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Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Large square margins well outside of circle all around, unusually clear strike of the “Phila. Despatch Post” red circle handstamp with manuscript “R & Co” initials, red ”PAID” and “3” numeral handstamps inside circle, affixed with wax seal on folded cover to ”Mr. Frederick Fritz, Present”, an additional strike of red “3” rate handstamp just ties adhesive at right, matching “Philadelphia Pa. Jun. 13” (1843) circular datestamp, manuscript “Refused”, docketing notation on back "F. Fritz [and illegible word, "Cemetery p."?]", cover is reduced at left just into the word “(A)bove” which was apparently a street location, without side panelsEXTREMELY FINE STAMP AND THE ONLY RECORDED CUT-SQUARE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST FIRST ISSUE. A MAJOR LOCAL POST RARITY, FREQUENTLY REFERRED TO AS THE “PEROT PROVISIONAL” OF UNITED STATES PHILATELY, BASED ON ITS SIMILARITY TO THE FAMOUS BERMUDA PROVISIONAL ISSUE.
Our firm published a census of Philadelphia Despatch Post 15L1 and 15L2 covers in Sale 817 (David Golden collection) and an updated/corrected version in Sale 830 (Hall collection). In 2005 a new example of 15L1 on cover came to light. In 2013 Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. published an updated and comprehensive photo census in The Penny Post (Vol. 21, Nos. 1 and 2). Using the Morris census, there are 14 recorded Red 15L1 covers, and 6 Black 15L2 covers (including one 15L2 in the Tapling collection at The British Library). These covers account for all 20 known examples of the adhesive in black or red. The stamp on this cover is the only one cut with square margins among all recorded examples -- the others are cut to the shape of the circle.
Regarding this cover, Dr. Morris points out “although a specific street address may not be written, the 1840 McElroy city directory listed Frederick Fritz at 366 North 6th Street, just at the east edge of the Spring Garden District. Since the government post office was involved this cover may been [sic] held at the post office as a drop letter until picked up by Mr. Fritz.” In a state Auditor General's report (Mar. 26, 1841) to the Pennsylvania Senate, Frederick Fritz is identified as a former collector of tolls on the Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad, who was arrested in 1839 and charged with failing to account for $46,574.21 in funds. There was also a fire marshal named Frederick Fritz during the same period; perhaps this correspondence was delivered to the wrong Frederick Fritz.
The establishment of the Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger, Dec. 8, 1842. A larger Robertson & Co. advertisement contains information that differs from the smaller Public Ledger ad. Notably, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4 cents and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chesnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement. Published research by Robson Lowe, Edward T. Harvey, Norman Shachat, Steven M. Roth, Calvet M. Hahn and Dr. Morris has explored the vexing questions of ownership and transition from the predecessor posts to the successor, D. O. Blood & Co.
The significance of the Philadelphia Despatch Post and its stamps is summed up in Dr. Morris’ 2013 Penny Post article: “The Philadelphia Despatch Post was the third entity in the world to produce stamps for prepayment of postage, after Great Britain in 1840, and New York in February 1842. To put this into its proper historical perspective, Switzerland was fourth in March 1843, and Brazil fifth in August 1843. Postmaster provisional stamps in the United States began July 1845, United States federal stamps in July 1847. Moreover, for eighteen months the Philadelphia Despatch Post was the only private post in the United States, and the entire world, dedicated solely to city delivery of letters.”
Ex Caspary, Boker and Haub. With 2019 P.F. certificate stating "genuine usage, the cover without side flaps". There is no Scott value quoted for 15L1 with square margins or tied on cover.
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red on Bluish (15L1). Octagonal margins with large part of circle intact, manuscript "R & Co." control mark, clear strike of red outline "3" cancel, affixed with thick mucilage to folded letter datelined "Philadelphia Aug. 29th 1843" to Lloyd's Va., red "Philadelphia Pa. Aug. 30" circular datestamp just barely ties margin of stamp, blue manuscript "18-3/4" rate with a notation "Chd" (Charged)VERY FINE. FROM A RECENT DISCOVERY, THIS IS ONE OF FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
The Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger (Dec. 8, 1842) and in an expanded version with some differences (go to www.siegelauctions.com/enc/carriers/robertson.jpg for an image of the revised ad). In the later ad, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4c and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either special service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chesnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement.
Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. has recently published his own comprehensive census, which updates and expands the census previously published by our firm.
This cover was discovered in an archive only about 10 years ago and was not previously included in the census. With 2005 P.F. certificate
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just barely into letters "IL", bright white paper and remarkably clear impression of "Phila. Despatch Post P.M." handstamp, ms. "R & Co." control mark, perfectly clear strike of small red outline "3" cancel (not tied), used on folded letter addressed in blue to the local printing firm of Carter & Scattergood, dated Nov. 1, 1843, from a former employee telling them he has obtained financial backing and started a new venture of his own, red "Phila. Despatch Post -- P.M." circular timestampA VERY FINE, COLORFUL AND REMARKABLY FRESH COVER. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED 15L1 STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
The Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger (Dec. 8, 1842) and in an expanded version with some differences (go to www.siegelauctions.com/enc/carriers/robertson.jpg for an image of the revised ad). In the later ad, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4c and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either special service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chesnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement.
Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. has recently published his own comprehensive census, which updates and expands the census previously published by our firm.
Ex Schwartz, Gordon N. John and Geisler. With 1983 and 2009 P.F. certificates
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins mostly clear of red circle, shows small part of circular rim from an adjoining stamp, clear impression with "3 P.M." time at center, usual manuscript "R & Co" initials, red "Paid" and an unusual red cancel comprising five dots inside a small circle, affixed with small dab of glue on folded letter dated Feb. 15, 1843, addressed to Thos. G. Hollingsworth, 136 South 2nd St., in the hand of and signed by Rembrandt Peale (American portrait artist residing in Philadelphia), red "Phila. Despatch Post 10 A.M." circular datestamp with manuscript "16th" (February date), in the letter Peale eloquently comments on the review of his students' drawingsEXTREMELY FINE. THE EARLIEST AND ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FIFTEEN RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED STAMP -- ALSO NOTEWORTHY AS AN AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY THE FAMOUS AMERICAN PORTRAIT ARTIST, REMBRANDT PEALE.
The Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger (Dec. 8, 1842) and in an expanded version with some differences (go to www.siegelauctions.com/enc/carriers/robertson.jpg for an image of the revised ad). In the later ad, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4c and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either special service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chesnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement.
This cover is the earliest of the dated Red stamps (15L1). A 15L2 Black stamp is known on a folded letter or cover year-dated 1842, according to the Caspary catalogue description; if correctly year-dated, it must be December 1842, the earliest recorded use of any Philadelphia Despatch Post adhesive.
This stamp is obviously not on "Bluish" paper, as described in the Scott Catalogue. The paper is noticeably pinker (or more rose-colored). It is also somewhat thicker and more highly finished on the surface -- the smooth surface has an almost glazed quality. While we do not believe subtle paper differences among these rarities qualifies them for separate Scott Catalogue classification, the precise texture and color of the paper are important to note for the record. Robson Lowe also noticed the paper color and described it as yellowish in his Oct. 1974 catalogue that featured this item on the front cover.
Another distinctive feature of this 15L1 cover is the tiny fancy cancellation struck in red, almost centered on the stamp. Consisting of five dots in a small circle, the cancel indentation is strong enough to pass thru the stamp, the glue used to affix the stamp, and the lettersheet.
Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. has recently published his own comprehensive census, which updates and expands the census previously published by our firm.
Ex Caspary, Lowe and Golden. With 1976 and 1999 P.F. certificates
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just slightly into circle, partly clear impression with usual ms. "R & Co" initials, red "Paid" and "3" outline numeral handstamp, used on folded letter with Sep. 18, 1843 Quaker date, addressed to Dr. William Blanding, 5th and Willow Street, interesting contents regarding numismatics -- Blanding was a chemist who manufactured ancient coins as a hobby (two recipes for gold lacquer are attached) -- red "Phila. Despatch Post P.M." circular datestamp, stamp has two negligible creases and faint glue smearVERY FINE. ONE OF FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
The Philadelphia Despatch Post is documented in an advertisement in the Philadelphia Public Ledger (Dec. 8, 1842) and in an expanded version with some differences (go to www.siegelauctions.com/enc/carriers/robertson.jpg for an image of the revised ad). In the later ad, the stamps are priced at 3c individually, 31c per dozen and $2 per hundred. Valuable-letter registration for 6-1/4c and a 6c rate on letters beyond two miles are quoted (no examples of either special service are known). The firm's address is 93 Chesnut Street, not 83 South Second Street as in the earlier advertisement.
Dr. Vernon R. Morris Jr. has recently published his own comprehensive census, which updates and expands the census previously published by our firm.
Scott Retail $8,500.00
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just barely into circle in two places, bright white paper, cancelled by clear strike of large red "3" cancel (not tied), used on undated folded cover to A. D. Bache at local street address, red "Phila. Despatch Post -- P.M." circular timestamp, P.F. opines that stamp has been lifted and replaced but we are not convinced this is trueVERY FINE. ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE OF THE FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED 15L1 STAMP.
Ex Hollowbush, Schwartz and D.K. Collection. With 2003 P.F. certificate.
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just barely into letters "IL", bright white paper and remarkably clear impression of "Phila. Despatch Post P.M." handstamp, ms. "R & Co." control mark, perfectly clear strike of small red outline "3" cancel (not tied), used on folded letter addressed in blue to the local printing firm of Carter & Scattergood, dated Nov. 1, 1843, from a former employee telling them he has obtained financial backing and started a new venture of his own, red "Phila. Despatch Post -- P.M." circular timestampA VERY FINE, COLORFUL AND REMARKABLY FRESH COVER. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE FOURTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED 15L1 STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
A census of Philadelphia Despatch 15L2 stamps may be found in Sale 830, page 167, or at our website: www.siegelauctions.com/2000/830/y83082.htm.
Ex Schwartz and Gordon N. John. With 1983 P.F. certificate.
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just slightly into circle, partly clear impression with usual ms. "R & Co" initials, red "Paid" and "3" numeral handstamps struck twice, used on folded letter with July 28, 1843 dateline, addressed to Commerce Street between 4th and 5th Streets, letter discusses bankruptcy proceedings, minor splitting along fold at topVERY FINE. ONE OF FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
A census of Philadelphia Despatch 15L1 and 15L2 stamps may be found at our website: siegelauctions.com/1999/817/yf81786.htm#98. The cover offered here is No. 6 in the listing.
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just slightly into circle, partly clear impression with usual ms. "R & Co" initials, red "Paid" and "3" numeral handstamps struck twice, used on folded letter with July 28, 1843 dateline, addressed to Commerce Street between 4th and 5th Streets, letter discusses bankruptcy proceedings, minor splitting along fold at topVERY FINE. ONE OF FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED STAMP. A WONDERFUL "PRIMITIVE" AMONG PHILATELIC RARITIES.
A census of Philadelphia Despatch 15L1 and 15L2 stamps may be found at our website: siegelauctions.com/1999/817/yf81786.htm#98. The cover offered here is No. 6 in the listing.
Philadelphia Despatch Post, Philadelphia Pa., 3c Red (15L1). Octagonal margins just barely into circle in two places, bright white paper, cancelled by clear strike of large red "3" cancel (not tied), used on undated folded cover to A. D. Bache at local street address, red "Phila. Despatch Post -- P.M." circular timestamp, P.F. opines that stamp has been lifted and replaced but we are not convinced this is trueVERY FINE. ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE OF THE FIFTEEN RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE PHILADELPHIA DESPATCH POST RED 15L1 STAMP.
A census of Philadelphia Despatch 15L1 and 15L2 stamps may be found in Sale 830, page 167, or at our website: www.siegelauctions.com/2000/830/y83082.htm.
Ex Hollowbush, Schwartz and D.K. Collection. With 2003 P.F. certificate.