Sale 1326 — 2024 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Thursday, 27 June, 2024
Category — Confederate States
Charleston S.C. Feb. 15, 1861. Clear strike of double-circle datestamp with grid cancel on 3c Red on White Star Die entire (U26) to "Pittsburg" with "The Mercury, Charleston, So. Ca." South Carolina Palmetto State Flag design (FSC-3B), faint vertical file fold does not affect stamp or design, trivial edgewear
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE CONFEDERATE STATE USE WITH THE "MERCURY" NEWSPAPER CORNER CARD INCORPORATING THE SOUTH CAROLINA PALMETTO STATE FLAG. VERY FEW ARE KNOWN.
The Charleston Mercury was founded in 1819. During the Civil War the paper was owned by the noted fire-eater Robert Barnwell Rhett, who advocated secession as early as 1850 and was critical of Jefferson Davis.
Ex Brown, Brooks, Weatherly and Dr. Brandon.
3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26). Tied by "Saint Louis Mo. Apr. 16, 1861" circular datestamp on "Jeff. Davis, Prest./Alexr. H. Stephens, Vice Prest." 7-Star Confederate Flag Patriotic cover (F7-1A, larger lettering) to Monroe Mich, stamp with pre-printing paperfold, cover has repaired tears at upper right and in flap, top edge slightly extended
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE USE OF A UNITED STATES STAMP ON A JEFFERSON DAVIS-ALEXANDER STEPHENS CONFEDERATE FLAG PATRIOTIC COVER, MAILED IN THE NORTH FOUR DAYS AFTER THE WAR BEGAN AT FORT SUMTER.
Ex Rosenberg. With 1981 P.F. certificate showing the cover before minor cosmetic repairs.
New Orleans La. 6 Apr. (1861). Bold strike of circular datestamp ties 3c Dull Red, Ty. III (26) on yellow cover to Cincinnati O. with red and blue 7-Star Confederate Flag and "Steamer Genl. Quitman, J. M. White, Master, Leaves New Orleans Thursday 5 P.M., Greenville Sunday 8 A.P." Steamboat Advertisement (F7-15), stamp slightly affected from placement at edge of cover
EXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL CONFEDERATE STATE USE OF A UNITED STATES STAMP ON A 7-STAR PATRIOTIC COVER WITH ADVERTISING FOR THE THE STEAMER GENERAL QUITMAN.
John Anthony Quitman was born in Rhinebeck N.Y., settled in Mississippi and became active in politics. As president of the Mississippi State Senate he filled in as governor for just over a month. He distinguished himself in the Mexican-American War, where he turned down Sam Houston's offer to make him his second in command. He was appointed the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers and then Major General in the regular army. After the fall of Mexico City, General Scott named Quitman military governor of Mexico City for the remainder of the occupation. He was elected governor of Mississippi in 1850, but resigned to defend himself against violations of neutrality laws for his support of Narciso Lopez's failed expedition to liberate Cuba. He was also an early fire-eater, who advocated secession starting in the 1850's.
According to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, the General Quitman is believed to have been built at New Albany, Ind. in 1859 for a New Orleans ship owner. It was "one of the best and most powerful boats on the river" in 1862 and one of the last to escape from the city on April 24, evacuating upriver "a good many ladies, some officers, and some ordnance stores." The General Quitman continued to serve the Confederate Army as a troop and supply ship on the western rivers until war's end. It passed to private ownership and sank at New Texas Landing, near Morganza, La., on October 23, 1868.
Ex Antrim, Weatherly and Dr. Brandon.
Robert E. Lee. Beautifully bold signature "R. E. Lee Genl" at top of small cover addressed in Lee's hand to "Miss Agnes Lee, Franklin St. 7th & 8th, Richmond Va.", pencil "20 Nov./64" with month clarified in blue crayon, immaculate condition
EXTREMELY FINE ROBERT E. LEE FIELD SIGNATURE ON AN 1864 COVER TO HIS THIRD DAUGHTER, AGNES, IN RICHMOND.
Robert E. Lee's letters sent from the field were enclosed in envelopes signed "R. E. Lee Genl". The letters and other important papers were often carried by military courier, as was this cover, and sometimes through the Confederate postal system. A printed transcript of the former contents accompany (which are no longer present) with outstanding content including "Cupid is always busy when Mars is quiet & our heroes think it necessary to be killed in some way." Other contents indicate this was written during the Siege of Petersburg, and that Lee destroyed a letter from Agnes "lest it adorn the pages of some voracious sheets of our Northern brethren".
Robert E. Lee, Letters to Charles Carter Lee, 1865-70. Original correspondence of nine letters (two are part letters), eight are written by Confederate General Robert E. Lee to his brother Charles Carter Lee between August 1865 and February 1870, of those eight six are signed "R.E. Lee", one is missing the last page with signature and one is complete but the signature cut out, much of the content relates to publishing memoirs of the brothers' late father, Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee (1756-1818), who was a cavalry officer during the American Revolution and Governor of Virginia, the first two letters in 1865 contain content related to Lee's desire to write about the history of the "late campaigns in VA", offers from publishers and fears that he will be "unable to do justice to the latter event", the post-1865 letters contain some content related to Lee's presidency of Washington College, much family updates and wishes, with one letter dated July 25, 1869 offering very personal and poignant comments about the death of the Lee's third brother, Sydney Smith Lee, three days before, a passage related to health that refers to the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, the partial ninth letter is signed by Sydney Smith Lee (presumably sent to Carter Lee)
A FASCINATING AND RARE ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE FROM GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE TO HIS ELDER BROTHER, CHARLES CARTER LEE. THESE LETTERS ORIGINATE FROM ANCESTORS OF THE LEE BROTHERS AND HAVE NEVER BEEN PUBLISHED.
Charles Carter Lee (1798-1871) was the eldest surviving child of Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee. Among his siblings was General Robert E. Lee. This is a wonderful correspondence from General Lee to Carter Lee, with some Civil War references in late 1865 and one letter with poignant comments about the death of their brother, Sydney Smith Lee. All three brothers died within approximately two years of each other, between 1869-1871.
This is the first time these letters have been offered to the market, as they have remained in the family of the Lee brothers since being written. The linked website PDF illustrates the complete letters, as well as approximate transcriptions for most.
Athens Ala. Aug. 30 (1861). Partly clear strike of circular datestamp with "PAID" and "X" handstamps on Hanging Lincoln Cartoon cover (MS-4) to William McClellan of 9th Regt. Ala. Volunteers at Manassas Va., pencil docketing on back indicates 1861 year date, clear impression of printed design, edges expertly improved with right edge restored approximately one-quarter inch
VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONLY TWELVE EXAMPLES OF THE CELEBRATED HANGING LINCOLN ENVELOPE ARE RECORDED. AN OUTSTANDING CONFEDERATE PATRIOTIC.
The Hanging Lincoln design is widely recognized as the most distinctive of all Confederate patriotics. In this extraordinary cartoon, President Lincoln is hanging upside down from a tree limb, with his symbolic axe and fence rail tied around his neck. The caption reads "Abe Lincoln the destroyer. He once split Rails. Now he has split the Union." To the left and right is the caption "The penalty of disregarding the constitution. Impeached, deposed, Tried and convicted" (there is a spelling correction from "diposed" to "deposed"). Standing beside Lincoln is a mustachioed Winfield Scott, labeled "Old Fuss n Feathers", dropping his sword and exclaiming "My glory is gone for ever." On the ground is the Union flag, captioned "The stars and stripes lie in the dust, Never to rise." A star at left has the caption "The southern star is rising" and the Confederate 11-star flag towers above with the caption "The stars and bars shall for ever wave triumphant." Along the bottom is the imprint "Copyright claimed. HM & WC Box 417 Nashville Tenn."
There are currently twelve recorded examples of the Hanging Lincoln cartoon envelope, all used within the Confederacy. The twelve genuine examples are (listed in date order): 1) Jul. 25, 1861, Marshall Tex. Paid 10, Kilbourne (Sale 1186, lot 558); 2) Aug. 21, 1861, Nashville Ten., two 5c provisionals, ex Kimmel, Myers, Rudy, D.K. Collection and Kilbourne (Sale 1190, lot 1510); 3) Aug. 30, 1861, Athens La. "Paid X", ex Hall (Sale 840, lot 27), the cover offered here; 4) Nov. 2, 1861, Bowling Green Ky., ex Dr. Green, Schwartz (Sale 981, lot 4154); 5) Jan. 1, 1862, Nashville Ten., 5c Olive Green, ex Kilbourne (Sale 1190, lot 1652); 6) Jan. 4, 1862, Nashville Ten., 5c Olive Green; 7) Feb. 20, 1862, Cumberland Gap Ten., manuscript Paid 5, ex Boshwit (Sale 940, lot 462); 8) Apr. 15, 1862, Cartersville Miss., manuscript Due 5, ex Dr. Brandon (Sale 1087, lot 110) and Walker (Sale 1257, lot 2701); 9) Apr. 15, 1862, Camden Miss., 10c Rose, to Mrs. Mary Burns, Oso Tex., Kilbourne (Sale 1186, lot 709); 10) Jun. 24, 1862, Camden Miss., 10c Rose, to Mrs. Mary Burns, Oso Tex., same correspondence as No. 9 (Sale 1063, lot 2208); 11) date unknown to West Union S.C., manuscript Due 5; and 12) privately carried and not postally used. In addition, there is a genuine envelope with fake markings and a stamp added.
Ex Hall.
Atlanta Ga., 5c Black entire (6XU2). Perfect bold strikes of provisional handstamp and "Atlanta Ga. Nov. 18, 1861" circular datestamp on Clarke & Lewis hardware blue embossed cameo corner card cover to Griffin Ga., illustrations of circular saw blade, plow and a rifle and pistol, W. Eaves N.Y. imprint, inconsequential backflap tear from opening
EXTREMELY FINE. AN IMMACULATE AND BEAUTIFUL EAVES CAMEO DESIGN USED WITH THE ATLANTA POSTMASTER’S PROVISIONAL HANDSTAMP. ONLY SIX OR SEVEN ATLANTA PROVISIONAL COVERS HAVE CORNER CARDS. THIS IS ALSO AN EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE GUN COVER.
A review of the Levi records did not reveal another example of this distinct Clarke & Lewis design.
Ex Kimmel and Dr. Brandon. Illustrated in Crown Survey on p. 27.
Fredericksburg Va., 5c Blue on Thin Bluish (26X1). Position 7, three huge margins showing tips of adjoining ornaments at left, just touched at right, deep shade, tied by partly clear "Fredericksburg Va. Paid Oct. 23" (1861) circular datestamp on oatmeal cover to Hazen Va., neat docketing, some scattered spots not affecting stamp, cover slightly reduced at left with small sealed tear
VERY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST ON-COVER EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT FREDERICKSBURG POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
Reuben Triplett Thom (1782-1868) was 78 when he was appointed to be Confederate postmaster of Fredericksburg on July 20, 1861. Thom had been postmaster since 1840, when he received his first appointment from President Martin Van Buren. Fredericksburg, a Virginia town with an 1860 population of 4,000, was situated on the Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad between the capital cities of Washington D.C. and Richmond. The town changed hands eleven times and was essentially destroyed during the Civil War, but Postmaster Thom performed his postal duties throughout the conflict.
The Fredericksburg stamps on covers are more often seen with brown gum toning and deeply cut into the design. This example ranks among the finest recorded examples.
Ex Caspary and "Clovis". With 2002 C.S.A. certificate. SCV $5,000.
Jonesboro Tenn., 5c Black entire (45XU1). Clearly struck provisional handstamp, cancelled by "Jonesboro Tenn. Dec. 24" (1861) circular datestamp on bright buff cover to Rutledge Tenn., sealed backflap tears
EXTREMELY FINE. THE JONESBORO PROVISIONAL IN BLACK, SCOTT 45XU1, IS SIGNIFICANTLY RARER THAN ITS BLUE COUNTERPART. ONLY FIVE EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED IN THE CROWN SURVEY, AND THIS IS AMONG THE FINEST.
Jonesboro (also spelled Jonesborough) is Tennessee’s oldest town and was originally part of North Carolina. It was one of the towns in eastern Tennessee that joined to form the State of Franklin, which never received congressional approval. Jonesboro was the source of abolitionist activity before the war, and many residents remained pro-Union even after Tennessee joined the Confederate States.
Ex Dr. Brandon. The Crown census lists 19 examples of the Jonesboro provisional entire, including 5 struck in Black (45XU1) and 14 in Dark Blue (45XU2). Some of these do not have any town datestamp. SCV $6,000.
Knoxville Tenn., 5c Carmine on Grayish Laid (47X2). Intense shade and impression, three full to large margins, slightly into frameline at left, tied by partly clear strike of "Knoxville Ten. 5 Paid" circular rate handstamp (listed as Scott 47XU5) on cover to Richmond Va., "Richmond Va. Oct. 23, 1861" circular datestamp and "Advertised 2" in ornately framed handstamp
VERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE KNOXVILLE "PAID 5" HANDSTAMP ON THE 5-CENT PROVISIONAL STAMP AND THE ONLY "ADVERTISED" COVER WITH A KNOXVILLE PROVISIONAL.
There are probably no more than ten covers extant with the Knoxville 5c provisional (either shade) tied by a handstamped marking -- more than half of the known covers are manuscript cancelled. Only three recorded Knoxville provisional stamps are known tied by the "Paid 5" in circle, and only one, this cover, has an "Advertised" marking.
Ex Worthington, Caspary, Weatherly, Kilbourne and Powell. With 2015 P.F. certificate. SCV $7,500 with no premium for the auxiliary marking.
Lenoir N.C., 5c Blue & Orange (49X1). Unused, full margins with framelines all around, beautiful rich colors and clear impressions, affixed to square piece of paper cut from the diary of the Lenoir postmaster's son, assistant and creator of the provisional stamp, G. W. F. Harper, the slip is dated September 19, 1861—the date of issue—and attached to a signed and notarized statement by G. W. F. Harper, attesting to the origin of the stamp and diary entry, dated August 11, 1887, the statement reads (in part): "that he retained and pasted in his Diary at the time, the first good impression made from the die, that he had said Diary and the stamp attached in his possession since Sept 19/1861...", some negligible splits along folds in document
EXTREMELY FINE STAMP AND A REMARKABLE TESTIMONIAL FROM G. W. F. HARPER, WHO CARVED THE WOODCUT DEVICE USED TO PRINT THE LENOIR PROVISIONAL STAMP. ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT LENOIR ITEMS IN EXISTENCE.
Based on sworn testimony from James Harper and his son, G. W. F. Harper, the Lenoir provisional was impressed from a pear-wood device carved by Postmaster Harper's son and used on September 19, 1861 (see Crown book, pp. 172-178, 651-652). Approximately 29 covers bearing the Lenoir adhesive stamp are known. The same woodcut device was applied directly to envelopes, as evidenced by an entire and cut square. We know of two notarized documents from James Harper, the postmaster, with stamps affixed, in addition to this document from his son, the actual creator of the stamp.
Illustrated in the Crown book (p. 171). Ex Caspary, Muzzy and Birkinbine. With 2009 P.F. certificate. Scott value as an unused stamp without regard to the document and provenance is $7,250.
Lynchburg Va., 5c Blue (52X1). Ample to large margins, showing short transfer at bottom, tied by "Lynchburg Va. Sep. 20" (1861) circular datestamp on orange-buff cover to Blacksburg Va. with "John H. Bailey, Carriage & Waggon Manufacturer. Lynchburg Va." cameo corner card with illustration of a carriage, stamp with faint gum staining, top flap removed, small mend at top does not affect stamp
VERY FINE APPEARING AND EXTREMELY RARE USE OF A LYNCHBURG PROVISIONAL STAMP ON AN ILLUSTRATED ADVERTISING COVER.
Major Robert Henry Glass (1822-1896) was Lynchburg's Confederate postmaster and the father of Carter Glass, a prominent U.S. congressman and senator who co-sponsored both the 1913 Glass-Owen Act, which created the Federal Reserve System, and the 1933 Glass–Steagall Act, which enforced the separation of investment banking and commercial banking, and established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
R. H. Glass was the patriarch of a Virginia family that owned the Lynchburg Daily Republican newspaper. An incident with some postal relevance occurred in 1860, when Glass's associate editor killed a rival newspaperman who had accused Glass of using his position as postmaster to prevent the delivery of his competitor's papers. The dispute nearly resulted in a duel, but was diffused by Glass's wife. An exchange of letters between Postmaster Glass and Horace Greeley, publisher of the anti-slavery New York Tribune, proves that Glass would refuse to deliver newspapers he considered "incendiary" (Leon Whipple, The Story of Civil Liberty in the United States).
According to The Confederate Postmaster Provisionals of Virginia by Richard L. Calhoun, the U.S. Post Office appointed Alexander McDonald to be Lynchburg's postmaster on March 27, 1861. Glass's appointment as C.S.A. postmaster was recommended in the C.S. Senate on July 20 and 30, and confirmed on September 6, but he probably replaced McDonald after Virginia seceded in April.
The Lynchburg typeset provisional envelope was issued very close to the June 1, 1861, inaugural date of the Confederate postal system. The earliest recorded date of use is June 4. The envelopes were press-printed from a stock "5" engraving used in bank note production and the typeset word "Paid." The subsequent adhesive provisionals, issued in August, were a step up from the envelopes and closely resemble the Memphis provisional. Postmaster Glass stated that he copied the Memphis design after seeing the stamps on incoming mail. The Lynchburg plate was stereotyped from a master woodcut engraving. The size and layout of the plate are not yet known. The production has been attributed to Glass' newspaper office, but no documentary evidence has been located.
Of the 30 Lynchburg provisional covers recorded in the Calhoun census, only three have advertising designs; the other two depict a fireman's water pump. Two with embossed corner cards are also recorded.
Ex Haas and Dr. Brandon.
Macon Ga., 5c Black on Light Blue Green Wove (53X1). Three large margins, clear to just touching at left, tied by "Macon Ga. Sep. 18" (1861) double-circle datestamp on small lady's cover to Cedar Spring Ga. with beautiful Wesleyan Female College green corner card with embossed Book and Lamp design, small mended nick at top clear of stamp
VERY FINE AND BEAUTIFUL COVER. ONLY FIVE EXAMPLES OF THIS WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE CORNER CARD DESIGN ARE KNOWN WITH THE MACON PROVISIONAL.
Wesleyan Female College was founded in 1836 as the Georgia Female College with “an expressed aim of granting the power to confer all such honors, degrees, and licenses as are usually conferred in colleges or universities.” The name was changed in 1843 by an act of the state legislature. In 1917 the word “female” was dropped, and it continues to operate today. Wikipedia notes it is the birthplace of the first sororities in the United States.
The Macon provisional with “Post Office, Macon, Ga.” added to the setting is very rare on cover. The Crown census lists five Wesleyan Female College covers with a cameo at left (one is reduced into the design).
Ex Antrim. Scott value for a normal cover is $6,500.
Macon Ga., 5c Black on Yellow Wove (53X4). Huge top right corner sheet margins, full to barely touched other sides, tied by partly clear strike of “Macon Ga. ? 11” (likely June 1861) double-circle datestamp on orange-buff cover to Tennville Ga., light file fold near bottom and minor soiling
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL CORNER-MARGIN COPY OF THE MACON PLAIN BORDER 5-CENT PROVISIONAL ISSUE ON COVER.
The person most likely to be the Macon postmaster who issued the provisional stamps is Dr. Edward L. Strohecker, a graduate of the Medical College of South Carolina, who was elected three times as Macon's mayor. He helped to organize the Georgia Medical Association, and travelled to visit and treat Confederate troops during the war. Another postmaster and possible stamp issuer is Washington Poe, a relative of the poet, who also served a term as mayor and was elected as a Union delegate to the Georgia Secession Convention in Milledgeville.
Based on dated examples, it is certain that the 5c with plain border was the first stamp issued in Macon, despite its Scott listing as 53X4. Almost all of the recorded covers are dated during the first half of June 1861, including an uncancelled stamp on a cover dated June 1, the first day of the Confederate postal system.
Ex Col. Green, Meroni and Dr. Brandon. Small Dietz backstamp. With 1960 P.F. certificate. SCV $7,500.
Memphis Tenn., 2c Blue (56X1). Large even margins, bright shade, tied by bold strike of "Memphis Ten. Dec. 1, 1861" circular datestamp on folded part-printed notice of license expiration from the "Mayor's Office" dated Dec. 1, 1861, addressed to Sam Mosby in Memphis, docketed Jan. 10, 1862, stamp with inconsequential tiny margin tear at top right, notice separated and hinge rejoined
EXTREMELY FINE. ARGUABLY THE FINEST OF THE fifteen 2-CENT MEMPHIS PROVISIONAL COVERS in the crown census. A MAGNIFICENT AND VERY RARE EXAMPLE OF THIS QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
Matthew Campbell Gallaway (1820-1898), a colorful newspaper editor and aide-de-camp to General Nathan Bedford Forrest, was the Memphis Confederate postmaster who issued adhesive stamps and press-printed envelopes until Memphis fell to Federal forces in June 1862. Gallaway was often referred to as "Colonel," but military records show that he was paroled on May 10, 1865, as a 1st Lieutenant and Acting A.D.C. on General Forrest's staff (www.fold3.com). In August 1866 Gallaway, after resuming his position as editor of the Avalanche, was shot through the hand in a murder attempt by a United States tax collector named G. W. Wood (New York Times, Aug. 26, 1866). Gallaway survived and continued working as a newspaper editor until his retirement in 1887. He lived another decade, almost long enough to experience the arrival of the 20th century.
Samuel Mosby is believed to have been co-owner of Mosby & Anderson Storage, listed in the 1859 Memphis City Directory. The business was located on Union between Second and Third Streets (where the Hotel Peabody is today). (http://msgw.org/desoto/bios/mosby.html).
The Crown census of Memphis 2c provisionals lists 15 covers, including two from the Street correspondence, which we have examined but remain in private hands.
Ex Richey, Brooks, Judd, Matz, Dr. Simon and "D.K." collection. With 2013 P.F. certificate. SCV $12,500.
Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Two, large margins to clear, slightly overlapping and tied by light strike of Memphis Ten. circular datestamp on Gayoso House hotel corner card in blue to Hickory Fork Va., barely reduced at right, lightly cleaned to remove stained spots at bottom
VERY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE HOTEL CORNER CARD COVER WITH TWO EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT MEMPHIS POSTMASTER'S PROVISIONAL.
We have offered this corner card design in green and brown, but never in blue. Ex Matz and "Tara".
Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Large margins to just touched at top right, tied by bold "Mobile Ala. Jan. 18, 1862" double-circle datestamp on locally addressed yellow cover, slightly reduced at left
VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT MOBILE PROVISIONAL PAYING THE DROP RATE.
The Crown census lists 36 covers with the 2c Mobile provisional, including 30 with a single stamp. With 2015 P.F. certificate. SCV $6,000.
Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Large margins to clear, radiant color, tied by blue "Nashville Ten. Sep. 14, 1861" circular datestamp on green all-over advertising cover for wholesale grocers and dealers in liquors and tobacco, M'spedon & Baker of N.Y. imprint on top flap, to Athens Tenn., stamp lifted and replaced, backflap repaired
VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT BRICK RED NASHVILLE PROVISIONAL USED ON AN ATTRACTIVE ALL-OVER ADVERTISING COVER.
Our records of Nashville provisionals contain only four advertising covers bearing singles, and two with pairs.
Signed Ashbrook. With 2001 P.F. certificate.
Uniontown Ala., 5c Green (86X4). Position 2, full margins to slightly in, tied by typically unclear “Uniontown Ala.” circular datestamp on blue cover to Mrs. R. A. Cobb, care of Rev. J. Mitchell in Montgomery Ala.
VERY FINE. ONLY 19 ON-COVER EXAMPLES OF THE UNIONTOWN POSTMASTER’S 5-CENT PROVISIONAL ON WHITE PAPER ARE RECORDED IN THE CROWN CENSUS.
The Cobb correspondence was found by R. S. Nelson of Birmingham, Alabama. According to reports at the time of the discovery, Mrs. Cobb 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).
Note on back indicates Economist Stamp Co. Jan. 25, 1923 sale and from our 1964 Rarities sale. With 1986 C.S.A. certificate. SCV $15,000.
Macon Geo. Aug. 27. Readable strike of circular datestamp with matching "PAID" and "5" handstamps on cover to Griffin Ga. with "By First Train, No Delay, W. A. Huff, Wholesale Dealer in Bacon, Hay, Corn, Oats, Peas, Flour, Rye, Articles Good-Price Moderate-Time Fast" green illustrated cameo advertising design depicting a train, horse and wagon, worker unloading goods, W. Eaves imprint, with original enclosure dated Aug. 27, 1861, slightly reduced at right, trivial edge soiling
VERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL ILLUSTRATED CAMEO ADVERTISING COVER FOR A WHOLESALE GOODS DEALER. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISUALLY APPEALING CIVIL WAR ADVERTISING COVERS WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
An excellent companion to the following lot, which has the same design used with a stamp.
5c Green, Stone 1-2 (1). Huge margins all around, tied by light strike of "Macon Ga. ? 8" double-circle datestamp on cover to Dawson Ga. with "By First Train, No Delay, W. A. Huff, Wholesale Dealer in Bacon, Hay, Corn, Oats, Peas, Flour, Rye, Articles Good-Price Moderate-Time Fast" green illustrated cameo advertising design depicting a train, horse and wagon, worker unloading goods, W. Eaves imprint, barely reduced at left, minor cosmetic improvements
VERY FINE. A PHENOMENAL ILLUSTRATED CAMEO ADVERTISING COVER FOR A WHOLESALE GOODS DEALER. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST VISUALLY APPEALING ADVERTISING COVERS WITH THE FIRST CONFEDERATE GENERAL ISSUE WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
An excellent companion to the previous lot.
10c Blue, Paterson (2). Large margins, bright color, tied by "Augusta Ga. ? 20" double-circle datestamp on buff cover with Luther Roll, Dealer in & Manufacturer of Harness, Coach and Harness Material blue illustrated cameo corner card to Greensboro Ga., light horizontal file fold affects stamp, missing part of top flap
VERY FINE. A GORGEOUS ILLUSTRATED CAMEO CORNER CARD COVER WITH A 10-CENT BLUE PATERSON STAMP.
The blue design of the corner card beautifully complements the blue stamp and contrasts the underlying buff cover.
Ex Kimmel, Dr. Simon, Finney and Myerson.
2c Green (3). Horizontal strip of five, large margins to just in at top left of left stamp, tied by "Augusta Ga. Oct. 21" double-circle datestamps on illustrated all-over advertising cover for stoves, grates and ranges, depicting a stove at left, to Steele's P.O. S.C., expert repair barely affects stamps (if at all)
VERY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT COVER BEARING A STRIP OF FIVE OF THE 2-CENT GREEN JACKSON ISSUE ON AN ALL-OVER ADVERTISING COVER. ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE COVERS WITH THE 2-CENT JACKSON LITHOGRAPH..
Ex Antrim and Brooks. Scott value for the strip on normal cover $13,500.
10c Rose (5). Large margins to ample, tied by light strike of "Corpus Christi Tex. Dec. ?" circular datestamp on wallpaper cover with all-over design of flowers in red and pink with green stems and gray background on the outside, the design continues onto the back flaps, to Seguin Tex., manuscript "Due 10" at top left due to excess weight, expertly repaired tear and minor improvements along part of the edges
VERY FINE. THE FAMOUS "TEXAS ROSE" COVER—IN OUR OPINION, THIS INCOMPARABLE WALLPAPER COVER IS THE MOST STUNNING OF ALL CONFEDERATE STATES COVERS.
This famous cover, affectionately known as the "Texas Rose," was acquired by John R. Hill, Jr., directly from the Weill brothers in May 1984. Until his death in 1998, it steadfastly held its place as John Hill's favorite cover. We can still see him smiling as he looked at it—and with his modest demeanor and Texas accent, ask the rhetorical question, "isn’t that a pretty cover?"
The combination of elements is unique and spectacular: a colorful and rare floral wallpaper design on the outside of the envelope, rather than the inside (as almost always); the use of the scarce 10c Rose Lithograph; and the scarce Corpus Christi, Texas, origin. For the collector of Civil War postal history, Confederate States, the 10c Rose, wallpaper covers, Texas, or anything related to postal forms of art, this cover is the quintessential masterpiece.
Ex Hill. With 1984 P.F. certificate.
10c Rose (5). Large margins to clear including part of adjoining stamp at right, tied by "Tuscaloosa Ala. Jul. 24, 1862" circular datestamp on Southern University, Greensboro, Alabama gray overall illustrated college cover (AL-04) to Jackson Miss., depiction of college building, immaculate condition
EXTREMELY FINE. A MARVELOUS CONFEDERATE COLLEGE COVER BEARING THE 10-CENT ROSE.
We can unequivocally state that this is one of the finest college covers extant, in terms of the stamp, design, postmark quality and overall appearance.
Ex Dr. Brandon.
10c Rose (5). Huge margins to clear at top, tied by blue "Southern Express Co. Augusta Ga. Jul. 1" (1862) double-circle datestamp struck three times on front and two more times on back of brown homemade cover to Atlanta Ga., manuscript "Papers Valuable" and "Paid 2/-" express charge (two bits, or 25c)
EXTREMELY FINE. THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE 10-CENT ROSE ON A SOUTHERN EXPRESS COMPANY COVER. THIS REMARKABLE FRANKING WAS REQUIRED FOR THE NEW 10-CENT RATE, AND THIS COVER IS POSTMARKED ON JULY 1, 1862, THE FIRST DAY OF THE RATE.
The absence of a mail-registration system in the Confederacy made it necessary to use express companies to transmit valuable letters. Postage was required on all express letters, but the Act of April 1862 changed the law from allowing adhesive stamps to requiring stamped envelopes, which of course the government did not provide. The calculated effect of this regulation was a ban on private express mail, but surviving covers show that the companies continued to carry letters.
This cover is remarkable because the scarce 10c Rose Lithograph is used, and it is datestamped on July 1, 1862, the first day of the new 10c rate, which the stamp prepays. This cover was carried on the Georgia Railroad between Augusta and Atlanta, entirely outside of the Confederate postal system.
Illustrated in Special Routes (p. 196). Ex Richey, Antrim, Dr. Simon, Walske and Dr. Brandon.
10c Carmine Rose (5). Large margins, rich color in a shade that we see as identical to many certified Carmine stamps, tied by "Richmond Va. Jul. 4, 1862" circular datestamp on Captured Union Patriotic depicting Liberty and Flag with verse, to Lawrence Ga., part of backflap missing, light overall soiling and some reinforced edgewear
A VERY FINE AND MAGNIFICENT CAPTURED UNION PATRIOTIC WITH THE 10-CENT CARMINE ROSE LITHOGRAPH.
With original enclosure headed, "Camp in the woods Va." from "Tom", who writes (in part), "Capt Langston was wounded in three places, but will get well, I think. He will suffer much." etc. He adds a P.S.: "I will send this in a Yankee envelope."
Ex Everett. With 1994 P.S.E. certificate.
10c Carmine (5a). Full to large margins, bright end of the Carmine shade spectrum, faint pre-use crease, tied by "Little Rock Ark. Sep. 20, 1862" double-circle datestamp on gray, white and purplish brown wallpaper cover to Mount Pleasant Tex., some edgewear and small edge tears
EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN ALMOST CERTAINLY UNIQUE USE OF THE 10-CENT IN ANY SHADE OF ROSE OR CARMINE, COMBINING ARKANSAS ORIGIN AND WALLPAPER ADVERSITY USAGE.
Ex Kilbourne. Scott value for 10c Carmine on cover is $5,000 with no premium for the wallpaper. Scott does assign a 260% premium for the more common Rose shade. This also does not take into account the Arkansas origination and Texas destination, which is extremely rare.
10c Gray Blue, "TEN" (9b). Huge margins all around, tied by Circle of Sixteen Wedges fancy cancel, perfect bold strike with equally sharp "Harrisonburg Va. May 1" circular datestamp on bright white cover with pink lining, flap folded over for display, to Greenwood Depot Va.
EXTREMELY FINE GEM STAMP AND COVER. ONE OF THE MOST UNUSUAL OF THE FEW FANCY CANCELLATIONS USED IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES. ARGUABLY THE FINEST SINGLE "TEN" USAGE EXTANT.
Ex Birkinbine and Myerson. With 1979 P.F. certificate
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Large to huge margins, tied by "Richmond Va. Mar. 14" (1864) circular datestamp on Harvey, Armistead & Williams Grocers blue overall lithographed advertising cover to Museville Va., mathematical notations on back, slight soiling, minor corner wear and backflap tear
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE USE OF THE 10-CENT "TEN" ON AN OVERALL ADVERTISING COVER.
Ex Dr. Brandon.
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Large margins to clear, tied by "Bristol V. & T. R. R." circular handstamp on manila homemade cover to Emory Va., slightly reduced at left, minor edgewear
VERY FINE. A RARE USE OF THE CONFEDERATE "TEN" ISSUE ON A COVER WITH A RAILROAD MARKING.
Ex Kimmel and Dr. Brandon.
10c Blue, "TEN" (9). Huge margins to clear including part of adjoining stamp at top, tied by "Macon Ga. ? 11" double-circle datestamp on parallelogram-shaped cover with red border on top flap to Cottage Mills Ga., opened at left, a couple small edge and corner mends at right, otherwise Very Fine, note on back states Gen. Benning handwriting but we cannot verify
10c Blue, Frameline (10). Showing virtually complete framelines on three sides and most of frameline at left, tied by "Claiborne Ala." circular datestamp on adversity cover made from printed text sheet with both English and German text to Greenville Ala., opened for display
EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE ADVERSITY COVER USED WITH THE 10-CENT FRAMELINE ISSUE, SHOWING FRAMELINES ON ALL SIDES. A MARVELOUS RARITY.
The framelines between the stamps define Scott 10. The lines were engraved on the copper plate and served as a guide for the siderographer when aligning the transfers to make the plate. Each stamp shares framelines with the adjoining positions, so four-frameline copies are exceedingly rare. We have offered less than a dozen other adversity covers with No. 10 since 1994; the example offered here shows more of the framelines than any of the others.
10c Blue, Frameline (10). Positions 15-16, horizontal pair, full margins to clear, tied by "Mobile Ala. Sept? 21, 1863" double-circle datestamp on blue folded letter to Demopolis Ala., small indentation in left stamp is inconsequential
FRESH AND VERY FINE. A SCARCE PAIR OF THE 10-CENT FRAMELINE ISSUE, PAYING THE DOUBLE RATE.
Ex Matz and Ambassador Middendorf. Signed Ashbrook and with his plate position notes. With 2012 P.F. certificate.
10c Blue, Die A (11). Huge margins to clear at left, tied by "Savannah Ga. Jul. 9" circular datestamp on cover to Marietta Ga. with "Southern Confederacy. Free Trade With All The World" propaganda design, sealed opening tear at top left
VERY FINE. THIS SIMPLE DESIGN, ABANDONING THE USUAL FLAG MOTIF IN FAVOR OF A POLITICAL SLOGAN, IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF CONFEDERATE PATRIOTICS.
Throughout the war the Confederate government hoped to use international commerce to raise hard money and influence other nations to support the Southern cause. This rare slogan design promotes that effort. More effective, however, was the Federal blockade that isolated the Confederate States and disrupted regular trade routes.
Ex MacBride and Dr. Warren.
20c Green, Oxford N.C. Roulette (13 var). Roulettes on all four sides, intense shade and impression, tied by "Oxford N.C. Apr. 11" (1865) circular datestamp on brown cover to Forestville N.C., small scuffed spot and light toning
VERY FINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 20-CENT WITH OXFORD ROULETTE USED ON COVER.
Ex Hulme. Weill backstamp. With 2009 P.F. certificate. SCV $3,750.