Sale 1146 — U.S. and Confederate States Postal History
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 December, 2016
Category — Civil War: Confederate Postmasters Provisionals, cont.
Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Ample margins to slightly in, top and right margins slightly irregular and flawed from separation, crisp shade, tied by bold "Mobile Ala. Mar. 23, 1862" double-circle datestamp on small cover to Miss Maggie Marshall, in care of William T. Marshall in Mobile, 2c drop rateVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE AND ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT MOBILE PROVISIONAL PAYING THE DROP RATE.
The Crown census records only 23 covers with the 2c Mobile provisional.
Pencil note on back "12/27/88 Durbin & Hanes" (sold in 1888 by this old Philadelphia stamp firm). Ex Dr. Simon and D.K. Collection
Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Full margins bottom and right with portion of adjoining stamp at bottom, clear at left and barely in at top, small scissors-cut in upper right margin clear of design, tied by "Mobile Ala. Aug. 11, 1861" double-circle datestamp on gray folded prices current to Pendleton S.C., mended erosion hole near topVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE USE OF THE 2-CENT MOBILE PROVISIONAL ON A CIRCULAR-RATE COVER.
The Crown census records only 23 covers with the 2c Mobile provisional. Ex Felton and Warren
Mobile Ala., 5c Blue (58X2). Four margins, bright color on fresh paper, tied by Mobile Ala. 1861 double-circle datestamp on Wm. C. Strong & Co. grocer's green embossed cameo corner card cover to Aberdeen Miss., reduced at left slightly into the corner card, small sealed cover tear at right, still a Very Fine stamp on an attractive cover, ex Dr. Brandon
Nashville Tenn., 5c Carmine (61X2). Vertical pair -- top stamp Position 1 (break in lower right frameline and white flaw in I of "McNish") above Position 4 (ornament at lower left extends into inner frameline) -- large to huge margins except just touched at bottom left frameline, gorgeous rich color in true Carmine shade, tied by blue "Nashville Ten. Aug. 5, 1861" circular datestamp on light yellow cover to Tally Ho in Granville County N.C., bottom stamp light crease at lower left, top stamp small tear at upper rightEXTREMELY FINE APPEARING PAIR OF THE NASHVILLE 5-CENT CARMINE PROVISIONAL ON COVER.
Probably no more than twelve pairs of the 5c Nashville provisional are known on covers, including all shade varieties and in all grades of condition. This pair is one of the finest on-cover multiples of the Carmine (two or three known) and ranks among the top three pairs for any of the Scott-listed colors.
Ex Brooks, Emerson, Dr. Simon and D.K. Collection. With 2012 P.F. certificate
Nashville Tenn., 5c Violet Brown (61X5). Large margins to just barely in along bottom frameline, beautiful pastel shade, tied by blue "Nashville Ten. Sep. 23, 1861" circular datestamp with matching "Paid" handstamp on cover to "Col. T. H. Logwood, Care of Genl. Pillow, Memphis Tenn." with directions to forward at Memphis, slightly reduced at topVERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE NASHVILLE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL COVER ADDRESSED IN CARE OF CONFEDERATE GENERAL GIDEON J. PILLOW.
Lieutenant Colonel Thomas H. Logwood commanded "Logwood's Battalion" (6th Tennessee Cavalry), and operated in Kentucky and near the state line during the fall of 1861.
Ex Walske. With 1986 C.S.A. certificate
New Orleans La., 2c Blue (62X1). Huge margins almost all around, just touching frameline at lower left, bright shade and sharp impression, tied by clearly struck "New Orleans La. 2 Aug." (1861) circular datestamp on cover to Russellville Ala., unusual notation "Circular from Corn Mercht.", couple trivial stain spots and stamp with small scissors cut at upper rightEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH-QUALITY EXAMPLE OF THE NEW ORLEANS 2-CENT BLUE PROVISIONAL ON A CIRCULAR-RATE COVER.
Approximately 30 covers are known with the 2c Blue (27 in Crown census), including circular rates and drop rates. More than half of the covers have stamps without four margins or faults in the stamp or cover.
Ex Grant, Meroni, Dr. Simon and D.K. Collection. With 2016 P.F. certificate
New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Four singles, margins essentially all around, tied by two strikes of "New Orleans La. 7 Dec." (1861) circular datestamp on blue cover to Bonham Tex., original thick letter enclosure datelined Nov. 30, reduced at left, couple tiny stamp flaws and right stamp corner crease from heavy enclosure, Very Fine appearing and scarce double-weight over-500 miles use to Texas, ex Dr. Brandon
New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Two, Positions 5 and 13, former with "New Orlea(ns)" portion of imprint in top sheet margin, huge margins to just touched, rich color on deeply blued paper, tied by "PAID" straightline cancels, "New Orleans La. 6 Sep." (1861) circular datestamp on yellow cover to "Hotel" in Bertie County N.C., arithmetic notations at left, few toned specks on stamps, still Very Fine, imprint copies of the New Orleans provisional are very scarce and desirable on cover, ex Felton
New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Two singles, both with large left margins, ample to touched other sides, tied by "New Orleans La. 23 Sep." (1861) circular datestamp and between stamps by two strikes of "Paid" straightline on orange-buff cover to Liberty Hill S.C., reduced at left, slight gum staining at left edges of stamps, otherwise Very Fine over-500 miles use, ex Dr. Brandon
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 1 with part of "e" of "Office" missing, margins all around, small scissors-cut in top margin, tied by blue "Petersburg Va. 5cts. Oct. 1" (1861) integral-rate circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Paul C. Cameron at Company & Shops P.O. N.C., Very Fine, from an original correspondence and never offered to the market before, for information on the Cameron family see http://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/00133/
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 6 with missing comma after "Petersburg," ample to clear margins, a few light bends from cover, tied by blue "Petersburg Va. Jan. 29" (1862) circular datestamp on blue folded sales report to Paul C. Cameron at Company & Shops P.O. N.C., Very Fine, from an original correspondence and never offered to the market before, for information on the Cameron family see http://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/00133/
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 6 with missing comma after "Petersburg," ample to clear margins, completely sound, tied by blue "Petersburg Va. Oct. 9" (1861) circular datestamp on cover to Paul C. Cameron at Company & Shops P.O. N.C., Very Fine, from an original correspondence and never offered to the market before, for information on the Cameron family see http://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/00133/
Petersburg Va., 5c Red (65X1). Position 4, ample margins to cut in at top left, small flaws including light pre-use diagonal crease and tiny tear at top, tied by blue "Petersburg Va. Jan. 18" (1862) circular datestamp on blue folded letter to Paul C. Cameron at "N.C.R.R. Company 'Shops' P.O. No. Carolina", appears Fine, interesting use to a railroad address, from an original correspondence and offered to the market for the first time, for information on the Cameron family see http://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/00133/
Raleigh N.C., 5c Red entire (68XU1). Clear strike of provisional handstamp, blue "Raleigh N.C. Sep. 17, 1861" double-circle datestamp on illustrated Thomas Carter's Garden and Nursery advertising cover to Brinkleyville N.C., wonderful detailed illustration of farmer with plow and bountiful vegetables, original letter enclosure dated Sep. 16 mentions blockade, back and top edge repaired but design is essentially intact, light toning, otherwise Very Fine, one other Raleigh provisional on this advertising cover is contained in our Levi records (ex Kilbourne, Siegel Sale 795, lot 468)
Ringgold Ga., 5c Blue Black entire (71XU1). Unusually clear strike of the provisional marking, "Ringgold Geo. Aug. 30" (1861) circular datestamp on cover to Summerville Ga., expertly repaired along edges and thru circular datestamp (parts painted in)VERY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE RINGGOLD CONFEDERATE POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
The Crown survey and our own records of the Ringgold provisional contain five full entires, one of which is a late use with 5c Local Prints paying postage. A piece is also recorded and there may be a sixth entire.
Ex Emerson, Baldwin (H.R. Harmer Feb. 18, 1963 auction) and Powell.
Salem N.C., 5c Black entire (73XU1). Clear strike of "Post Office, Salem, N.C. O.A. Keehln, P.M." circular handstamp with manuscript "Paid 5" C.S.A. rate on yellow cover to Haw River N.C., "Salem N.C. Feb. 18" (1862) circular datestamp, repaired at sides, Very Fine appearance, ex Judd and Dr. Brandon
Selma Ala., 5c Black entire (77XU1). Clear strike of provisional handstamp and postmaster William H. Eager signature on cover with "J. M. Clay & Co. Dealers in Dry Goods & C." green embossed cameo corner card, addressed to Wenokaville Ala., partly clear strike of "Selma Ala. Jun. 12, 1861" circular datestamp with year in manuscript, back with soilingVERY FINE AND RARE. ONE OF ONLY FOUR EXAMPLES OF THE SELMA, ALABAMA, PROVISIONAL ON A CORNER CARD COVER RECORDED IN CROWN.
The Crown Survey contains only fifteen examples in total, four of which are on corner card covers (this example illustrated on p. 324).
Ex Hessel, Buchanan and Dr. Brandon
Spartanburg S.C., 5c Black, Ruled Lines (78X1 var). Three clear light blue ruled lines, cut circular with large margins to clear at bottom, uncancelled, "Spartanburg S.C. June 18, 1861" double-circle datestamp with complete date in manuscript, "Paid" straightline on orange-buff cover to "Corpl. Edward J. Dean, 'Spartan Rifles', 5th Palmetto Regt. So. Car. Volunteers, Col. M. Jenkins, Commanding, Richmond Virginia., Care Capt. Jos. Walker", slightly rough opening at top with sealed tears just touching markingsVERY FINE ON-COVER EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE SPARTANBURG POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL ON RULED WHITE PAPER. APPROXIMATELY TWENTY COVERS ARE KNOWN .
John A. Lee was a prominent merchant who served as postmaster of Spartanburg from 1850 through the end of the war. Residents of Spartanburg remembered him as the "Wartime Postmaster" (John B. O. Landrum, History of Spartanburg County, available at Google Books -- thanks to Vince King for this citation).
Postmaster Lee created his provisional stamps by applying the "5" numeral rate marking inside the "Spartanburg S.C." double-circle datestamp on a sheet of paper. The stamps are known cut square and cut to shape. As one might imagine, the stamps come on a variety of papers. Two types of "5" markings were used, and one example is known with the denomination omitted. Most of the paper and numeral varieties are listed separately in the C.S.A. and Scott catalogues. However, the ruled paper variety is not listed in Scott (although it was in 1967 when this cover was last certified). It is mentioned in the C.S.A. Catalog as "unconfirmed with conflicting auction descriptions."
Spartanburg S.C. takes its name from the "Spartan Rifles," a group of militia soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The name was adopted by Confederate soldiers from Spartanburg during the Civil War.
Corporal Edward J. Dean and the Dean correspondence were the subjects of an article by the late Daniel M. Gilbert, published in the Confederate Philatelist.
Joseph Walker was enrolled as captain of the Spartan Rifles on April 13, 1861. Micah Jenkins, a resident of Yorkville, South Carolina, was mustered into service as colonel of the 5th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment in June 1861. He was elected colonel of the Palmetto Sharpshooters Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, on April 13, 1862, and promoted to brigadier general in July 1862.
Ex Meroni, Lilly and Dr. Brandon. Raymond H. Weill backstamp. With 1967 P.F. certificate as Scott 78X1a, which at the time was the Scott listing for "with blue ruled lines"
Statesville N.C., 5c Black entire (79XU1). Neat strike of boxed "Paid 5" provisional handstamp, "Statesville N.C. Nov. 14" circular datestamp on folded letter to Hillsborough N.C., small piece of signature line of letter clipped and reattached but front of cover is unaffected, Very Fine and scarce, only 19 are recorded in the Crown survey, ex Lilly and Dr. Brandon, Raymond H. Weill backstamp
Talbotton Ga., 10c Black entire (94XU2). Bold strike of provisional handstamp with "Talbotton Ga. May 30, 1864" double-circle datestamp on cover to Warren County Ga., charge box notation at top, two small faint waterstains at top, Very Fine and rare, ex Emerson, Walcott and Dr. Brandon
Uniontown Ala., 5c Green on Gray Blue (86X3). Position 3, even margins mostly clear of ornaments all around, excellent impression on deeply blued paper, tied by “Uniontown Ala.” circular datestamp on blue cover to Mrs. R. A. Cobbs, care of Rev. J. M. Mitchell in Montgomery Ala.VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE COVER FROM THE COBBS CORRESPONDENCE. ONLY 13 ON-COVER EXAMPLES OF THE UNIONTOWN POSTMASTER’S 5-CENT PROVISIONAL ON GRAY BLUE PAPER ARE RECORDED BY CROWN.
The Cobbs correspondence was found by R. S. Nelson of Birmingham, Alabama. According to reports at the time of the discovery, Mrs. Cobbs had been ill in a Montgomery hospital, and her husband wrote to her from Uniontown “daily, and sometimes twice a day, for some three weeks” (Crown book, page 344).
Ex Caspary, Hart, Telep, Dr. Maffeo and Sharrer. With 1990 P.F. certificate.
Uniontown Ala., 5c Green on Gray Blue (86X3). Position 2, the only one of four positions with Lobe ornaments at top and Loop ornaments at bottom, close margins all around, tied by usual light strike of Uniontown Ala. circular datestamp on brown cover to Montgomery Ala., slight edgewearA VERY FINE AND ATTRACTIVE COVER FROM THE COBBS CORRESPONDENCE. ONLY 13 COVERS WITH THE UNIONTOWN 5-CENT GREEN ON GRAY BLUE PAPER ARE RECORDED IN THE CROWN CENSUS.
Although the Scott Catalogue does not distinguish between types, the distinctive typography of Position 2 should qualify it as a major variety of Uniontown provisionals.
Ex Ferrary, Hind, Hall, Gross, Felton and Warren.
Walterborough S.C., 10c Carmine entire (108XU2). Neat strike, matching "Walterborough S.C. May 16" (1862) circular datestamp on legal-size cover to Columbia S.C., some edge flaws and refolded at topVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE WALTERBOROUGH HANDSTAMP. PERHAPS A HALF-DOZEN ARE RECORDED.
Although the Scott Catalogue lists the 10c handstamp in both Black and Carmine, neither Crown nor our own records confirm the existence of a Black entire. Of the Carmine we record six entires, all 1864 dates as follows: Jan. 15, Mar. 18, Apr. 15 (on a printed form), May 16 (offered here), Aug. 31 (turned use and charge box notation) and Nov. 9 (turned use). A cut square on a U.S. 3c Star Die entire is also known.
Ex Powell