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New York, NY 10036
Sale 1225 — Civil War Postal History, featuring the 'Ambassador' Collection
Sale Date — Wednesday, 9 September, 2020
Category — Handstamped Paid and Due Markings
Pine Level Ala. Paid 5. Negative letters in circular ornamental brass handstamp, complete and bold strike -- the "5" and "ALA" at center showing little detail, but "PINE LEVEL" and "PAID" are clearly defined -- on buff cover to Madisonville Tenn., manuscript "Nov 18" (1861) date, small faint stain spotsVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS EXTREMELY RARE HANDSTAMPED "PAID", WHICH IS ONE OF THE FEW NEGATIVE TOWN MARKINGS USED IN THE CONFEDERACY.
The extreme rarity of the Pine Level handstamp -- only three are believed to exist -- makes it impossible to draw any definite conclusions regarding its status; however, it is possible that the marking was applied to envelopes in advance of sale and, if so, they could be classified as a postmaster's provisional.
Ex Simon and MacBride
Pine Bluff Ark. Jul. 29, 1862. Double-circle datestamp with "10" and "Due" handstamps on folded cover to Colonel Peter P. Pitchlynn at Eagletown, Choctaw Nation, from Lt. J. L. Morgan of Arnold's Battalion, Chavers Camp, no contents, piece missing from backVERY FINE AND RARE CONFEDERATE MILITARY COVER TO CHOCTAW NATION, INDIAN TERRITORY.
Colonel Peter P. Pitchlynn was the Principal Chief of the Choctaw Nation and a prominent representative of the Five Civilized Tribes located in Indian Territory. When the Civil War broke out, Col. Pitchlynn was in Washington D.C. attending a meeting with President Lincoln. Although pro-Union, Col. Pitchlynn honored the wishes of his people to join the Confederate cause. He commanded the Choctaw forces with headquarters at Fort Towson in Doakesville. Col. Pitchlynn and his contemporary, Stand Watie -- the only American Indian to attain the rank of General in the Confederate Army -- are reported to have been the last Confederates to surrender to Federal forces, on June 23, 1865. (Reference: reprint of Judge Harry J. Lemley Confederate Philatelist articles, John W. Kaufmann sale, Oct. 22, 1977).
Ex Dr. Brandon.
Cheneyville La., Mar. 17 (1863). Circular datestamp struck in red with manuscript "Due 10" on adversity use of a folded circular to James H. Starr in Nacogdoches Tex. from his son at Bayou Bluff La., letter endorsed by the junior Starr as a member of the 4th Texas Regiment, dated Mar. 16, 1863, fascinating war contents including mention of Trans-Mississippi Department head Gen. E. K. Smith taking 10,000 Arkansas soldiers to Louisiana, camp life and activities, receipt docketing on back where signed by Starr, Very Fine war content from the Starr correspondence, the senior Starr was appointed the Agent for the Trans-Mississippi Department in Feb. 1864 and has been the subject of extensive new archival research by Vince King
Opelousas La. Dec. 31 (1861). Readable strike of circular datestamp with matching "Paid" and "5" handstamps on ornate lady's envelope to Livingston Ala., flaps opened for display and some slight and inconsequential wear, Very Fine, a beautiful and rare Confederate cover, this type of stationery was normally used during the Antebellum period and is rarely encountered as a Confederate cover, from our 2008 Rarities sale, with clear 2008 C.S.A. certificate
Shreveport La., Oct. 1, 1863. Circular datestamp and straightline "DUE 10" on blue folded letter to James H. Starr in Tyler Tex. from his son at Shreveport La., letter endorsed by the junior Starr as a "Cadet, C.S.A.", dated Sep. 30, 1863, fascinating and lengthy war content including discussion of paroled prisoners from Vicksburg (fell July 4) and Port Hudson (fell July 9), General Magruder, speculation of enemy invasions at Sabine Pass, others, receipt docketing on back, Very Fine and outstanding war content from the Starr correspondence, the senior Starr was appointed the Agent for the Trans-Mississippi Department in Feb. 1864 and has been the subject of extensive new archival research by Vince King
Louisiana Handstamped "Paid". Balance of six covers, five from Louisiana and one from Norfolk Va., each with a different style "Paid 5" or "Paid 10", originations include Tangipaho, Minden, St. Francisville and two Natchitoches (5c and 10c rates) including one on an obsolete U.S. 3c Star Die entire, some minor edgewear and soiling on the Minden cover, Very Fine group
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High Point N.C. May 30 (1862). Circular datestamp and "Paid" straightline inside turned cover with "Intemperance is the Curse of the World" illustrated propaganda design, addressed to Kittrells Springs N.C. with manuscript notation at bottom, couple small sealed edge tears and some wear, Very Fine appearance and most unusual, the inside was apparently the "adversity" first use, it was then turned and re-used but was either never mailed or carried privately
Charleston S.C. Nov. 4, 1861. Circular datestamp with "Paid 2" in circle" handstamp on legal-size cover with "Confederate States, Head Quarters, Department of So. Ca., Ga. and Fla., Official Business" imprint and used locally, vertical file folds where folded for display, some minor wear, Very Fine, an exceedingly rare drop-rate official imprint cover
Charleston S.C., Handstamped Paid. Three covers, first "Jul. 24, 1861" circular datestamp with "Paid 10" in circle handstamp on blue folded letter to New Orleans, vertical file folds at sides, Very Fine, scarce use of the "Paid 10" handstamped Paid on a cover sent over 500 miles, second "Charleston S.C. Jul. 29, 1861" circular datestamp with matching "Paid 10" in circle handstamp on yellow cover to Trenton Tenn., missing top flap where barely reduced, small tear at top affects handstamp but is barely noticeable, Very Fine, scarce handstamped Paid for double 5c rate, third "Charleston S.C. Oct. 15, 1861" double-circle datestamp with "Paid 5" in circle handstamp on orange cover to Maysville S.C., faint vertical file fold clear of markings, Very Fine, all ex Calhoun
San Antonio Tex. Oct. 13. Circular datestamp on cover from member of Sibley's Brigade to Rusk Tex., blue pencil "Due 5", original 1861 enclosure from William Jones at Camp Sibley, advising his brother that "we are going Arizna", referring to Sibley's ill-fated expedition into New Mexico, small edge flaws with bottom flap added, minor toning, still Fine, scarce and important use
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