Partly-Printed 1865 Confederate Postage Receipt – Alabama to Mississippi

Description

Partly-Printed 1865 Confederate Postage Receipt – Alabama to Mississippi
Offered for your consideration is a small, partly-printed Confederate receipt, issued in 1865 to cover postage between Alabama and Mississippi. A statement at the top indicates that this receipt was to be used for “
LETTERS from Marion, Ala. To
Canton Miss
”, with the date of issue, “
Feby 9
, 186
5
”, appearing at the upper right. The center of the receipt is dominated by several columns, each for a different purpose. The principal categories are “
RATES
”, “
UNPAID
”, and “
PAID HERE
”, with subheadings under the final category reading “
BY STAMPS
” and “
TO
MONEY
”. Under each heading, except the first, is a breakdown of the method of payment, being “
No.
”, “
Dolls
”, and “
Cents
”. Only one entry has been made on the presently offered piece, that being “
1
” stamp for “
10
Cents
”. At the lower right, the name of “
WM. HOWELL, P.M.
” (Post Master) can be seen. The back of the document is blank. An interesting document that would look great framed with an envelope from either Marion or Canton, or one of the late-war issue stamps. Worthy of further research.
The presently offered document exhibits signs of expected period use, as well as the late-war lack of quality printing. Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a light to medium brown hue to the paper (due to the lack of quality paper in the Confederacy at the time, it is difficult to know the original color of the stock, therefore, the toning may not be as extensive as it seems). Several folds and associated wrinkles are present, the most pronounced being a vertical one at the center. This central fold has somewhat affected the integrity of the paper, though it appears intact at this time. A small hole can be found below the manuscript addition, though only a minor amount of paper has been lost. Fading is noted to the manuscript additions, though they were probably light to begin with due to wartime shortages. This lack of consistency in printing can be seen in the pre-printed portions, as very little definition is present and parts of the letters and lines were poorly executed. The edges are irregular, with only the bottom being straight and even. Measuring approximately 4⅞ x 4⅝ inches, this piece would make a great addition to any Civil War era philatelic collection.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA