Var. 11.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.72W23139 × 8373B23" "Var. 12.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.74W23139 × 8375B23" "76W43139 × 8277B43" "Var. 13.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.78W23139 × 8379B23" "Var. 14.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.80W23139 × 8381B23" "Var. 15.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.82W23139 × 8383B23" "Var. 16.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.84W11120 × 7385W23139 × 8386B23" "Var. 17.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.87W23139 × 8288B23" "Var. 18.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.89W23139 × 83[HW: Reprints on white and buff90B23" "vertically laid paper.]Var. 19.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.91W23139 × 8392B23" "Var. 20.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.93W23139 × 8394B23" "95W43139 × 8296B43" "Var. 21.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.97W23139 × 8398B23" "99W53139 × 82100B53" "Var. 22.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.101W23139 × 83102B23" "103W53139 × 82104B53" "Var. 23.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.105W23139 × 83106B23" "107W43139 × 82108B43" "109W53" "110B53" "Var. 24.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.111W23139 × 83112B23" "113W43139 × 82114B43" "115W53" "116B53" "Var. 25.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.117W23139 × 83118B23" "Var. 26.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.119W23139 × 83120B23" "Var. 27.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.121W23139 × 83[HW: removed remarks]122B23" "Var. 28.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.123W23139 × 83124B23" "125W43139 × 82126B43" "Var. 29.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.127W11120 × 73128W23139 × 83129B23" "130W43139 × 82131B43" "132W61118 × 6Ladies Note.Var. 30.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.133W23139 × 83134B23" "135W43139 × 82136B43" "
SIX CENTS, RED.
Var. 1. Head I.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.137W37221 × 98138B37" "Var. 2. Head XVI.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.139W37221 × 98Reprints on vertically140B37" "laid paper.Var. 3. Head XVII.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.141W37221 × 98142B37" "Var. 4. Head XVIII.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.143W37221 × 98144B37" "
SIX CENTS, GREEN.
Var. 1. Head I.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.145W23139 × 83146B23" "Var. 2. Head XVI.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.147W23139 × 83Reprints on vertically148B23" "laid paper.Var. 3. Head XVII.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.149W23139 × 83150B23" "Var. 4. Head XVIII.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.151W23139 × 83152B23" "
TEN CENTS.Die I. Short Label with Square Ends.
Head XV.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.153W23139 × 83Various shades.154B23" "" "
DieII.Long Label with Square Ends.
Head XIX.No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.155W23139 × 83Various shades. Reprints on156B23" "vertically laid paper.
FOOTNOTES:[C]Note:—The numbers used in this list are arbitrary, consecutive, and have no relation to the numbers used in any other work of a similar nature. Under the heading "Paper," "W." means white and "B." buff paper. The numbers under the headings "Knife" and "Size" are those of the knives illustrated and described in theCatalogue for Advanced Collectorsand inBartel's Catalogue of United States Envelopes, 1904 edition. Those under "Dimensions" give the size of the envelope in millimetres.
[C]Note:—The numbers used in this list are arbitrary, consecutive, and have no relation to the numbers used in any other work of a similar nature. Under the heading "Paper," "W." means white and "B." buff paper. The numbers under the headings "Knife" and "Size" are those of the knives illustrated and described in theCatalogue for Advanced Collectorsand inBartel's Catalogue of United States Envelopes, 1904 edition. Those under "Dimensions" give the size of the envelope in millimetres.
[C]Note:—The numbers used in this list are arbitrary, consecutive, and have no relation to the numbers used in any other work of a similar nature. Under the heading "Paper," "W." means white and "B." buff paper. The numbers under the headings "Knife" and "Size" are those of the knives illustrated and described in theCatalogue for Advanced Collectorsand inBartel's Catalogue of United States Envelopes, 1904 edition. Those under "Dimensions" give the size of the envelope in millimetres.
The 36th Congress, by an Act approved April 30, 1860, reduced postage on drop letters, also the charge for the delivery of a letter by carriers, to one cent. We further learn from the Report of the Postmaster-General, dated December 1st, 1860, that "the new one cent envelope is designed mainly for circulars and will also be used largely for city correspondence". In our days of cheap postage it strikes us as rather curious to be informed that the Post Office, to cover the expense of collecting letters, dropped into letter boxes attached to lamp posts, which letters were delivered by the mail carriers to the next post office, evolved the scheme of printing two entirely different stamps on the same envelope, i.e. a ONE CENT (BLUE), and a new THREE CENTS (RED). The one cent paying the carrier's fee, and the other stamp paying the postage.
In addition to the one and three cent, the Post Office issued also a new SIX and TEN CENTS. In reality the latter two appeared in October, 1860, while the ONE and FOUR CENTS were added in December of the same year.
For the collector the most interesting novelty is, however, the invention of the wrapper now-a-days so commonly used that we can scarcely think of the time when this commodity did not exist. The sizes of the envelopes were also increased by the addition of a new one known as knife 9, bearing on the inside of the left flap the "patent lines."
HEAD OF FRANKLIN TO THE RIGHT, OVAL 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 MM. "ONE CENT" ABOVE; "U. S. POSTAGE" BELOW.
TWELVE VARIETIES.
The easiest way of classifying the various dies is to extend the base line of the bust and note its position with regard to the letters "A" and "G" of "POSTAGE". By this simple method we obtain the following groups:—
1) Bust points at G;2) " " between A and G;3) " " at A.
Next in importance is to note the position of the back of the bust with reference to the strokes of letter "U". Calling the stroke next to the star ornament the first stroke, and that next to "S" thesecond, we have two additional distinctive features. Finally, the distance from the back of the bust to inner oval line furnishes a third valuable clue.
To the above we may add three 10 mm. unit distance measurements, taken from the upper end of the first stroke of "U" towards "ONE"; from the right end of the horizontal stroke of "T" of "CENT" towards the "E" of "POSTAGE"; and from the upper end of the final stroke of "N" of "CENT" towards the "E" of "ONE", noting each time the end of the 10 mm. line. The result is shown in the subjoined table:—
Measured from upper extremity of "U" the end of the 10 mm. line touches right side of "O"; strikes base of "N"; or falls between the strokes of "N";Measured from "T" the end of the 10 mm. line touches end of "E" reaches to about the middle of the lower horizontal stroke; or falls behind "E".Measured from "N" end of 10 mm. line touches upper end of "E"; reaches to the middle of the upper horizontal stroke; or falls outside "E".
Measured from upper extremity of "U" the end of the 10 mm. line touches right side of "O"; strikes base of "N"; or falls between the strokes of "N";
Measured from "T" the end of the 10 mm. line touches end of "E" reaches to about the middle of the lower horizontal stroke; or falls behind "E".
Measured from "N" end of 10 mm. line touches upper end of "E"; reaches to the middle of the upper horizontal stroke; or falls outside "E".
We are now well prepared to take up the several varieties.
PERIOD AFTER "POSTAGE".
BUST POINTS AT "G".
Base line of bust touches "G" to the left.Back of bust opposite 2nd bar of "U" in Varieties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12.Unless otherwise stated the stamp measures 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 mm.
Base line of bust touches "G" to the left.
Back of bust opposite 2nd bar of "U" in Varieties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12.
Unless otherwise stated the stamp measures 20-1/2 × 24-1/2 mm.
One Cent, 1, 2
Variety 1:—"O" and "N" of "ONE" widely spaced. "SP" near at top. "CENT": "CEN" widely spaced at top. "NT" close. "POSTAGE": "GE" near to inner frame line. Back of bust far from inner oval.10 mm. from "U" strikes first bar of "N".10 mm. from "N" touches "E".10 mm. from "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".Variety 2:—Widely spaced between "U. S." and inner frame line. "ONE": "ONE" near. Wide space between "U" of "U.S." and "O" of "ONE". "CENT": "EN" close. Distance between "ONE" and "CENT" only 3 mm. Back of bust far from inner oval line.10 mm. from "U" touches right side of "O"." " " "N" touches middle of upper bar of "E" of "ONE"." " " "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".
Variety 1:—"O" and "N" of "ONE" widely spaced. "SP" near at top. "CENT": "CEN" widely spaced at top. "NT" close. "POSTAGE": "GE" near to inner frame line. Back of bust far from inner oval.10 mm. from "U" strikes first bar of "N".10 mm. from "N" touches "E".10 mm. from "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".
Variety 2:—Widely spaced between "U. S." and inner frame line. "ONE": "ONE" near. Wide space between "U" of "U.S." and "O" of "ONE". "CENT": "EN" close. Distance between "ONE" and "CENT" only 3 mm. Back of bust far from inner oval line.10 mm. from "U" touches right side of "O"." " " "N" touches middle of upper bar of "E" of "ONE"." " " "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".
3
Variety 3:—"S" of "U. S." nearly touches inner frame line. "CENT": "C" of "CENT" near inner frame line. "NT" wide. Back of Bust far from inner oval line.10 mm. from "U" reaches to centre of "N"." " " "N" touches "E" of "ONE"." " " "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".[HW: Distance from "E" to "C" is 3-1/2 mm.]
Variety 3:—"S" of "U. S." nearly touches inner frame line. "CENT": "C" of "CENT" near inner frame line. "NT" wide. Back of Bust far from inner oval line.10 mm. from "U" reaches to centre of "N"." " " "N" touches "E" of "ONE"." " " "T" strikes a little into the lower bar of "E" of "POSTAGE".[HW: Distance from "E" to "C" is 3-1/2 mm.]
BUST POINTS BETWEEN A AND G.
4, 5
6, 7 [HW: 9]
Base line of bust passes through right bar of A.
Varieties 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.Variety 4:—"O" of "POSTAGE" considerably above outer frame line; "TAGE" close, especially "GE", which are close to inner frame line and above level of the other letters. STAMP measures 20 × 24-1/2 mm. "ONE": "NE" far apart. Letters of "ONE" especially the "E" close to outer frame line. "CENT": "C" far from "E." "POSTAGE": "PO" close. "O" to "U": 7-1/2 mm. From end of upper right point of "C" to top of left stroke of "O" of "ONE" is 5 mm.Variety 5:—"PO" of "POSTAGE" wide; "OS" and "AGE" near lower frame line: "GE" near. "ONE": "NE" wide. Distance between "ONE" and "CENT" widest. Sometimes a spot under left star and also in central oval at back of head. A rare die. "O" to "U": 8 mm. "C" to "E": 5 mm.falls considerably outside"E".Variety 6:—Distance between"S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" wide. "ONE": "NE" wide, and the latter tipped to right. "POSTAGE": "PO" wide: "TE" wide at foot: "GE" close. There is often a comma after the "S" of "POSTAGE", and a dot above the head in the central oval under the "N" of "ONE"."O" to "U": 7-1/4 mm."C" to "E": 5 mm. is barely outside "E".10 mm. from "U" falls at centre of "N"." " " "T" touches middle of lower bar of "E".This die is found greatly worn, especially in the wrappers.Variety 7:—"U" AND "S" close. This is the only die in which back of bust nearly touches inner frame line. "E" of "ONE" equidistant from oval lines. "ONE": "NE" far apart. "POSTAGE": "PO" wide; "ST" wide at foot: "AGE" close."O" to "U": 8 mm."C" to "E": 5 mm.10 mm, from "T" touches "E" to the left;" " " "U" touches "N"" " " "N" touches middle of top stroke of "E" of "ONE".
Varieties 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Variety 4:—"O" of "POSTAGE" considerably above outer frame line; "TAGE" close, especially "GE", which are close to inner frame line and above level of the other letters. STAMP measures 20 × 24-1/2 mm. "ONE": "NE" far apart. Letters of "ONE" especially the "E" close to outer frame line. "CENT": "C" far from "E." "POSTAGE": "PO" close. "O" to "U": 7-1/2 mm. From end of upper right point of "C" to top of left stroke of "O" of "ONE" is 5 mm.
Variety 5:—"PO" of "POSTAGE" wide; "OS" and "AGE" near lower frame line: "GE" near. "ONE": "NE" wide. Distance between "ONE" and "CENT" widest. Sometimes a spot under left star and also in central oval at back of head. A rare die. "O" to "U": 8 mm. "C" to "E": 5 mm.falls considerably outside"E".
Variety 6:—Distance between"S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" wide. "ONE": "NE" wide, and the latter tipped to right. "POSTAGE": "PO" wide: "TE" wide at foot: "GE" close. There is often a comma after the "S" of "POSTAGE", and a dot above the head in the central oval under the "N" of "ONE"."O" to "U": 7-1/4 mm."C" to "E": 5 mm. is barely outside "E".10 mm. from "U" falls at centre of "N"." " " "T" touches middle of lower bar of "E".This die is found greatly worn, especially in the wrappers.
Variety 7:—"U" AND "S" close. This is the only die in which back of bust nearly touches inner frame line. "E" of "ONE" equidistant from oval lines. "ONE": "NE" far apart. "POSTAGE": "PO" wide; "ST" wide at foot: "AGE" close."O" to "U": 8 mm."C" to "E": 5 mm.10 mm, from "T" touches "E" to the left;" " " "U" touches "N"" " " "N" touches middle of top stroke of "E" of "ONE".
8, 9, [HW: 7] 10
Variety 8:—Similar to the last, butback of bust is some distance from inner oval line. "POSTAGE": "TAGE" closely spaced and near outer frame line.10 mm, from "T" strikes one-half mm. into the lower bar of "E"." " " "U" falls between "O" and "N"." " " "N" touches "E".5-1/2 mm. strikes "E"."O" to "U": 8-1/2 mm.There is a dot under the left star, and sometimes, also, one above it.
Variety 8:—Similar to the last, butback of bust is some distance from inner oval line. "POSTAGE": "TAGE" closely spaced and near outer frame line.10 mm, from "T" strikes one-half mm. into the lower bar of "E"." " " "U" falls between "O" and "N"." " " "N" touches "E".5-1/2 mm. strikes "E"."O" to "U": 8-1/2 mm.There is a dot under the left star, and sometimes, also, one above it.
BUST POINTS AT A.
BASE LINE OF BUST CUTS LEFT BAR OF A.
Variety 9:—Back of bust opposite first bar of "U". "S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" very close. "U. S." widely spaced. "POSTAGE": "OS" close to lower frame line.10 mm. from "U" touches "N".
Variety 9:—Back of bust opposite first bar of "U". "S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" very close. "U. S." widely spaced. "POSTAGE": "OS" close to lower frame line.10 mm. from "U" touches "N".
POINT OF BUST BETWEEN AandG. Oval 20 × 24 mm.
Variety 10:—Back and front of bust cut into inner frame line.
Variety 10:—Back and front of bust cut into inner frame line.
NO PERIOD after POSTAGE. Oval 21 × 25 mm.
Bust points between A and G.
11, 12
Variety 11:—Back of bust opposite second bar of "U". Base of bust nearly touches inner frame line, and entire bust low in frame. "CENT": "C" much nearer "E". "POSTAGE" close to outer frame line.Bust points at G.Variety 12:—Same as last, but back of bust far from inner frame line, and entire bust lower in frame. "CENT": "C" much nearer "E". "POSTAGE": "POST" close to inner frame line.
Variety 11:—Back of bust opposite second bar of "U". Base of bust nearly touches inner frame line, and entire bust low in frame. "CENT": "C" much nearer "E". "POSTAGE" close to outer frame line.
Bust points at G.
Variety 12:—Same as last, but back of bust far from inner frame line, and entire bust lower in frame. "CENT": "C" much nearer "E". "POSTAGE": "POST" close to inner frame line.
NEWSPAPER WRAPPERS.
By the Act of Feb. 27th, 1861, Chap. LVII, Sec. 2, the Postmaster-General was authorized "to adopt such improvements as may be deemed advisable from time to time in connection with postage stamps or stamped envelopes for letters or newspapers." Under authority of this Act the Postmaster decided to introduce one cent wrappers and they were first issued in October, 1861. By the Act of March 3, 1863, the rate for transient newspapers was changed to two cents, and accordingly, the Post Office issued what is known as the "two cent, Jackson", newspaper wrapper.
Collectors have often complained that the wrappers of this issue are troublesome. This is largely due to the fact that no one has undertaken the task of compiling a complete list of the fairly numerous varieties in existence. Again, the various tints of paper used in this issue have justly caused a good deal of confusion. The catalogues distinguished between coarse and yellow buff, salmon, pale buff and amber buff, pale and dark manila, but it is safe to assume that no two collectors would agree in regard to color. It seems reasonable to distinguish between buff, salmon buff (a pinkish yellow) and yellow buff, while the manila paper used for the one cent wrappers may properly be called coarse manila.
To give the philatelist a broader hold on this issue and a better insight, Mr. J. M. Bartels, together with the writer, has made a thorough study of the one cent wrapper, and the result of their united labor is embodied in the list which will follow this series of articles.
For the identification of a wrapper of this issue it is well to observe the following method:
Note whether the paper is horizontally or vertically laid;Whether or not the wrapper has a watermark;Measure the distance between the top of the stamp and the horizontal edge of the wrapper; it will be found that this distance varies from 35 to 120 mm. and constitutes a valuable help for differentiation and identification of a wrapper;Note the dimensions of the wrapper which may be:148 × 225 to 227 mm.151 × 227 mm.148 × 257 mm.151 × 257 mm.
Note whether the paper is horizontally or vertically laid;Whether or not the wrapper has a watermark;Measure the distance between the top of the stamp and the horizontal edge of the wrapper; it will be found that this distance varies from 35 to 120 mm. and constitutes a valuable help for differentiation and identification of a wrapper;Note the dimensions of the wrapper which may be:148 × 225 to 227 mm.151 × 227 mm.148 × 257 mm.151 × 257 mm.
In the absence of a watermark the paper may be either wove or laid. A noteworthy innovation in this issue is the introduction of orange paper used both for envelopes and wrappers.
The one cent wrapper has also been found on a somewhat coarse, white paper, of which the writer has seen a single copy, contained in the magnificent collection of Mr. G. H. Worthington, of Cleveland, Ohio, but, as far as known, the white paper was not issued with the sanction of the Post Office authorities.
An envelope on white paper, of a somewhat similar texture to the wrapper spoken of above, was in the collection of Mr. Van Derlip, of Boston, but, it is impossible to trace its present whereabouts, and, therefore, I have no means of ascertaining the die.
HEAD OF WASHINGTON TO LEFT. A SMALL UPRIGHT OVAL MEASURING 20 × 24 MM. "THREE CENTS" ABOVE; "U. S. POSTAGE" BELOW.
At each side is a six-rayed star between the inscriptions.
NINE VARIETIES.
It has already been mentioned that the new die was issued in accordance with the action of the 36th Congress, and that this stamp is also used to form a compound value with the one cent die.
The collector of entire envelopes finds in this issue two new shapes, knives 6 and 7, of which the former was supposed to supply the needs of the gentler portion of humanity, and is officially known as "Ladies' Note Size," while knife 7 is styled "Medium Letter" and is for commercial correspondence. These envelopes have "patent lines."
With the exception of variety 8, which measures 24-1/2 mm., the vertical dimension of the die is 24 mm. The several varieties may be grouped by observing the position of the back of the bust with relation to the letters "G" and "E" of "POSTAGE."
Group I.—Back of bust points at "G." (Vars. 1 to 7.)Group II.—Back of bust points between "G" and E." (Var. 8.)Group III.—Back of bust points almost at "E." (Var. 9.)
Group I.—Back of bust points at "G." (Vars. 1 to 7.)Group II.—Back of bust points between "G" and E." (Var. 8.)Group III.—Back of bust points almost at "E." (Var. 9.)
For the specialist the writer recommends the use of a 10 mm. unit distance measurement to be applied as follows:
Measure 10 mm. from the top of the highest ray of the left star towards the top of "P" of "POSTAGE." This measurement assists in the identification of varieties 1 and 3. Another measurement may be taken from the left end of the horizontal cross stroke of "N" of "CENTS" towards the "E" of "THREE," and reveals the different spacings between the latter and "CENTS."
BACK OF BUST POINTS AT "G."
3 Cents, 1, 2, 3
Variety 1:—"PO" close. "AGE" widely spaced. Note that the distance between "T" and the left star is further in Var. 1 than in Var. 2 or 3. "C" of "CENTS" near "E." Width of "U. S." at top 4-1/2 mm.Variety 2:—An additional period close to the upper end of "S." "O" further from "P." "S" nearer "T" than in Var. 1. "U. S." wider than in Var. 1, measuring 5 mm. across the top. "CE" of "CENTS" wide.Variety 3:—"PO" spaced as in Var. 2, and "U. S." as in Var. 1; but "PO" and "TA" are spaced wider than in Var. 1.
Variety 1:—"PO" close. "AGE" widely spaced. Note that the distance between "T" and the left star is further in Var. 1 than in Var. 2 or 3. "C" of "CENTS" near "E." Width of "U. S." at top 4-1/2 mm.
Variety 2:—An additional period close to the upper end of "S." "O" further from "P." "S" nearer "T" than in Var. 1. "U. S." wider than in Var. 1, measuring 5 mm. across the top. "CE" of "CENTS" wide.
Variety 3:—"PO" spaced as in Var. 2, and "U. S." as in Var. 1; but "PO" and "TA" are spaced wider than in Var. 1.
4, 5
Variety 4:—"O" far from "P." "S" of "POSTAGE" almost touches inner frame line. "AGE" near.Variety 5:—"PO" close, but "OS" very wide. "AGE" wide.
Variety 4:—"O" far from "P." "S" of "POSTAGE" almost touches inner frame line. "AGE" near.
Variety 5:—"PO" close, but "OS" very wide. "AGE" wide.
6, 7
Variety 6:—"ST" very widely spaced; "OS" wide; "AGE" near.Variety 7:—"A" of "POSTAGE" has no bar; "PO" near; "OS" wide.
Variety 6:—"ST" very widely spaced; "OS" wide; "AGE" near.
Variety 7:—"A" of "POSTAGE" has no bar; "PO" near; "OS" wide.
BACK OF BUST BETWEEN "G" AND "E."
8, 9
Variety 8:—This is the largest die of the series. Its vertical measurementis 24-1/2 mm. "PO" close; "ST" close; "AGE" widely spaced.
Variety 8:—This is the largest die of the series. Its vertical measurementis 24-1/2 mm. "PO" close; "ST" close; "AGE" widely spaced.
BACK OF BUST POINTS ALMOST AT "E."
Variety 9:—"POSTAGE" short and lettering very close. 10 mm. measured from the top of "P," reaches "E."
Variety 9:—"POSTAGE" short and lettering very close. 10 mm. measured from the top of "P," reaches "E."
PROOF SET.
It may be of interest to collectors of entire envelopes to mention that a set of envelopes has been catalogued under the supposition that they were regularly issued, but they are now generally believed to be proofs. They are all buff paper and are Var. 8. The following knives and sizes exist:[D]
S. 3,Knife3,221 × 97 mm.Official.S. 7,"13,224 × 96 mm."S. 8,"14,241 × 100 mm.Extra Official.S. 8,"15,249 × 104 mm." "S. 8,"16,260 × 110 mm." "S. 8,"17.271 × 118 mm." "
Letter sheets on blue and white paper with this die are essays or trial printings.
ONE CENT BLUE (FRANKLIN) AND THREE CENTS RED (WASHINGTON).
The reason for the issue of this, the only compound stamp of the U. S. Post Office, has already been stated in the introduction to the one cent. The two stamps were impressed side by side, the one cent to the left and the three cents to the right. The Department issued two sizes of these rather scarce compounds, officially called size 2 and 3. Of the first there exists but one knife, i.e. knife 8 (137 × 77 mm), and of the second two knives, i.e. knives 2 and 9, both measuring 139 × 83 mm. All envelopes exist on white and buff paper, except perhaps variety 5. There are five different combinations of these compounds, which are as follows:
ONE CENT.THREE CENTS.Variety 1.3×8Variety 2.4×4Variety 3.6×8Variety 4.8×1Variety 5.10×8
It will be noted that the same variety of the three cents is used with three different combinations of the one cent. By far the rarest of the entire series is variety 5 which represents the Franklin die, in which the back and front of the bust cut into the inner frame line. The writer has seen a few copies of this variety on white paper but none on buff.
From the reports of the Postmaster-General it has been ascertained that the compound stamp was issued only during fifteen months, ending June 30, 1863. On account of the short time that these envelopes remained on sale but 127,250 were issued. This explains their rarity.
HEAD OF WASHINGTON: SIX RAYED STARS FOR SIDE ORNAMENTS.OVAL 20 × 24 MM.
This die, which was in use from October, 1860, to August 15, 1861, presents us with a new head, which was retained for the next higher denomination, the ten cents, green. Why the head used for the three cents was abandoned by the die maker we do not know. The principal new feature is a very short heavy front-lock which ends far from the ear-lobe. In addition to the front-lock there are three long clusters of hair in the front and four in the rear, of which the two lowest reach into the queue. From the middle of the side-lock extends the wedge-shaped lowest front-lock. It slants but a little distance across the ear-lobe. A long straight lock, made up of three strands, runs from the ear-lobe into the queue. The size of this envelope is "Official" or No. 7, measuring 221 × 98 mm. It is found both on white and buff paper and is very rare.
HEAD OF WASHINGTON; SIX RAYED STARS FOR SIDE ORNAMENTS.OVAL 20 × 24 MM.
Envelopes bearing the ten cent die were issued from October, 1860, to August 15, 1861. As has already been stated the head is the same as that of the preceding die, but the envelope is different. It is the common knife 2, or "Full Letter," measuring 139 × 83 mm. The paper is white or buff. Of the two, the former is the rarer.
Before taking up the next issue it may be well to remind the collector that the three cents, six cents and ten cents have been reprinted, not on entire envelopes, but on pieces of paper vertically laid, while the originals are on diagonally laid paper.
Envelopes.ONE CENT, BLUE.