No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.345W37221 × 98346W37"No wmk.347B37"Also left over right flap.348B37"No wmk.349W217225 × 98350B217"Also horizontally laid.
TEN CENTS, GREEN.[F]
No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.351W23139 × 83352B23"353W113"354B113"355A113"356W53"357B53"358W93"359B93"
TWELVE CENTS, BROWN AND RED.
No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.360A197226 × 97
TWENTY CENTS, BLUE AND RED.
No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.361A148241 × 100
TWENTY-FOUR CENTS, GREEN AND RED.
No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.362A208249 × 104363S.B.208"
FORTY CENTS, BLACK AND RED.
No.Paper.Knife.Size.Dimensions.Remarks.364A208249 × 104365S.B.208"
LETTER SHEETS.THREE CENTS, ROSE.
No.Class.Die.Paper.Dimensions.Remarks.Var. 8.3661BBlue256 × 205Letter size.367"""205 × 171Note "Var. 10.3682BBlue256 × 205Letter size.369"""205 × 171Note "
FOOTNOTES:[F]The shade of green varies greatly in these envelopes.
[F]The shade of green varies greatly in these envelopes.
[F]The shade of green varies greatly in these envelopes.
The Act of March 3rd, 1863, establishing a two cent rate for drop letters and abolishing the carrier's fee, made the issue of a two cent stamped envelope and wrapper imperative. The new die appeared about the middle of 1863, and is a miserable caricature of Jackson, facing the left. The inscriptions are "U. S. POSTAGE" above, and "TWO CENTS" below, in colorless, block letters. We may as well state at once that in the next year (1864), the design, though retaining Jackson's bust, was altered, and the upper inscription changed to read "U. S. POST."
Both of these issues have a number of varieties, but of the two the design inscribed "U. S. POST" is by far the most interesting, and any philatelist who devotes some study to this, the "spoiled child" of the Post Office, will quickly be fascinated with it. Indeed, a fine collection of these die varieties must be a revelation to those philatelists who have, so far, kept aloof from collecting them under the specious plea that such collection required too much study and labor, and thedifferences were mere gossamer threads woven by the overwrought imagination of some wild enthusiast. It is undeniable that until recently the multitude of Jackson varieties—unclassified and jumbled together as they were—did not present an inviting field for the general collector. But that difficulty has now been overcome, and we have the various designs grouped into distinct classes, which even an untrained person can recognize at a glance.
Those who possess a number of Jackson dies cannot have failed to observe that in various specimens the forward end of the bust points to different letters of the word "TWO" in the lower label. It required no great amount of ingenuity to examine all known varieties of this die, and to reach the conclusion that this important feature should be selected as one point of a line measurement which would subdivide the varieties into distinct classes. In carrying out this idea it was equally apparent that in order to draw a straight line we need two definite points, but the problem was: which point would serve our purpose best? Luckily the design lent itself admirably to the construction of such a line and the second, or starting point, was found in the point of contact of the right hand oval with the inner frame line of the upper label. The line is, then, drawn from this point to the left extremity of the bust and prolonged until it strikes the letter "W" or "O" of "TWO." In this manner five definite and unmistakable classes are established, each of which may contain a number of varieties. While this system is indispensible for classification, the collector, after a very little training, may omit the actual line measurement, as the eye is sufficient to note the class to which any variety belongs. The five classes are:
Class I.—Line cuts first stroke of "W" of "TWO."Class II.—Line cuts second stroke of "W" of "TWO."Class III.—Line cuts third stroke of "W" of "TWO."Class IV.—Line cuts last stroke of "W" of "TWO."Class V.—Line falls outside of "W" and sometimes cuts "O."
I. II. III. IV. V.I. II. III. IV. V.
It may be well to state here that the die reading "U. S. POSTAGE" exists only in classes I., II., IV., and V., and the reading "U. S. POST" in classes II., III., IV. and V.
The design consists of two concave and convex curves, of which the first two form the upper, and the second two the lower label. Each of these two curves meet in a point. The sides of the design are a pointed oval consisting of the sections of a large circle. The inscription in the upper label is "U. S. POSTAGE"; in the lower "TWO CENTS" with the figure "2" in the ovals at the sides.
The 1863 design was issued with two shapes of the figure "2",which is probably due to an oversight of the engraver; but, as every collector knows, the design in which the lowest stroke of the figure "2" starts sharply from the downstroke, and doesnotcurve back with it is a rarity possessed only by a few lucky mortals.
In the general catalogues the common form is known as "Die A," the latter as "Die B."
DIE A. (Seven Varieties).
They are subdivided as follows:
Class I.—Var. 1 Wrapper only.Class II.—Var. 2 Wrapper only.Class IV.—Var. 3 to 6 Envelope and Wrapper.Class V.—Var. 7 Wrapper only.
DIE A.
ClassI.
Die A Class I. 1
Variety1 (22-1/4 × 25-3/4 mm.).
Bust points to centre of "W," which touches line above.
"O" of "POSTAGE" to left, but near the junction point of the inner frame line; "OS" nearly on level. "W" of "TWO" near inner frame line, and touching the latter in deteriorated dies. "OC" near. A line drawn through the junction point of the upper and lower inner frame lines cuts the end curves of the "C" of "CENTS." "CE" well spaced, but "C" lower than "E." "S" far from the right oval line. Figure "2" in right oval nearly touches at left. In deteriorated dies both figures touch at left. The tip of nose is near the left oval.
ClassII.
2
Variety2 (22-3/4 × 25-1/2 mm.).
"POS" very near. "E" of "POSTAGE" touches frame.
Top of "TWO" far from left oval line, and distance between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" nearer than in Var. 1. Nose near left oval.
Class IV.
3, 4, 5, 6
Variety3 (22 × 26 mm.).
"O" in the centre of label and highest letter.
Centre line passes through "O" and "C" of "CENTS." The downstroke of "2" in the left oval touches inner frame. "C" of "CENTS" is the lowest letter, and "ENT" is widely spaced. Distance between "OC" wider than in Var. 2. Nose near left oval.
Variety4 (22-1/2 × 25 mm.).
"OS" on a level. "OC" very wide.
"POS" wide and "O" to the left of the point. Centre line touches "O" to the right, and passes through the centre of "C" of "CENTS." Left numeral does not touch outer frame line. "S" of "CENTS" very far from right oval. Nose far from left oval.
Variety5 (22-1/2 × 25-3/4 mm.).
"S" is the highest letter, far from line below.
A considerable margin between top of letters "S. POS" and the outer frame line. "PO" close. "GE" wide at top. Centre line touches "O" to right and passes through the curves of "C" of "CENTS." Numerals in ovals do not touch. Distance between "O" of "TWO" "and "C" of "CENTS" wide. "C" low. Nose near left oval.
Variety6 (22 × 25-3/4 mm.).
Back of head close to right oval.
The entire inscription in the upper label is close to the inner frame line and the letters are spaced closely. "U. S." is spaced closer than in any other variety. Point of bust almost touches the frame line. Distance between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" near. "CE" very close. "S" near right oval. Nose near left oval.
Class V.
7
Variety7 (22-1/2 × 25 mm.).
Bust points between "W" and "O."
"U. S." widely spaced. "OS" on level. "GE" close. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "OC" wide. "C" well under the point, and far from "E." "CENTS" well spaced, and "S" far from right oval.
DIE B.
Class IV.
8
Variety8 (21-1/2 × 25 mm.).
In the numerals of value the end stroke does not curve back, but slants sharply from the downstroke.
"S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POSTAGE" are spaced closely. "O" to left of point. Top of "S" is a little above "O" and "T." Distance between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS" very wide. "C" by far the lowest letter. The hair projects beyond the forehead, and the nose is near left oval.
This issue adds no new shapes of envelopes, only two knives are used, and they are No. 2 and 11, both known as "Full Letter," Size 3, measuring 139 × 83 mm. It has already been stated that the wrappers bearing the design of Dies A. and B. were issued in accordance with the Act of March 3, 1863, which changed the rate of postage for "transient newspaper" to two cents. Shortly after their issue the Post Office was informed that the wrapper, as issued with a marginal coating, infringed the patent issued to L. P. Mara, and that the inventor would assert his rights. We do not know what step the Department took to allay the ire of the famous patentee, but we do know that the issue of newspaper wrappers was suspended for about six months, to commence anew in April 1865.
Of more interest to the collector is the paper of these wrappers which, generally speaking, is a rough manila, varying considerably in shade. The width of the wrapper varies also from 148 to 152 mm., the length from 227 to 230 mm., while the stamp is from 62 to 72 mm from the gummed top of the wrapper.
Towards the end of 1864, Nesbitt (the contractor for furnishing the Post Office Department with stamped envelopes and newspaper wrappers) had considerable financial trouble in living up to his obligations and, at his earnest request, Congress passed a bill for his relief. As the then existing contract expired Sept. 11, 1864, the Post Office Department entered into a new agreement with Nesbitt, paying an advanced rate to the contractor and ordering a change of the dies of the two, three and six cents values.
At present we are interested only in the change of the two cent die. In its new form the general features have been retained, but the inscription is altered to read "U. S. POST" and the shape of the stamp is either narrow or broad.
The narrow die is called by the cataloguer "DIE C" and the broad one "DIE D."
Using the system of line prolongation which has been already fully described, we are at once in a position to handle the large number of varieties and to collect them systematically.
C Dies. (24 to 25 mm. width)Class IIVar. 1 and 2.Bust points to intersection of 2nd and 3d stroke of "W."" III" 3 to 9." " to last stroke of "W."" IV" 10 to 13." " to left line of "O."" V" 14 to 16." " to middle of "O."D Dies. (25-1/2 to 26-1/4 mm. in width.)Class IIIVar. 17 to 21." IV" 22 to 27." V" 28 to 40.
As these varieties have never been thoroughly described and classified and as there are but few collectors who have recognized the great philatelic value of the Jackson dies, the writer desires to place himself on record with a prophecy;i. e.that as soon as the general collector knows how to find and to easily recognize the different varieties of "U. S. POST," these dies are going to be sought after enthusiastically.
To assist those who desire to become better acquainted with them it will do no harm to give some additional information, showing how the writer has studied the varieties and what means he has employed to differentiate the several varieties belonging to one class.
Although the description of the varieties accompanying the cuts, should be sufficient for the identification of any die variety, the writer has found that a system of line prolongation is very useful whenever, due to die deteriorations, a stamp appears to possess features which are not found in the descriptions. The system is based on the position of five letters which differ greatly in many varieties. These letters are:—
1) "U" of "U. S."2) "P" of "POST."3) "T" of "POST"4) "W" of "TWO."5) "E" of "CENTS."
and the measurements are made as follows:
The left stroke of "U" is prolonged downward. Observe the line with regard to letters "O, C, E" and "N."
The upright stroke of "P" is prolonged downward. Observe line with regard to letters "C" and "E."
The central stroke of "T" is prolonged downward. Observe line with regard to letters "W, O, C" and "E."
The left stroke of "W" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to letters "S" of "U. S." and "P" of "POST."
The left stroke of "E" is prolonged upward. Observe line with regard to letters "U." and "S."
The student who employs these measurements will find that, taking the various dies belonging to one class,oneof the above mentioned five line prolongations is sufficient to clearly differentiate any variety of that group from any other. For instance, Class one includes but two varieties. In Var. 1, a line prolongation of the "T" of "POST" cuts through the "O" of "TWO;" in Var. 2 it passes along the second stroke of "W." In case of doubt that single measurement is decisive.
As an additional safeguard to the collector the characteristic line measurement is mentioned at the end of the description of each variety.
CLASS II.
Bust points to intersection of second and third stroke of "W."
Class II. 1, 2
VARIETY 1 (24 × 26-3/4 mm.)
Narrow "U" far from oval line. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. There is generally a dot near top of left bar of "U." "U. S." close. "P" nearly vertical. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval; "WO" close; "OC near; "S" of "CENTS" near right oval. Figures of value are exactly in centre of the side ovals. Nose near left oval. "E" line through left stroke of "U." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 2. (24 × 25-1/2 mm.)
Narrow "U" touching line below. Dark Manila.
"POST" fully 8 mm. "P" vertical, much above level of "O." "O" turned to the right. "ST" wide and "T" far from right oval; "WO" very close; "OC" close; "CE" close; "NTS" near inner frame line. Nose near left oval. "E" line to left of "S" of "U. S." Wrapper only.
CLASS III.
Bust points to last stroke of "W."
3
VARIETY 3. (24-1/2 × 26-1/4 mm.)
Narrow "U." "PO" on a level. "O" and "C" near. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "P" slants to left. "POST" evenly spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval; "WO" close; "C" considerably to left of the junction of the inner frame line. "EN" spaced a little wider than "NTS." "S" near right oval. Nose further from oval line than in Variety 1 and 2. Downstroke of right figure "2" is slim. "U" line through "C." Envelopes only.
4, 5, 6
VARIETY 4. (24-3/4 × 26-1/2 mm.)
Narrow "U." "OC" and "EN" very wide. Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. Top of "P" near outer frame line. "PO" near, but "OS" widely spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. Nose far from left oval. End of downstroke of right figure "2" nearly touches inner oval line. "W" line passes through head of "P." Wrapper only.
VARIETY 5. (24-1/4 × 26 mm.)
"U" tall, wide open, and near inner frame line. Buff and orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "SP" near at base. "POST" closely spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "W" narrow and close to "O." "OC" close. "CE" near at base. "S" near right oval. End of downstroke of right figure "2" near inner oval line. Nose far from left oval. "P" line passes through junction point of the two inner oval lines of lower label. Envelopes only.
VARIETY 6. (24-3/4 × 25 mm.)
"P" vertical and much above level of "O." Buff Orange and Dark Manila.
Outer frame line of upper label near to "U. S." and "PS" of "POST""POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. "SP" wide at top. "POST" well spaced. "O" considerably to right of point and slanting to right. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" near. "OC" near, but top of "C" some distance below the point. "ENT" near. "S" near right oval. The left figure "2" is well in the centre of the oval, but the right one is near the inner frame line. Nose far from left oval. "E" line passes through center of "S" of "U. S."
VARIETY 6a. (24-3/4 × 25 mm.)
"P" slanting to left over point. "O" far from lower frame line and far to right of point. Buff.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open, tipped to left, and far from left oval. "O" slants to right. Letters of "POST" well spaced. "T" far from right oval line. "T" of "TWO" near left oval line. "WO" close. "OC" near. "CENTS" near; "S" close to right oval. Nose near left oval. "U" line cuts "E" from left to right.
Similar to Var. 6, except that "P" and "O" are nearly on a level and the entire upper inscription is well in center of label.
7, 8
VARIETY 7. (24 × 26 mm.)
Nose generally touches line. Buff, Orange and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open, close to inner frame line and far from left oval. "P" well to left of junction of the two inner frame lines. "O" near the latter. "OS" widely spaced and "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" close. "OC" near and base of "C" touches outer frame line. "EN" far. "NT" wide at base. "S" close to right oval. End of down stroke of both figures far from their respective oval lines. "E" line passes through first stroke of "U."
VARIETY 8. (23-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
"O" above level of "P." "U. S." close. Buff, Orange and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, wide open equally far from outer and inner frame line, and far from left oval. "P" to left of junction point of the two inner frame lines. "PO" closer than "OS." "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval and base of "T" touches outer frame line. "WO" close. "OC" near. "C" low. "EN" wide. "S" far from right oval. Nose quite near left oval.End of down stroke of right figure "2" nearly touches inner oval line. "U" line passes along downstroke of "E."
9
VARIETY 9. (23-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
"U" almost vertical. "PO" wide. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 8-1/2 mm. "U" large, nearly touching outer frame line and far from left oval. Wide space between "S" and "P." "O" well to the right of junction point of the two inner frame lines. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" close. "OC" near. "CE" close, but "C" lower than "E." "EN" well spaced. "TS" close and "S" close to right oval. Figure in left oval well centered, but end of downstroke of right figure "2" near inner oval line. Nose near left oval. "T" line touches "O" of "TWO" to the left. Envelopes only.
CLASS IV.
Bust points to left line of "O."
10
VARIETY 10. (24-1/4 × 26 mm.)
Narrow "U." Pointed bust, often touching line below. Buff and Dark Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" far from "S," and far from right oval. "SP" very widely spaced. "PO" close. "OST" near. Note that the outer frame line commencing above "T" is incorrectly drawn so that the width at the right end of the label is much smaller than it should be. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" close. "OC" very wide. "CENTS" close, far from inner frame line and letters in a straight line. "S" far from right oval. Nose far from left oval. Top of right figure "2" near inner oval line. "E" line passes just behind the dot after "U" of "U. S." Wrappers only.
11, 12, 13
VARIETY 11. (25 × 26-1/2 mm.)
Outer frame line strongly pointed at top. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" large, far from left oval and top of "U" far from outer frame line. Top of "S" close to outer frame line. "POST" closely spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" almost touches left oval. "WO" close. "OC" close. "CENTS" close and "CE" on level. "S" far from right oval. Nose near left oval. Both figures well in center of ovals. "U" line passes along middle of "N." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 12. (24 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"U" nearly touches line below, and "O" of "POST" line above. Buff, Orange, Amber and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large and far from left oval. "S" and "P" near. The latter is in a nearly vertical position and stands well to the left of the point. "POST" equally spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval; "WO" close. "OC" near. "C" vertical, and at top near point of inner frame line. "EN" well spaced. "S" near right oval. Nose near left oval. Top of left figure "2" near point of oval. "U" line passes close to head of "E" and touches the latter at base.
VARIETY 13. (24-1/2 × 25-3/4 mm.)
Hair projecting. "CE" on level and nearly touch at top. Buff, Orange and Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large and nearer to left oval than in Var. 12. "U. S." near. "SP." near. "P" a little inclined to left and to left of the point. "POST" spaced near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" and "OC" close. "ENT" close. "S" far from right oval. Nose near left oval. "E" line passes near right stroke of "U".
CLASS V.
Point of Bust over middle of "O."
14, 15, 16
VARIETY 14. (23-1/2 × 26 mm.)
"OS" far apart. "S" of "CENTS" near oval line. Buff, Orange, Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, far from left oval, and near inner frame line. "SP" wide at top. "PO" near, but top of letters some distance from outer frame line. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "OC" near and top of "C" under the point. "CE" wide at base. "EN" widely spaced. "NT" wide at base. "TS" near. Nose near left oval. Figures of value well centered in ovals. "W" line touches top of "P." A deterioration of this variety in which the nose almost touches left oval and "TW" touch upper and lower frame lines is called 14a.
VARIETY 15. (25 × 16 mm.)
Bust touches line over center of "O." Buff, Orange, Amber, Dark Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" large, near left oval and at top far from outer frame line. "P" to left of point. "O" well to right of point and slanting to right. "OST" near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" close. "OC" wide. "C" low and touching outer frame line. "ENTS" spaced near, but "S" far from right oval. Nose near left oval. Left figure "2" well centered, but right figure "2" much nearer to inner frame line. "W" line falls between base of "S" and the period. A deterioration of this die is Var. 15a.
VARIETY 16. (24-3/4 × 26-1/4 mm.)
Bust nearly touches line to right of "O." Buff, Orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. "P" to left of point and close to outer frame line. "PO" wide. "O" far to right of point. "OST" near. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. Inner frame line is some distance from top of letters "WO" of "TWO" and "N" of "CENTS." "OC" wide. "CE" near but "EN" wide. "S" far from right oval. Nose far from left oval. Left figure "2" well centered, but right figure "2" much nearer to inner oval line.
D. DIES.
25-1/2 to 26-1/4 mm.
NOTE:—In Var. 17, 18, 23, 24, 31, and 34 the word "POST" is short and spaced closely. Var. 22 has the narrow "U," and Var. 21, 27, 38, 39 and 40 show the widest spacing of "POST."
CLASS III.
Point of Bust over last bar of "W."
17, 18, 19
VARIETY 17. (26-1/4 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"O" of "POST" considerably above level of "P." Wide space, after "S" of "CENTS." Buff, Orange and Amber.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" near left oval and near inner frame line. "U.S." close. "P" far to left of point; "O" near point. "OST" close. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO," far from left oval. "WO" near. "OC" near. "CE" close at top. "N" above level of "E." "NT" close to inner frame line. Nose far from left oval. Figures well centered. "U" line touches "O" at right.
VARIETY 18. (26 × 25-3/4 mm.)
"OC" very near and "O" nearly touching line below. Buff, Orange and Amber.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide, slanting sharply to left and near left oval. "P" is to left of point and slants to the left. "POS" near, but "ST" spaced wider. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" close. "CE" close at top. "EN" well spaced at top. "NTS" near and "S" close to right oval. Nose near left oval. "U" line touches base of "N." Envelopes only.
VARIETY 19. (26 × 25-3/4 mm.)
Letters evenly spaced, those in upper label almost in vertical position. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide, nearly vertical and far from left oval. "U.S." wide. "P" vertical and to left of point. "POS" widely spaced. "ST" near. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval and top stroke of "T" nearly touches "W." "WO" near. "OC" near. "C" vertical but a little below "E." "Top stroke of "T" of "CENTS" close to inner frame line. "S" near right oval. Nose near left oval. Figures well in center of ovals. "T" line touches top of "E."
20, 21
VARIETY 20. (25-1/2 × 25-1/2 mm.)
Sharp point at base of right "2." Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and near left oval. "P" nearly vertical and to left of point. Top of "O" almost touches outer frame line. Base of "S" and "T" close to inner frame line. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" very close. "OC" close. "CENTS" close and "S" far from right oval. Nose far from left oval. "T" line touches "O" to right.
VARIETY 21. (26 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"ST" and "OC" extremely wide. Point of bust far from line. Sharply pointed nose. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 9 mm. "U" wide, near left oval, and sharply slanting to left. "U.S." and "SP" very wide. "P" to left of point and slanting a little to the right. "PO" very wide. "O" far to right of point and turned to right. "OS" wide. "T" near right oval, "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "TW" very wide at base. "WO" close. "C" low and nearly under the point. "ENTS" near and "S" close to right oval. Nose pointed and far from left oval. Figures well centered. "U" line passes from tip of "E" to base of "N."
CLASS IV.
Bust points to left line of "O."
22, 23, 24
VARIETY 22. (25-1/2 × 26 mm.)
Narrow "U," the only one in DIE D. Buff.
Extremely rare. "POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" nearly vertical and far from left oval. "P" small near the point and at top far from outer frame line. "O" far to right of point. "POST" equally spaced. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" close. "OC" wide, "C" slants sharply to right and at base is within the angle,formed by the outer curves. "CENTS" are on the same level. "S" near right oval. The inner curves are far from top of letters "WO" and "CENTS." Nose near left oval. In both side ovals the downstroke of figure "2" ends in a sharp point. "U" line touches "O" to left. Buff envelope only. Knife 2.
VARIETY 23. (26 × 25 mm.)
Extremely wide space before "U" and after "T" in upper label. Bust pointed. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" wide. The inner curves of the label are close to the inscription. "P" nearly vertical. "POS" close. "ST" near. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" near. "OC" near but "C" slants from left to right and its base touches the outer frame line. Top of vertical stroke of "E" close to inner point. "EN" well spaced at top. "S" slants to right and is close to right oval. Nose very far from right oval. Figure 2 in left oval is lower than figure "2" in right oval. "W" line passes through middle of "U."
VARIETY 24. (26 × 26 mm.)
"O" above level of "P," "C" sharply turned to left. Buff Orange and Light Manila.
"POST" 7-1/2 mm. "U" wide, inclined to left and near left oval. "U.S." near. "SP" near. "P" slanting to left and near the point. "POST" about equally spaced but "OST" high nearly touching outer frame line at top. "T" far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" far from left oval. "WO" near. "OC" near. "EC" close at top. "ENT" well spaced. "S" near right oval. Nose close to left oval. Figures in oval well centered. "C" line passes between "O" of "TWO" and "C" of "CENTS."
25
VARIETY 25. (25-1/2 × 26 mm.)
"P" tipped sharply to left and "O" to right. Buff and Orange.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide and far from left oval. Base of "U", close to inner frame line, but top of "S" close to outer frame line. "U S P" near. "P" far to left and "O" in line with point. "POS" near. "T" far from "S" and far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" close. "OC" close. "CE" on level but "E" slanting to right. "TS" close. "S" near right oval. Nose some distance from left oval. Figures in ovals well centered. Envelopes only.
26, 27
VARIETY 26. (26 × 26 mm.)
"P" nearly on a level with "O." "POST" close. "OC" near. Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 8 mm. "U" wide slanting to left, and far from left oval. "US." wide. "SP" wide. "P" to left of point and nearly vertical. "T" very far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" near left oval. "WO" close. "OC" near. "C" vertical. "CE" close. "EN" near. "NTS" close. "S" far from right oval. Nose near oval. Figures well centered in ovals. "T" line passes close to junction point of inner frame lines, and touches "C" to left.
VARIETY 27. (26-1/2 × 25-1/2 mm.)
Sharp point of bust high above left of "O." Amber and Light Manila.
"POST" 9-3/4 mm. "U" wide slanting considerably to left and near left oval. The entire inscription in upper label is widely spaced, but "OS" widest. "T" slants sharply to right, nearly touches outer frame line and is far from right oval. "T" of "TWO" close to left oval. "WO" near. "OC" wide. The junction point of the inner frame lines is over the center of "C", which is low. "EN" well spaced and close to inner frame line. "S" nearly horizontal and close to right oval. Nose near left oval. Downstroke of right figure "2" near inner oval line. "T" line passes through first stroke of "W" of "TWO."
VARIETY 27a. (26-1/4 × 25-1/2 mm.)
"POST" 9-3/4 mm. Same as last variety, but appearing to be different. This is due to great deterioration of the die. It is found on a wrapper only and is rather scarce.