and
cannon, and in the right three muskets stacked.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
24 cents, pure purple.
THIRTY CENTS. Bust of Alexander Hamilton, in profile to the left, after
Cerrachi, on an oval disk horizontally and obliquely lined, bordered by
a colorless line with outer colored line, on a shield shaped panel
vertically lined, the edges beveled and obliquely lined, resting on a
background of horizontal lines. The upper corners of the panel project
beyond the rest at top and sides, the sides project beyond the curved
bottom, the shadows of the oval on the shield are indicated by short
horizontal lines; those of the shield by vertical lines. Across the
curved top of the shield is a colorless line bordered by outside colored
lines. Across the top of the shield in a double curve of outline
capitals, shaded outside, "_U. S. Postage_." Below the oval, a small
shield, outlined by a colorless line between colored lines, bears the
outlined numerals "30," shaded outside on ground of horizontal lines,
dividing a ribbon outlined by colored lines, inscribed "_Thirty Cents_,"
in colored spurred capitals, on a ground of vertical lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
30 cents, black.
NINETY CENTS. Bust of Com. O. H. Perry, in profile to left, after
Wolcutt, on an oval disk bordered by a colorless line with exterior
colored line. The upper half of this line is covered by a cable, rove at
each end to a ring, that supports the lower label. Above the oval a
label with hatched ground, bordered by a colorless line, with exterior
colored line following the oval, the ends curved outward and inward in a
sort of foliation, is inscribed "_U. S. Postage_" in outline capitals,
shaded outside. A five pointed star in each corner. Below the oval, the
lower label, square at the ends, with hatched ground, bordered by a
colorless line and outer colored line, is inscribed "_Ninety Cents_," in
outline block capitals, shaded outside. There is a heavy shadow beneath
the label, an anchor in each lower corner. The whole is on a vertically
lined panel chamfered at the top, bottom and sides.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
90 cents, carmine.
ISSUE OF JULY 1870.
SEVEN CENTS. Bust of Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, in profile to left, on
an oval disk, closely lined horizontally, bordered by a colorless line.
Above and below, a label bordered by a colorless line following the
outline of the oval, but curved round and terminated inside by a ball at
each end. The whole on a panel, vertically lined, with rounded corners,
and large ball on a rectangular background of horizontal lines. The
labels are inscribed in outline capitals, shaded outside on a hatched
ground, the upper, "_U. S. Postage_," the lower, "_Seven Cents_,"
divided by a large outline numeral "7," doubly shaded outside.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
7 cents, vermilion.
All these values were first issued with a grille, of which there are
several sizes, but on many, if not most, even of unused specimens it is
so indistinct that it is impossible to distinguish the outlines, measure
the size, or count the squares. Some very perfect unused specimens have
been examined however, and on the face it appears to be composed of
horizontal rows of depressed diamonds, divided by alternate rows of
smaller raised diamonds, with deep-depressed lines along the sides of
the latter. On the reverse, the appearance is of rows of squares divided
by depressed lines, with little raised crosses in each square. By these
specimens it has also been determined, that there were at least two
distinct sizes of grille.
The first measures 101/2 by 121/2 mm., composed of 13 by 151/2 rows of
squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3, 7 and 10 cent so grilled,
have been found, and satisfactory specimens of the 6, 12, 15, 24, 30 and
90 cents.
The other variety measures 81/2 by 101/2 mm., and is composed of 10 by 13
rows of squares. Perfect specimens of the 1, 2, 3 and 7 cents so
grilled have been found, but no satisfactory specimens of any other
value.
Specimens with only a few distinct squares, are comparatively common.
The difficulty of arriving at accurate measurement, is increased when
the specimens examined have been used, but apparently the larger of the
above grilles was gradually cut down row by row to the smaller, as
specimens of the 1, 2 and 3 cents, the most used values, are found
undoubtedly grilled.
101/2 by 121/2 mm., or 13 by 17 rows.
10 " 12 " " 13 " 15 "
9 " 111/2 " " 12 " 15 "
9 " 11 " " 11 " 14 "
81/2 " 10 " " 11 " 13 "
These all now bear a deep yellow or brown gum. The colors are very
uniform.
As stated by the passage quoted above, there are 100 stamps, or ten rows
of ten stamps in the so called sheet, or properly half sheet, there
being 200 on the plate. The imprint was either "Engraved and printed by
the," in one line, "National Bank Note Co., New York," in a second line
in colorless capitals, on a solid ground, with pearled edges and outer
fine colored line, or the second line above without pearls on colored
ground, bordered by a double colored line. The author cannot state
whether all the values bore both imprints, having only seen the 1, 2 and
3 cents with the first, and the 30 and 90 with the second, the latter
without the grille. These imprints are placed 2 mm. from the stamps,
above and below the 5th and 6th rows on each half sheet, the plate
number being between the 8th and 9th rows. The line on which the sheets
are divided is indicated by three lines forming a sort of arrow head, at
the top and bottom of the sheet. The center rows of stamps are 21/2 mm.
apart, and there are no perforations between them. The vertical rows of
perforation are 221/2 mm. apart horizontally. The horizontal rows 271/2 mm.
apart vertically, but the upper and lower rows are sometimes 281/2 and
sometimes 291/2 mm. apart. If a sheet is selected, where the vertical rows
are so far from the center line as to cut into the stamps, and the
horizontal rows too high or too low, and a stamp from the top or bottom
of the row next to the center cut line is selected, and the perforations
carefully cut off, specimens can be made that have a much larger margin
than the ordinary perforated stamps, and might easily pass as
unperforated. This may not account for all the unperforated specimens,
some of which may be the result of accident, but all the values of this
series and the following may be so made unperforated, and have been so
catalogued.
The number of these stamps issued with grille, is estimated as follows:
1 cent, 95,127,100.
2 cents, 208,375,550.
3 " 962,467,790.
6 " 21,600,900.
7 " 2,070,800.
10 cents 8,509,280.
12 " 2,857,975.
15 " 4,299,220.
24 " 637,450.
30 " 711,430.
90 " 165,180.
ISSUE WITHOUT GRILLE (1873?)
The use of the grille was finally abandoned altogether. The first notice
of this change appeared in the stamp papers of February, 1873. They were
made by the same company, and are in all respects the same, except the
embossing.
1 cent, imperial ultramarine, perforated 12.
2 cents, velvet brown " "
3 " milori green " "
6 " cochineal " "
7 " vermilion " "
10 " chocolate " "
12 " purple " "
15 " orange " "
24 " pure purple " "
30 " black " "
90 " carmine " "
The colors do not vary materially from those of the grilled series, but
there are two quite distinct shades of the twelve cents, a blackish
purple and a brownish tint.
ISSUE OF 1873.
In accordance with the provisions of the general law, before the
expiration of the contract with the National Bank Note Company, the
Postmaster General advertised in the daily papers, in December, 1872,
that he would receive bids for furnishing the Department with postage
stamps from the 1st of May, 1873, to the 1st of May, 1877. This
contract, as well as the subsequent one which terminated the 1st of
July, 1881, was awarded to the Continental Bank Note Company, of New
York. The dies and plates, by the terms of the contract with the
National Bank Note Company, were the property of the Government, and
were turned over to the new contractors, who continued to print the
stamps from the same plates, until they were worn out, and theoretically
in the same colors. As new plates were required from time to time, they
were made from the original dies, but bore the imprint of the new
contractor, which resembles the first one described as used by the
National Company, but reads "Printed by the" in the first line,
"Continental Bank Note Co., New York," in the second line. This imprint
probably, was not put upon one of the values above 15 cents. In fact the
30 and 90 cents sent out just before, and for some years after the
expiration of the second contract awarded to this Company, bore the
second named imprint of the National Bank Note Company.
Specimens are found which show the heavier border lines and shadows of
the different parts of the design, the fine lines of the background, of
the tablets, and sometimes of the shields, being invisible to the eye,
though more or less of them can generally be traced with a glass. These
collectors have designated as "plain frames," as they appear to be
without color. They are, really, defective impressions either from worn
plates, when the plates made by the National Bank Note Company, were
giving out in 1873, or from the poor results of the process of printing
adopted, as is claimed by the Postmaster General.
But similar varieties have certainly appeared, and for like causes, at
other times. Collectors of curiosities will find:
1 cent plain frame, perforated 12.
2 cents " " " "
3 " " " " "
6 " " " " "
10 " " " " "
The stamps from the plates with the imprint of this Company, now bear on
the back a white gum, and not the brownish, used by the National Bank
Note Company, which will help to distinguish impressions made by them
from the old plates. The colors, however, are not identical, and will
further serve to distinguish them. There may be exceptions, but
ordinarily the ONE CENT is a pure indigo, without the red or ultramarine
cast, of those printed previously, whether lighter or deeper impressions
are chosen.
The TWO CENTS has also lost its reddish tone, and is a dull brown, with
a tendency to blackish-brown, whether lighter or deeper in shade.
The THREE CENTS is of a duller and generally a pale shade.
The SIX CENTS is much lighter and is a washy pink.
The SEVEN CENTS is a more yellowish vermilion.
The TEN CENTS approaches very nearly to the original shade of the two
cents, but is a little more of a blackish brown, very unlike the
delicate original shade. The oval and face lines are dark and heavy.
The FIFTEEN CENTS is a much paler orange.
The higher values, TWENTY-FOUR, THIRTY and NINETY CENTS, have a thinner
tone than the deep rich color of the former Company's work.
In the meantime, the following changes were announced in a circular to
postmasters:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General,
Division of Stamps, Stamped Envelopes & Postal Cards.
_Washington, D. C., June 21st, 1875._
The Department is prepared to commence the issue of postage
stamps of the denomination of five (5) cents to meet the new
letter rate of postage, under the treaty of Berne, to the
following countries, viz:
[Here follow the names of all countries that had then joined the
Postal Union, to which five cents was the rate.]
The new five cent stamp is designed from a bust of Gen. Zackary
Taylor in full face, and printed in dark blue color. The
changes in foreign postages will render unnecessary the further
use of the 7, 12 and 24 cent stamps and stamped envelopes, and
they will accordingly be discontinued.
In order to avoid the liability to mistake caused by the near
similarity in color between the two cent and ten cent stamp, the
former will in future be printed in vermilion, the color of the
discontinued seven cent stamp.
[Here follows directions to use up the stock of the discontinued
stamps and envelopes, whenever they can be utilized.]
(Signed.) E. W. BARBER,
Third Assistant Postmaster General.
ISSUE OF JULY 1ST, 1875.
TWO CENTS. Same design, and from the same die and plate as the previous
brown impression, the color only changed.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
2 cents, vermilion.
ISSUE OF OCTOBER 5TH, 1875.
One of the New York daily papers in April, 1882, speaking of the new
five cent stamp (Garfield) about to be issued, says: The history of the
current five cent stamp with Taylor's portrait is as follows:
The rates for international postage had been decided upon as 5
cents, the United States series of postage stamps had not such a
value. Mr. Jewell, the Postmaster General at the time, suggested
to President Grant the propriety of having his portrait on the
new stamp of the required value. Gen. Grant did not agree with
his Cabinet officer. Finally, he suggested that if Mr. Jewell
would insist upon consulting his wishes, he (Gen. Grant) would
be well pleased if the portrait of old Zack Taylor, with whom he
served in the Mexican war, could be used on the new stamp.
Instead of instructing the then contractors to prepare a
portrait of Gen. Taylor, which would be in harmony with the
other stamps of the series, Mr. Jewell found in the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing, a portrait of Taylor, which had been
used on the old tobacco strip series. This portrait was
transmogrified into the five cent stamp. It was badly engraved
and of wretched color.
ISSUE OF OCTOBER 5TH, 1875.
FIVE CENTS. Bust of General Zachary Taylor, full face, on an oval disk
lined horizontally and obliquely, the horizontal lines growing closer
and closer towards the top, surrounded by a colorless line with outer
colored line, and resting on a shield, vertically lined, and bordered by
an exterior colored line, all on a background of colored horizontal
lines, the shadows of short horizontal lines. Above the oval is a label,
bordered by a colorless line between fine colored lines, and curved
round and divided at the ends, the outer part terminating in a ball,
horizontally lined and inscribed "_U. S. Postage_," in outline capitals
shaded without. Below the oval is a ribbon, bordered by a colored line,
and inscribed "_Five Cents_," the words divided by a large numeral "5",
all in outline capitals, shaded without on a ground of short vertical
lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
5 cents, dark blue.
The stamp is identical with the two and ten cent values, with the value
changed, and the portrait of Taylor from the six ounce tobacco stamp of
the "series of 1871," placed in the medallion.
Both the two cent vermilion and the five cent blue, bear the imprint
"Printed by the Continental Bank Note Company," which also prepared the
tobacco stamp in question.
These two stamps have been chronicled as having been issued grilled. The
error crept into the French edition of this work likewise, but they were
at least never so issued for circulation.
All the values as issued by this company have likewise been chronicled
as unperforated. If they are not accounted for as indicated under the
remarks made on page 172, they are the result of accident.
In many cases indistinct dots can be seen where the perforating machine
failed to do its work. Such specimens are curious but do not require
more than mention.
Before the second contract with the Continental Bank Note Co. expired,
it was consolidated with the American Bank Note Co. under, the name of
the American Bank Note Company, and new plates began to appear with the
imprint of this company, in large colored block capitals, shaded by a
colored line parallel to the letters and an outside row of lighter
horizontal lines.
The one, two, three, five and ten are found with this imprint, without
material change. The seven, twelve and twenty-four cent having long been
retired are not to be looked for with this imprint, and the fifteen,
thirty and ninety cents at this time were still printed from the plates,
with the imprint of the Continental Bank Note Co.
The gum has the white shade and the colors are the same as used by that
company.
The _one cent_ of the dull indigo blue.
The _two cents_ has a misty look.
The _three cents_ inclines to a blue-green.
The _five cents_ has heavier lines and is a darker blue.
The _ten cents_ returns to the light appearance of the original of 1870
but is of the yellow-brown shade.
ISSUE OF APRIL 10TH, 1882.
With the letting of the contract for another term in June, 1881, the
American Bank Note Company again secured the contract.
Soon after the death of President Garfield, it was proposed that his
portrait should be placed on the five cent stamp used for foreign
postage, and the stamp printed in mourning, as was said to have been
done with the fifteen cent stamp, then used for foreign postage, after
the death of President Lincoln. The stamp with the head of Taylor, it
was said had been hurriedly gotten up, and did not correspond with the
rest of the series. By direction of Postmaster General James, the
American Bank Note Co. therefore prepared the new stamp, after a
photograph of President Garfield. Mrs. Garfield was consulted, and
proofs in various colors were, it is said, submitted to her. Instead of
black, she finally selected a vandyke brown. The first proofs were in
black, and at the request of Mrs. Garfield it is stated, the Postmaster
General sent one of them, mounted on card and placed in a frame of
silver, surrounded by a second frame of gold, on a background of purple
velvet, and protected by a glass in an ebony frame, to Her Majesty, the
Queen of England.
From the correspondence columns of the daily papers, we learn that the
Department received the first invoice of these stamps at Washington, the
7th of February, 1882, and that it was expected to begin the issue the
1st of March, following. Mr. Durbin obtained some copies which he used
on St. Valentines day. But the stamps were not distributed from the
offices until the 10th of April, 1882 and were then sold only as the
supply of the old ones was exhausted. This is the date officially given
by the report of Postmaster General for the year, and the same date is
also given by the New York papers. The description given by the
Postmaster General it is not necessary to repeat.
ISSUE OF APRIL 10TH, 1882.
FIVE CENTS. Portrait in profile to the left, of President Garfield, in
an oval disk 16 by 20 mm., lined horizontally and obliquely, and
bordered by a line of colorless pearls on a broad colored band, resting
on a shield lined horizontally, and bordered by a colored line, very
heavy on the right side and at the bottom, and an exterior fine
colorless line at the bottom and sides, all on a back ground of
horizontal lines bordered at the sides by a terminal line of color. The
shield is square at the top, of the width of the stamp, with
perpendicular sides not quite so far apart, the corners being slanted
back, and is pointed at the bottom which is formed of two diagonal
lines. A large solid six pointed star, bordered by a colorless line and
exterior colored line covers the lower point of the shield and a part of
the pearled border, and bears a large colorless numeral "5." On each
side of this a ribbon indicated by a colored line, inscribed on left
"_Five_," on right "_Cents_," in outline capitals, on a ground of short
vertical lines. On the background of the stamp, beneath all, "_U. S.
Postage_" in colored block letters, shaded on the left and top by
colorless lines.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
5 cents, dark chocolate.
ISSUE OF NOVEMBER, 1882.
Without any notice to the postmasters or the public, new plates were
made by the American Bank Note Company, and slight changes were made in
the engraving. These began to appear in November, 1882, and may be
found in the one three, six and ten cent values.
ONE CENT. The vertical lines of the background are thickened in the
upper half and so nearly touch, that the ground now appears solid and in
fact from the running of the ink, sometimes really is solid. The curved
ornamental lines in the upper corners and the balls are now shaded with
one or more interior colored lines, instead of being plain. The exterior
shading of horizontal lines is omitted here, at the ends of the upper
labels, and also outside of the side lines, and is very faint under the
lower ornaments and label.
(_a_) The first impressions of this altered plate are in an ashey blue
and, the upper ornaments are rendered indistinct by the interior lines.
There is a whitish space, like a reflection beneath the bust.
(_b_) Later impressions in 1886, show the upper ornaments more
distinctly white, and shaded outside again by lines parallel to their
curves. A heavy shadow now appears under the bust, the ground being
almost solid where it falls. The color by daylight is again slightly of
the ultramarine cast, but differing only slightly from the ashey hue by
gaslight.
(_c_) Later impressions in 1887, show the return to the heavy upper
ornaments, but their exterior shading remains as in (b). The ground work
of the oval is uniform and there is no light or dark shadow under the
bust. The ultramarine is of a more pronounced cast by daylight.
TWO CENTS. There seems to have been no change beyond that already
mentioned, as the design was soon changed.
THREE CENTS. The altered die beside the other appears quite different,
but a close examination is necessary to determine the differences at
first. Once detected, they are very apparent. The lines of ground of the
oval are heavier. The cross lines can still be seen with the glass, and
the part behind the head is now crossed by vertical lines also. The
shadows of the upper ornaments are now solid, and the horizontal lines
cannot be detected. The shadows of the oval are also solid, and about
half as broad as in the other die. The horizontal lines can be seen by
the glass, but are very light. This is the most conspicuous difference.
The vertical shadow lines under the lower label are omitted. The shield
in the old die has a ground of horizontal lines on the right side, with
an outside vertical border line, and two fine vertical lines on the
horizontal lines form the shadow of the shield. The altered die has the
three vertical lines, but the horizontal lines are omitted to the point
where the bottom line begins. The color is a blue-green, not
yellow-green as before.
SIX CENTS. The ground work of the oval, is practically solid or mottled,
that of the panel nearly so. The border line cannot be distinguished
from the ground, while in the original issue, not only is the border
line distinct, but in the "sallie" the fine vertical shadow lines can be
counted inside, and on the right side three, very close together, and
four lines besides these between the panel and the edge, counting the
outside line. In the new, none of these shadows exist, and there are
only _three_ lines between the panel and the edge, including the outside
line. In the old, on the right side, there are fourteen lines in the
frame above and below the projection. In the new there are thirteen
above, and eleven below. The color is a brick red, neither the cochineal
or pink previously used.
TEN CENTS. The frame lines have all been strengthened as well as those
of the background, so that the entire stamp is more uniform in engraving
and color, but has entirely lost its light look. The edges no longer
fade away, but stand out sharp from the paper. It is apparent to the eye
that the space between the oval and the shield, is reduced one-third its
width. There are only four vertical lines between the line of the shield
and the line of the oval at their nearest point on the left, or six
lines in all; in the originals, there were five lines, or seven in all.
Beneath the ribbon containing the value in the old stamps, the
horizontal lines of the background are scarcely visible, the vertical
shade lines being conspicuous. In the new the horizontal lines are
strong and clear.
(_a_) The earliest impressions are in muddy yellow brown, quite uniform
all over the stamp.
(_b_) Later impressions, in 1886, are in a clearer shade of
yellow-brown, and the light on the face has been increased, much
improving the effect.
(_c_) An odd purple-brown shade appeared in 1886.
(_d_) A dark black-brown shade is now, 1887, in use.
THE ISSUE OF OCTOBER, 1883.
The Act of the 47th Congress, Session II, Chapter 92, approved March 3d,
1883, provided that:
"Upon all matter of the 1st class [as defined by chapter 180 of
the laws of Congress, approved March 3d, 1879, entitled: An Act,
etc.] postage shall be charged on and after the first day of
October, A. D. 1883, at the rate of two cents for each half
ounce or fraction thereof, and all acts so far as they fix a
different rate of postage than herein provided upon said first
class matter, are to that extent hereby repealed."
The report of the Third Assistant Postmaster General under date of
November 8th, 1883, says:
"Soon after the passage of the Act of March 3d, 1883,
preparations were begun to carry the new law into effect. The
change left the 3 cent denomination of postage stamps of little
utility, it no longer representing the single rate of postage on
any class of matter, and it was determined to discontinue its
issue. As the public would have undoubtedly regarded with
disfavor, the dropping of Washington from portraits, forming the
distinguishing feature in the series of postage stamps, it was
decided to replace the old 2 cent stamp by a new one bearing the
profile of the first president, thus restoring it to its old
place on the stamp in most general use. It was also decided to
issue a new stamp of the value of four cents, a denomination not
previously in use, and designed to cover two rates of letter
postage. The portrait of Jackson, formerly on the 2 cent stamp,
was transferred to this new (four cent) stamp. The following is
a brief description of the new stamp:
TWO CENT STAMP.
An oblong shield, slightly shouldered on the upper square, the
lower lines terminating in a point. Within this shield is an
oval containing a profile bust of George Washington engraved in
line, surrounded by a ribbon ending with small scrolls bearing
the legend "United States Postage," in white letters. From each
end of the scrolls a chain of pearls completes the outlines of
the oval. A prominent white-faced figure "2" laps over the lower
centre point of the oval and shield, dividing the words "Two
Cents." The whole is enclosed in a dark upright square to give
relief to the device. The stamp is printed in dark red.
FOUR CENT STAMP.
Over an oval containing a bust of Andrew Jackson in profile, is
a ribbon with the legend "United States Postage," in white
letters. A string of pearls forms round the lower half of the
oval and unites the two ends of the ribbon. At the lower part
of the oval, on either side, appears the figure "4," and under
that the words "Four Cents," with a star on each side, all
engraved in white faced letters. The whole device is inclosed
in an upright oblong tablet. The stamp is printed in green.
It is worthy of notice that these are the first postage stamps
ever bearing the words "United States Postage" in full, the
name of the country being abbreviated to "U. S." on all other
stamps * * * Postmasters were notified by circular of the
coming change of postage, and intrusted to make their
requisitions for 3 cent stamps and envelopes sufficient only
for carefully estimated needs to the 1st October. * * * The
issue of the new 2 cent and 4 cent stamped envelopes was
commenced on the 1st September, and of the 2 and 4 cent
adhesive stamps on the 15th September; and they were so
generally distributed by the 1st October that the change of
postage was attended with but little inconvenience for want of
the necessary stamps."
The circular issued to postmasters read as follows:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of Third Assistant Postmaster General.
_Washington, D. C., July 18th, 1883._
On and after the first day of October, 1883, the rate of postage
on domestic mail matter of the first class, will be reduced from
three cents per half ounce, or fraction thereof, as provided by
Act of Congress, approved March 3d, 1883.
The department has adopted a new design for the two cent stamp.
The head of Washington, in profile from Houdon's bust, placed on
a plain tablet. Above the oval, surrounding the head, are the
words "United States Postage," and underneath the tablet are the
words "Two Cents." The stamp will be printed in metallic red.
The engraved stamp on the 2 cent envelope will also bear the
head of Washington.
A four cent denomination of postage stamps and stamped
envelopes, to cover double postage under the new rate, will also
be issued.
The design embraces the head of Jackson, similar to that on the
present 2 cent stamp and envelope. No change will be made in the
postage due stamps.
The same 3 cent stamps and stamped envelopes of the present
design, will continue to be valid after the 1st of October, and
must be accepted in payment of postage whenever offered in
appropriate amounts.
The drop letter rate of postage will remain the same as now.
A. D. HAZEN,
_Third Assistant Postmaster General_.
ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1883.
TWO CENTS. Bust of General Washington, in profile to the left, after
Houdon, on an oval disk, lined horizontally and doubly diagonally,
bordered by a colorless line, surrounded by a solid colored band,
ornamented in the lower two-thirds with a row of white pearls, the upper
third broadened into a label, edged outside by a colorless line, with
outside colored line, the ends curved round into a hook, the whole
resting on a shield shaped tablet, corresponding to that of the last
three cents, horizontally lined and edged by a colored line, very heavy
on the right and bottom, with an outside colorless line, the whole on a
rectangular background of horizontal lines, very close together below,
and farther apart above. There are no shadows except a few vertical
lines beneath the projecting part of the top parts of the shield.
The label above the oval is inscribed "_United States Postage_," in full
colorless capitals, on the solid ground. A large colorless numeral
outlined in color and doubly shaded outside, obscures the point of the
shield and the pearled and colorless border of the oval, dividing the
words "_Two Cents_" in full colorless capitals on the background, so
shaded as to be on a solid colored ground.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
2 cents, metallic red.
FOUR CENTS. Bust of Andrew Jackson, in profile to left, after Powers,
in an oval disk, horizontally lined, very closely at the top, and doubly
diagonally bordered by a colorless line, twice as wide as that in the
last two cents, surrounded by a solid colored band, ornamented with
pearls below, and broadened above into a label, bordered above and at
the ends by a colorless line, and inscribed "_United States Postage_,"
just as in the two cents, the whole resting on a rectangular tablet,
with horizontally lined ground, crossed by vertical lines below the
oval, and bordered by a vertical colorless line on the right and above
the oval on the left, with mitered or bevelled edge, represented by five
colored lines parallel with the top, bottom and sides, the right, upper
third of the left, and bottom bevel crossed by short colored lines at
right angles. On the ground below the oval, which is nearly solid color,
in colorless capitals, "_Four Cents_," between colored five pointed
stars. Large colorless numeral "4" on each side, above the stars and end
letters of the value.
Plate impression, 191/2 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, slightly
surfaced with green, perforated 12.
4 cents, blue green.
The arrangement of the plates, printer's imprint, plate number, etc., is
the same as before, for both of the new stamps.
The report of 1883 also proposed that the 3 and 6 cent stamps should be
called in, redeemed and destroyed. Nothing seems to have been done about
it however, until Frank Hatton, Postmaster General, issued an order,
dated December 1st, 1884, that the three and six cents of all issues
with the exceptions following, should be exchanged by postmasters for
other values.
"Especial care must be taken not to redeem postage stamps issued
prior to 1861, as such stamps were long since declared obsolete
and valueless for postage. No six cent stamps were issued prior
to 1861. The three cent issued before that time bears the head
of Washington, and is printed in red. In a straight line at the
top are the words "U. S. Postage," and at the bottom, the words
"Three Cents." The figure 3 does not appear on the stamps, as it
does upon all subsequent issues of that denomination. Stamps
answering to this description, must in all cases be refused."
On the 14th of January, 1885, Postmaster General Frank Hatton, by order
No. 75, appointed a committee of three to proceed among other things to
the stamp manufactory at New York, and effectually cancel all the
plates, except one working plate of each denomination, of the issues of
1847, of 1851, including the two carrier stamps, of 1861, of 1865
newspaper and periodicals, of 1869, of the 3, 5, Taylor, 7, 12 and 24
cents of 1870, 3 and 9 cent newspaper and periodical of 1874, and of all
the Department stamps.
"One plate of each kind and denomination of postage stamp
reserved as above, and the dies and rolls from which they have
been produced, together with all the cancelled plates, to be
inventoried, waxed and carefully boxed and sealed, and placed in
the vault of the stamp manufactory, in the custody and under the
control of the agent."
The committee were also to cancel any worn out and unserviceable plates
of the current series, and to count and destroy the official stamps
remaining in the vaults of the American Bank Note Company, of all
denominations and Departments, numbering 17,024,588, of the 3 and 9 cent
newspaper and periodical stamps of 1874, numbering 324,990, and of the
7, 12, and 24 cent stamps of the 1870 issue, numbering 1,414,300, a
grand total of 18,763,878 stamps. On the 24th of February, the committee
reported that they had carried out the order.
A. D. Hazen, Third Assistant Postmaster General, who recommended this
holocaust, says:
"I have excepted from this recommendation the 3 cent stamps of
the current series, of which there are 135,800 in the vault, for
the reason that though their general issue has been
discontinued, occasional calls are made for them by some of the
larger offices."
The reports show further that from January 1st, to June 30, 1886,
1,094,200 three cent stamps were actually issued. During the same
period, 201,600 six cent stamps were also issued, while 645,950 thirty
cent stamps, and only 29,620 ninety cent stamps were issued. As a matter
of fact therefore these values, though retired from general issue, are
more in demand than the two higher values retained, nearly 2 to 1, as
between the 3 and 30 cents, 50 to 1 as between the 3 and 90 cents, or 9
to 1 as between the 6 and 90 cents, and that too when the general public
is unaware that these values can be obtained at all.
CONTRACT FOR 1885-89.
The contract for the manufacture of adhesive stamps between the
Department and the American Bank Note Company, expiring on the 30th of
June, 1885, sealed proposals were invited by public advertisement of
March 30th, 1885, for a new contract for four years from July 1st, 1885.
The important features of the new contract to be noticed here, are
_first_, that a definite standard of paper to be used for printing the
stamps, made by an improved formula, was for the first time required,
all other contracts having provided that the paper should be equal to a
sample only; and _second_, that all ordinary postage stamps should be
printed wholly by machinery run by steam power. "The two previous
contracts, 1877 to 1881, and 1881 to 1885, expressly stipulated that the
printing should be done on hand roller presses, the use of steam presses
under the contract immediately preceeding the same, 1873 to 1877, which
was silent as to the mode of printing, having resulted in extremely
unsatisfactory work."
The act of the 48th Congress, Session II, Chapter 342, approved March
30th, 1885, provides:
"That upon all matter of the first class, as defined by chapter
180 of the laws of Congress, approved March 3d, 1879, entitled:
An Act, etc., and by that act declared subject to postage at the
rate of three cents for each half ounce or fraction thereof, and
reduced by act of March 3d, 1883, to two cents for each ounce or
fraction thereof, postage shall be charged, on and after the
first day of July, 1885, at the rate of two cents for each
ounce or fraction thereof; and drop letters shall be mailed at
the rate of two cents per ounce or fraction thereof, including
delivery at letter carrier offices, and one cent for each ounce
or fraction thereof where free delivery by carriers is not
established."
It was claimed that the improvements in machinery had produced steam
presses that could produce better word than the hand presses, at less
cost. Bids were taken for stamps printed entirely by hand, partly by
hand and partly by steam, entirely by steam; the last two with or
without an option reserved to the Postmaster General, to require the
work to be done by hand roller presses. The Treasury Bureau of Engraving
and Printing, the Franklin Bank Note Co., and the American Bank Note
Co., were the only bidders. The latter again secured the contract to
print the ordinary stamps, by steam power entirely, and the newspaper,
postage due and special delivery stamps by hand roller presses. For the
latter of these they are paid $18 per 1000, for the postage due $8.49
per 1000, and for the steam printed stamps $6.99 per thousand. For these
latter the Government paid $9.19 under the previous contract up to 1885,
$9.98 up to 1881, and $14.99 up to 1877.
The following is the number of stamps of the issue of 1870 as it is
called without the grille.
1 cent, old plate, blue, 1,748,378,900
1 " altered " " 1,872,063,600
2 cents, old " brown 176,830,300
2 " " " vermilion 661,829,150
2 " new " red-brown 4,370,788,300
3 " old " 4,986,505,600
3 " altered " 629,537,100
5 " Jackson 80,390,500
5 " Garfield 14,454,640
6 " old plate 76,726,850
6 " altered " 8,013,300
7 " 3,349,100
10 " old " 79,126,690
10 " altered " 81,307,910
12 " 3,272,125
15 " 16,136,380
24 " 716,975
30 " 6,134,410
90 " 436,150
The paper provided for in this contract is the soft porous paper, which
according to Mr. Sterling was introduced in 1883. It is not stiff and
hard like the previous paper, and seems to have been adopted about the
time of the change in the dies, the fall 1882. All the values employed
since are to be found on it. It may be noted that the fifteen and thirty
cents on this paper are with the imprint of the American Company. The
fifteen is again a deep orange and the thirty a full black.
ISSUE OF 1883, ETC.
Same colors, values and designs, soft porous paper, perforated 12.
1 cent, ultramarine blue.
2 cents, red-brown.
3 cents, green.
4 " dark green.
5 " " brown.
6 " cochineal.
10 " brown.
15 " orange.
30 " black.
90 " carmine.
ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1887.
The following circular explains itself:
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of the Postmaster General.
_Washington, D. C., May 23d, 1887._
On or about the 15th of June, 1887, the Department will begin
the issue of a new design of the ordinary one cent postage
stamp, of which the following is a description: The center of
the stamp consists of a profile bust of Benjamin Franklin
(after-the original by Caracci), looking to the left, in an oval
disk, with shaded background, the lower portion of the oval
being bordered with pearls and the upper portion with a curved
frame, containing in small white letters, the words, "United
States Postage." The whole is engraved in line upon a shield
shaped tablet, with a truncated pyramidal base, bearing on it
the words "one" and "cent," on either side of the figure "1."
The color of the stamp is ultramarine blue, and its general
appearance is somewhat similar to that of the stamp now in use.
Before ordering supplies of the new stamps, postmasters will be
expected to exhaust their stock of the old, which will continue
to be valid. Under no circumstances are the old stamps to be
sent to the Department for redemption or exchange.
WILLIAM T. VILAS,
Postmaster General.
H. R. HARRIS,
Third Assist. P. M. General.
ISSUE OF JUNE 15TH, 1887.
ONE CENT. Head of Benjamin Franklin, in profile to the left, after
Carraci, on an oval disk lined horizontally and doubly diagonally, the
upper third bordered by a label, the lower two thirds by a broad solid
colored line, ornamented with colorless pearls increasing in size from
top to bottom, with a colorless line outside this, shaded by another
heavy colored line. The label is of solid color, between two colorless
lines, the upper one curved round the ends, forming a hook and edged
outside by a fine colored line, and is inscribed in white capitals
similar to the two cents last described, "United States Postage." The
whole is on a horizontally lined shield shaped tablet, the top similar
to that of the two cents, but with a small point in the centre of the
top and the diagonals shorter. The bottom is curved at the corners, then
curved back up and round, and spreads out into the lower part of a
"truncated pyramid." It is edged with a heavy colored line on the right
and bottom, with a heavy colored line on the left and top. On the
truncated base is a large pearled outlined colorless numeral "1,"
dividing the border of the oval and the words "One Cent," in outline
colorless capitals. The rectangle is filled out with horizontal lines at
the sides of the shield and vertical line at the top.
Plate impression, 20 by 251/2 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated
12.
1 cent, ultramarine blue.
XXIV.
POSTAGE DUE STAMPS.
From the adoption of compulsory prepayment up to 1879, various
regulations had been made from time to time regarding insufficiently
paid letters, in order to relieve the Dead Letter Office as far as
possible, and yet enforce the prepayment of all mail matter.
Nevertheless mistakes continued to be made and the practice of
forwarding all letters upon which one full rate was paid, and collecting
the balance of the receiver had finally been adopted, the amount to be
collected being written or stamped upon the letter. From this practice
abuses arose, and by the Act of the XLV Congress, Section III, Chapter
180, Section 26, approved March 3d, 1879, it was enacted:
"That all mail matter of the first class upon which one full
rate of postage has been prepaid shall be forwarded to its
destination charged with the unpaid rate, to be collected on
delivery, but postmasters before delivering the same, or any
article of mail matter upon which prepayment in full has not
been made, shall affix, or cause to be affixed, and cancelled as
ordinary stamps are cancelled, one or more stamps equivalent in
value to the amount of postage due on such article of mail
matter, which stamps shall be of such special design as the
Postmaster General shall prescribe, and which shall in no case
be sold by any postmaster or received by him in prepayment of
postage," etc.
Sec. 27. "That any postmaster or other person engaged in the
postal service who shall collect and fail to account for the
postage due upon any article of mail matter which he may deliver
without having previously affixed and cancelled such stamp as
herein before provided shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor,
and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of fifty
dollars."
Shortly after the passage of this Act the following circular was
addressed to all postmasters:
Form No. 3288.
SPECIAL STAMP FOR POSTAGE DUE.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT,
Office of the Third Assistant Postmaster General,
Division of Stamps, Stamped Envelopes and Postal Cards.
_Washington, D. C., May 5th 1879._
By Sections 26 and 27 of the Act of Congress, making
appropriations for the service of the Post Office Department for
the year ending June 30th, 1880, and for other purposes
"approved March 3d, 1879, it is made the duty of postmasters to
affix to all mail matter that has arrived at destination without
full payment of postage, and before delivery of the same, an
amount of stamps equal to the postage due, the stamps to be of
such special design as the Postmaster General may direct."
To avoid any confusion in the accounts of Postmasters with the
Auditor, and on account of the length of the time necessary to
prepare for the change contemplated by the above sections in
the mode of collecting and accounting for short paid postage, it
has been decided to have the same go into practical operation on
the 1st of July next.
The Department however, will begin issuing sometime during the
present month, in anticipation of the wants of postmasters,
special stamps for the collection of postage due of the
denomination of 1, 2, 3 and 5 cents, and of the following
general description:
A large figure, representing the denomination is placed in the
center of the stamp, and is surrounded by an oval of very
delicate lathe work. On the upper border of this oval, the words
"Postage Due" are printed in white letters; in the lower border
is the denomination, in letters of the same kind; on either side
of the oval are the letters "U. S." in a small white shield.
Around the oval is a form of complex character, described upon
an oblong tablet. The general design is the same for all the
stamps, the only difference being in the figures and lettering
for the several denominations. The color is the same, a reddish
brown.
These stamps are intended, exclusively for the collection of
postage due on matter arriving at destination through the mails,
and are to be used in combination, wherever required to cover
unusual amounts of postage. They are to be cancelled in the
customary way after being attached to mail matter, are never to
be sold or received by Postmasters for prepayment of postage.
Postmasters must distinctly understand, that these stamps are
not to be used until July 1st, 1879.
A supply of these will be sent at first to all post offices in
advance of requisitions from postmasters, and charged to their
account; but afterwards they must be ordered on blank forms (No.
3285) to be furnished by the First Assistant Postmaster General.
With the first supply of stamps, however, blank requisitions for
future use will be enclosed.
The stamps will be accounted for to the auditor the same as
other stamps, and will enter into the monthly reports of stamps,
etc., received, sold and on hand, required by the regulations,
to be made by postmasters at Presidential offices, to the Third
Assistant Postmaster General.
On the next page of this circular will be found the sections of
the new postal law and regulations relating to the above
described stamps, which are published in advance for the
information and guidance of postmasters. The distinguishing
numbers of the sections cannot now be given, but the
instructions are here printed in the same order in which they
will appear in the forthcoming volume of the new postal
regulations.
A. D. HAZEN,
_Third Assistant Postmaster General_.
ISSUE OF MAY 9TH, 1879.
For use from and after July 1st, 1879.
Large colorless numeral, 10 mm. high, representing the value, ornamented
and shaded, on an oval disk, 17 by 131/2 mm., with colored ground
ornamented by colorless geometric lathe work, bordered by a solid
colored band between two heavy colorless lines and an exterior fine
colored line, interrupted by small white shields on the sides bearing
"_U._" on the left, "_S._" on the right, in fancy colored capitals. The
band is inscribed in white capitals, above, "_Postage Due_," below with
the value in full letters, the whole on a tablet with vertically lined
ground, with an irregular outline colorless line bordered by an
extensive fine colored line, and a double rectangular frame, the
interior formed by parallel, diagonal curved lines, and the exterior by
vertical short lines at top and bottom, horizontal ones at sides,
indicating a bevel.
Plate impression, 20 by 25 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.
1 cent, reddish brown.
2 cents, "
3 " "
5 " "
The report of the Postmaster General dated December, 1879, states:
"Under a provision in the act of Congress, approved March 3d
1879, authorizing a change in the mode of collecting postage
due, on matter arriving at destination through the mails, the
Department began issuing on the 9th of May, special stamps,
called postage due stamps, of the denominations of 1, 2, 3 and 5
cents, and subsequently of the additional denominations of 10,
30, and 50 cents. Before the first of July, every office in the
country was provided with a supply of these stamps, and the new
system of collecting short paid postage is now fairly in
operation."
ISSUE OF AUGUST, 1879.
Stamps of the same design, but there being two figures, the numerals are
smaller.
Plate impression, in color, on white paper, perforated 12.
10 cents, reddish brown.
30 " "
50 " "
The number of these stamps issued from May, 1879, to June 30th, 1885,
was:
1 cent, 25,328,525
2 cents, 30,534,425
3 " 31,146,230
5 " 5,029,435
10 " 6,105,175
30 " 169,078
50 " 93,490
OBSERVATIONS.
There are two quite distinct shades of the red-brown in which these
stamps are printed, the earlier issues being of a brown that shows
hardly a trace of red, while those printed under the 1885 contract are
of the shade of the current two cent postage stamp.
XXV.
SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP.
The history of the introduction and usage of these stamps is contained
in the following extracts from two circulars, both dated at Post Office
Department, Office of the Postmaster General, Washington, D. C., August
11th, 1885, and signed by William F. Vilas, Postmaster General. The
first directed to postmasters reads as follows:
"SIR:--On the first of October, 1885, you are directed to
establish at your office, a system for special delivery of
letters, in accordance with sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Act
making appropriation for the postal service for the current
fiscal year (XLVIII Congress, Session II, Chapter 342, approved
March 3d, 1885,) which are as follows:
SECTION 3. That a special stamp of the face valuation of 10
cents may be provided and issued, whenever deemed advisable or
expedient, in such form and bearing such device as may meet the
approval of the Postmaster General, which when attached to a
letter, in addition to the lawful postage thereon, the delivery
of which is to be at a free delivery office, or at any city,
town or village containing a population of 4,000 or over,
according to the Federal census, shall be regarded as entitling
such letter to immediate delivery within the carrier limit of
any free delivery office which may be designated by the
Postmaster General as a special delivery office, or within one
mile of the post office at any other office coming within, the
provisions of this section which may in like manner be
designated as a special delivery office."
SECTION 4 provides for immediate delivery between the hours of 7
A. M. and midnight.
SECTION 5 provides for the employment of special messengers and,
SECTION 6 the mode of paying them. The rest of this circular
gives the details of the service which it is not necessary to
repeat here."
The second circular after reciting the provisions of Section 3, of the
Act of March 3d, 1885, and that it has been decided to introduce the
system on the first day of October, at all the post offices permitted by
the law; contains a description of the stamp prepared to carry out the
law, which with some additions is as follows:
SPECIAL DELIVERY STAMP.
ISSUE OF OCTOBER 1ST, 1885.
A line engraving on steel, oblong in form; dimensions 13/16 by 1-7/16
inches, color dark blue. Design: on the left in an arched panel, 101/2 by
151/2 mm., a mail messenger boy on a run, faced to the right on a hatched
back-ground, and surrounded above by the words "_United States_," in
curved line of colorless capitals. On the right an oblong tablet,
ornamented with a wreath of oak on the left, and laurel on the right,
surrounding the words, "_Secures--Immediate--Delivery--At a
special--Delivery--Office_," in six lines of white capitals on a solid
ground. The ground of the tablet above is composed of light vertical
lines with colorless border. Across the top of the tablet, but above it,
is the legend, "_Special--Postal delivery_," and at the bottom the
words, "_Ten Cents_," separated by a shield bearing the numeral "10."
The entire ground of the stamp is composed of fine vertical lines except
the edges, which are so contrived as to appear bevelled.
Plate impression, 21 by 27 mm., in color, on white paper, perforated 12.
10 cents, dark blue.
"They are to be sold by Postmasters to any required amount, and
to any person who may apply for them, but they can be used only
for the purpose of securing the immediate delivery of letters."
About a year ago, after the system was inaugurated at carrier offices
there was a further change in the law, and the system was further
extended as is shown by the following extracts from three circulars, all
dated August 10th, 1886, from the office of the Postmaster General,
Washington, D. C., signed by William F. Vilas, Postmaster General. The
first is addressed to Postmasters at carrier offices, the second to all
other postmasters, and the third to the public. The following from the
first circular:
"By the Act of August 4th, 1886, Congress has authorized the
extention of the special delivery system to all post offices and
to all mailable matter. The Act is as follows, namely:
'That every article of mailable matter upon which the special
stamp, provided for by Section 3 of the act entitled: an Act,
etc., shall be duly affixed, shall be entitled to immediate
delivery according to said act, within the carrier limit of any
free delivery office, and within one mile of any other post
office which the Postmaster General shall at any time designate
as a special delivery office.'"
From the second circular only this is of interest:
"No change will be made in the general style of the special
delivery stamp now in use. The following is its description:
(same as in the original circular). The words 'Secures immediate
delivery at a special delivery office,' will however, be changed
to read: 'Secures immediate delivery at any post office.' But as
stamps with the former words are now in the hands of the
postmasters and the public, their use will continue until the
present supply shall be exhausted."
From the third circular only this is to be noticed:
"The attention of the public is invited to the fact that under a
recent Act of Congress the special delivery system heretofore in
effect in cities and towns having a population of 4,000 and
upwards, has been extended to all post offices in the United
States, to take effect on and after October 1st, 1886. The
privileges of this system have also been extended to all classes
of mail matter."
The remainder of these circulars are devoted to directions to
postmasters at the two classes of offices, and to the public.
These stamps are printed in sheets of 100, and distributed in half
sheets of 50, the center of the sheets being marked as usual by an arrow
head. There are consequently 10 stamps in a row, and 10 rows in the
whole sheet. The makers imprint appears four times on the sheet, above
and below the center row of each half sheet, and the plate number is
also four times repeated on the sheet.
3,699,560 special delivery stamps were issued up to June 30th, 1886.
XXVI.
NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL STAMPS.
ISSUE OF 1865.
The newspaper stamps issued by the United States Post Office Department
do not correspond in their usage very nearly to the stamps denominated
newspaper stamps in other countries. The series under review had a very
limited and peculiar use. While the dissemination of learning and
information had always been fostered in every way by the Acts of
Congress, and the distribution of newspapers and periodicals had always
been undertaken by the post office at rates that did not pay for the
expense of the service, in the intention of encouraging these
publications, the Department always found a great rival in the express
companies, which, having conformed their rules to the exigencies of
business, were enabled to deliver newspapers and periodicals from the
trains to the agents and dealers always hours, sometimes days before
those sent by the mails reached their destination, as these were sent
to the post office and there assorted, some to be delivered locally and
others to be made up again into the new mail for further transportation,
while those sent by the express companies being transferred at the
depot, often finished their journey before the mails could be made up
and started.
This service assisted the express companies in those violations of the
postal laws which each year the Postmaster General called to the
attention of Congress, and Congress endeavored to reach by new laws. The
government got the expensive service, the express companies the paying
business partly because of their more liberal rates, but particularly
because of their more expeditious service.
The attempt was therefore made to so frame the law that the post office
might successfully compete for the carriage of newspapers. The Act of
the XXXVII Congress, III Session, Chapter 71, Section 38, approved the
3rd of March, 1863, reads:
"And be it further enacted that the Postmaster General may, from
time to time, provide by order the rates and terms upon which
route agents may receive and deliver, at the mail car or
steamer, packages of newspapers and periodicals, delivered to
them for that purpose by the publishers or any news agent in
charge thereof, and not received from or designed for delivery
at any post office."
Under this act for some time payment was made in money, but the report
of the Postmaster General dated November 15th, 1865, states:
"New stamps have been adopted of the denominations of 5, 10,
and 25 cents for prepaying postage on packages of newspapers
forwarded by publishers or news dealers under the authority of
law, whereby a revenue will be secured, hitherto lost to the
Department."
In the report of the Postmaster General for 1878, the date of this issue
is stated to have been April 1st, 1865. In the accounts of the number of
stamps issued in each quarter it appears, however, that the first issue
was in the quarter between June 30th and September 30th, 1865.