334 C Columbia S.C., 5c Blue entire (18XU1). Mostly clear strike
of provisional hs with matching "Columbia S.C. 9 Dec." cds
and "Paid" hs on cover to Hikew S.C., slightly reduced at
bottom and some toning spots, almost Fine.......................$ 170
335 C Columbia S.C., 5c Blue entire, Seal on Back (18XU4a).
Clear strikes with "Columbia S.C. Jul. 6" cds, "Paid" in
circle and "5" on cover to Capt. Green at Fairfax C.H.
Va., backflap reattached, appears Fine, ex Needham, with
1992 C.S.A. certificate.........................................$ 450
336 C Columbia S.C., 5c Blue entire, Seal on Back (18XU4a).
Mostly clear strike with bold matching "Columbia S.C. Jul.
27" cds, "Paid" and "5" provisional rate hs on cover to
Conwayborough S.C., Very Fine...................................$ 600
337 C Columbus Ga., 5c Blue entire (19XU1). Bold strike on
orange cover to Sand Fort Ala., "Columbus Ga. Dec. 6" cds
struck in black, missing part of backflap, a Very Fine
strike, only 28 known...........................................$ 400
338 C Dalton Ga., 5c Black entire (20XU1). Clear strike of
provisional hs with "Dalton Ga. Jan. 17, 1862" cds on old
3c Red Star Die entire to Alpine Ga., most of two
backflaps missing, slightly reduced at left, Very Fine
appearance, extremely rare adversity usage - our Levi
records contain just one other Dalton provisional on a
Star Die entire and it is badly stained.........................$ 500
339 C Dalton Ga., 5c Black entire (20XU1). On light yellow cover
to Jonesboro Tenn., "Dalton Ga. Jul 9, 1861" cds, cleaned
and repaired, appears almost Fine, the second earliest
recorded usage, only 37 known, with 1993 C.S.A.
certificate.....................................................$ 105
340 C Dalton Ga., (5c) Black entire (20XU1 var). Bold hs with no
denomination in the provisional handstamp, "Dalton Ga.
Jun. 6, 1861" cds on light yellow cover to Jonesboro
Tenn., some edge toning, still Very Fine, this is the only
recorded example with the denomination missing - also the
earliest recorded usage of any Dalton provisional - used
during the time period when the 5c rate would apply, ex
Judd............................................................$ 600
341 C Dalton Ga., 10c Black entire (20XU2). On folded letter to
Lt. Col. Weerins at Macon Ga., "Dalton Ga. Nov. 28, 1862"
cds, the contents are notes from four different officers,
the main note asks whether the regiment can be moved to an
area where the foraging is easier, some internal repairs
and some soiling, still appears Fine, ex Dietz..................$ 475
342 C Dalton Ga., 10c (ms.) on 5c Black entire (20XU3). On
folded letter to Berger's Store Va., "Dalton Ga. Jun. 1,
1862" cds, few internal Scotch tape repairs showing at
edges, toning spots, appears Fine, this is the latest
recorded usage and one of only three known, ex Mueller..........$ 525
344 C Danville Va., 5c Black on Dark Buff entire (21XU3). Style
with "SOUTHERN" curved, press-printed illustrated design
on cover to Halifax Va., expertly repaired tears affecting
design, appears Fine, rare usage, ex Stonewall..................$ 650
345 C Emory Va., 5c Blue (24X1). Well-struck "Paid" over "5"
handstamps on perforated selvage of United States 1c 1857
Type V showing large part of "(N)o. 8 P." plate number,
four tiny ms. "X" cancels, matching "Emory Va. July 22,
1861" ms. postmark on cover to Castle-Craig Va., neat
receipt docketing##EXTREMELY FINE. THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE
OF THE EMORY PROVISIONAL SHOWING ANY TRACE OF THE IMPRINT
OR PLATE NUMBER. ONLY NINE STAMPS RECORDED ON COVERS, OF
WHICH ONLY FIVE ARE CANCELLED. AN OUTSTANDING CONFEDERATE
POSTMASTER PROVISIONAL COVER.##The Emory postmaster, I. C.
Fowler, created his provisional issue by stamping his
"Paid" and "5" rate markings on the blank selvage of
demonetized United States 1c 1857 Issue sheets. This
method is unique among Confederate provisionals and, in
all of philately, there are few issues created from sheet
selvage. The Philadelphia carrier stamps made from the
selvage of imperforate 1c 1851 sheets are similar in
concept to the Emory provisionals.##The plate number
captured on this example is in the selvage adjacent to
Position 51 in the left pane of plate 8. Plate number
blocks from this plate are very scarce - an unused imprint
and plate number block of eight is included in this lot
(heavily thinned).##In our opinion this is the finest of
the nine recorded Emory provisional covers. Ex Caspary and
Freeland. The plate number single on cover is not listed
in Scott.....................................................$ 16,000
346 SBL Fredericksburg Va., 5c Blue on Thin Bluish (26X1). Pos.
9-10/14-15, block of four, original gum, large margins,
faint crease as almost always, Extremely Fine appearance........$ 800
348 C Gainesville Ala., 5c Black entire (27XU1). Bold marking on
small cover to Lauderdale Station Miss., matching
"Gainesville Ala. Jan. 2" cds, fresh and Very Fine, this
is the earlier of the two recorded examples of the
Gainesville 5c provisional entire.............................$ 4,500
349 C Galveston Tex., 5c Black entire (unlisted). Three separate
provisional handstamps comprising "Galveston Tex."
dateless double-circle with "5" numeral rate handstamp in
center and "PAID" struck to left, on yellow cover to Mrs.
John Adriance at Columbia Tex. with embossed druggist's
return card on flap, mostly clear "Galveston Tex. Oct. 8,
1861" double-circle ds, with original letter describing
evacuation of Galveston and devastation to other towns,
tiny nick at bottom, otherwise in excellent
condition##VERY FINE. THE DISCOVERY COPY AND STILL THE
ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THIS GALVESTON POSTMASTER'S
PROVISIONAL ENTIRE WITH "PAID 5" AND DOUBLE-CIRCLE
DATESTAMP CONFIGURATION.##With 1985 P.F. certificate
stating "genuine provisional usage"...........................$ 4,000
350 C Galveston Tex., 5c Black entire (98XU1). Clear strikes of
"PAID" provisional and "5" rate on embossed merchant's
corner card cover to Brazoria Tex., lightly struck
"Galveston Tex. Oct. 20, 1861" double-circle ds, light
soiling specks and two tiny erosion spots, one just
touching marking, otherwise Fine, only four recorded in
Crown, ex Emerson, Cole, Everett................................$ 550
351 C Galveston Tex., 10c Black entire (98XU2). Clear "PAID"
provisional and rate marking struck partly off of edge of
adversity cover made from Naval bill of lading, to
Anderson Tex., "Galveston Tex. Sep. 23" double-circle ds,
docketing at left: "About his ship wreck on 18 Sept. 1863
near Pelican Spit", few edge tears, Fine and rare, with
1993 C.S.A. certificate, ex Brown...............................$ 475
352 C Galveston Tex., 10c Black entire (98XU2). Indistinct
strike of floral and scroll design with "10" alongside,
matching "Galveston Tex." double-circle ds on adversity
cover made from used Bill of Lading, missing part of
bottom flap, almost Fine, with 1959 letter from C.S.A., ex
Hubbell.........................................................$ 425
354 C Georgetown S.C., 5c Black entire (unlisted). Perfect clear
strikes of provisional "Paid", "5" and "Georgetown S.C."
dateless circular control mark (on flap) of cover to R. F.
W. Allston at Charleston S.C., equally clear strike of
"Georgetown S.C. Jul. 20, 1861" cds##EXTREMELY FINE. THE
ONLY RECORDED USED EXAMPLE OF THE EARLIEST TYPE OF
GEORGETOWN PROVISIONAL ENTIRE WITH SEPARATE "PAID" AND "5"
NUMERAL HANDSTAMPS.##The existence of unused entires with
the "Paid" and "5" (Dietz Ty. IB) handstamps has been
known for some time and is the basis of the Dietz "unused"
listing. However, this used entire with the same markings
and control mark substantiates its provisional status, but
this fact has not yet resulted in a Scott Catalogue
listing, which would be 28XU2.................................$ 1,500
355 C Georgetown S.C., 5c Black entire (28XU1). Clear strike of
"Paid 5" in circle provisional handstamp, dateless
"Georgetown S.C." circular control handstamp on back of
buff cover to Flat Rock N.C., "Georgetown Dec. 10, 1861"
cds, Extremely Fine, not a rare provisional but very
scarce in this choice condition.................................$ 600
356 C Greensboro N.C., 10c Red entire (32XU1). Mostly clear
strike on cover to Hillsboro N.C., matching "Greensboro
N.C. Mar. 27" cds, some toning and slightly reduced at
top, appears Fine, only nine known, with 1985 P.F.
certificate.....................................................$ 850
357 S Greenville Ala., 5c Red & Blue on Pinkish Glazed, Ty. I
(33X1). Unused (no gum as always), beautiful rich colors
and impressions of the blue ornamental border and red town
name and denomination, discover's note on back "L.W.D.
6/1/78" (1878)##EXTREMELY FINE AND FRESH. THE FINEST OF
THE FOUR RECORDED OFF-COVER EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT
GREENVILLE PROVISIONAL STAMP (TWO OTHER COVERS KNOWN).
UNLIKE THE OTHER THREE STAMPS OFF COVER, THIS EXAMPLE IS
COMPLETELY SOUND AND ALSO HAS RICH COLOR. ONE OF THE FIRST
BI-COLORED POSTAGE STAMPS TO APPEAR IN THE WESTERN
HEMISPHERE. AN OUTSTANDING RARITY OF CLASSIC AMERICAN
PHILATELY.##The stamps prepared by Greenville postmaster,
Judge B. F. Porter, are remarkable not only for their
rarity, but even more so as one of two Confederate
provisionals printed in two colors - the other being the
Baton Rouge 5c in green and carmine. These are the first
government-issued, bi-colored adhesive postage stamps to
appear anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and, as such,
they deserve special recognition by philatelists.##After a
thorough search of relevant records (auction sales, Levi
clippings, Philatelic Foundation and Confederate Stamp
Alliance certificates) we have located only eight examples
of either Greenville denomination, including four
off-cover 5c stamps (all uncancelled and Type I), two 5c
covers (both Type I), and two 10c covers (both Type II).
Curiously, there is no genuine 5c Type II (Scott 33X1a) in
any of the sources consulted, but there is an illustration
of a 5c Type II in the 1929 Dietz book (p. 47), which is a
reputed counterfeit - the 10c Type I in the same photo is
counterfeit and is thought to have come from a group
offered in the Ferrary sale. Based on the evidence we have
seen, it is our opinion that the 5c exists only as Type I
with Roman letters, and the 10c only as Type II with
italics. The Scott listing for 33X1a is in question until
a genuine 5c Type II stamp is found.##On the subject of
value, we wish to note that the Birkinbine collection,
from which this unused stamp comes, contained one of the
two recorded 5c covers, which was sold privately to a
collector for a price significantly higher than the
$18,000 1997 Scott value. The $4,500 Scott value for an
unused 5c has not been changed in thirteen years and
should not be considered a reliable guide to current
market value.##Illustrated in the 1929 Dietz book (p. 47)
and in color in the 1986 edition. Ex Lilly. P.F.
certificate 12426 no longer accompanies stamp................$ 20,000
358 Hempstead Tex., 5c + 10c Red Re-valued Provisional
(unlisted). Cut square from entire with red "Paid 5" over
red "Hempstead Tex. Paid 10" circular provisional
handstamp, ms. "15" beneath both values, large
balloon-style "Hempstead Tex. Sep. 30" (1861) cds, Very
Fine, unique triple 5c rate.....................................$ 450
359 C Houston Tex., 5c Red entire (40XU1). Mostly clear strike
of provisional hs, faint "Houston Tex. Sep. 25, 1861" cds,
flap removed, piece mended at top, otherwise Fine...............$ 240
361 C Houston Tex., 10c Red entire (40XU2). Full and unusually
well-struck provisional handstamp, equally clear "Houston
Tex. Jul. 28, 1862" cds on small white cover to Columbia
Tex., from the Adriance correspondence, Extremely Fine, an
outstanding quality example of the Houston 10c provisional
entire........................................................$ 1,050
362 C Jackson Miss., 5c Black entire (43XU1). Clear strike of
provisional handstamp, "Jackson Miss. Jun. 17" circular
datestamp on pink lithographed Bowman House hotel
advertising cover to Spring Ridge La., sender's ms.
routing "Via Monroe La."##EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE USE OF
JACKSON PROVISIONAL HANDSTAMP ON OVERALL ADVERTISING
COVER.##This and the following lot are the only hotel
advertising covers with the Jackson Miss. provisional
handstamp contained in the Levi records. Ex MacBride,
Salomon and Haas..............................................$ 2,600
363 C Jackson Miss., 5c Black entire (43XU1). Clear strike of
provisional handstamp, "Jackson Miss. Oct. 11" circular
datestamp on gray lithographed Bowman House hotel
advertising cover to Carroll Hoy & Co. in New Orleans,
light vertical fold##EXTREMELY FINE AND BEAUTIFUL. THE
SECOND OF TWO RECORDED JACKSON PROVISIONAL HANDSTAMPS ON
ADVERTISING COVERS.##Only two hotel advertising covers
with the Jackson Miss. provisional handstamp are contained
in the Levi records. A perfect mate to the previous
example in pink. Ex Dietz (signed) and Haas...................$ 4,000
364 C Jonesboro Tenn., 5c Dark Blue entire (45XU2). Bold strike
of provisional hs on buff cover to Taylorsville Tenn.,
without Jonesboro cds - five of the eleven examples of
45XU2 in our Levi records do not have the town marking -
reduced at left clear of address, fresh and Very Fine,
extremely rare handstamped provisional entire, ex Deats
(guarantee backstamp from old-time dealers Albrecht & Co.
with note that this was sold to Deats in 1893), Caspary,
Matz..........................................................$ 5,750
365 C Kingston Ga., 5c Black entire (46XU2). Bold strike on buff
cover to Augusta Ga., "Kingston Ga. Jun. 25" cds, missing
backflap, repaired, appears Fine, only three known, with
1992 C.S.A. certificate.......................................$ 2,900
366 C Lenoir N.C., 5c Blue & Orange (49X1). Clear impression,
parts of framelines show on three sides, pencil "X"
cancel, bold blue "Lenoir N.C. Mar. 24" circular datestamp
with "4" changed to "5" in ms., on small Davenport Female
College lady's cover to Taylorsville N.C.##ATTRACTIVE
STAMP AND EXTREMELY FINE COVER. THE FINER OF ONLY TWO
RECORDED COLLEGE COVERS WITH THE LENOIR PROVISIONAL.##Ex
Dietz (signed on flap). Illustrated in 1986 Dietz
catalogue (p. 239) where valued at $10,500.00. Scott
Retail $7,000.00 for normal cover.............................$ 6,000
368 C Lynchburg Va., 5c Blue (52X1). Mostly large margins, just
touched at upper right, used on Lynchburg Hose and Fire
Insurance Co. advertising cover to Salem Va. with
illustration of mobile firefighting equipment, partly
clear "Lynchburg Va. Sep. 4, 1861" circular datestamp just
misses stamp, backflap removed##VERY FINE. ONE OF TWO
RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE LYNCHBURG PROVISIONAL ON
ILLUSTRATED FIRE INSURANCE ADVERTISING COVERS. A MARVELOUS
EXHIBITION ITEM.##The stamp on the other recorded
advertising cover is tied, but the cover has had the
address cut out and is in rather poor condition. This
cover is by far the finer of the two. Although the stamp
barely missed being cancelled, the September 4th date
(before General Issues were prepared) and absence of any
rate marking leaves no doubt that the provisional was used
on this cover. Scott Retail for a normal cover is
$5,000.00.....................................................$ 2,100
369 C Lynchburg Va., 5c Black entire (52XU1). Uncancelled and
addressed to Pamplin's Depot Va., backflap with ms.
"Original R.M. Glass, P.M., 1861" some ink erosion in
address and some overall wear, missing two stamps which
were put on the back of the cover, appears Fine, only
fourteen are known, ex Worthington, Hessel, with 1976 P.F.
and 1993 C.S.A. certificates....................................$ 850
370 C 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 ds 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 THREE OR FOUR EXAMPLES OF
THIS WESLEYAN FEMALE COLLEGE CORNER CARD DESIGN ARE KNOWN
WITH THE MACON PROVISIONAL.##Ex Antrim. Scott Retail for a
normal cover is $4,000.00.....................................$ 7,000
371 C Macon Ga., 5c Black on Yellow Wove (53X3). Ample to large
margins, tied by "Macon Ga. Jul. 27" double-circle ds on
orange cover to Oglethorpe Ga., reduced at left, stain at
left and some small edge tears, the stamp has been lifted,
gum stains removed from around stamp edges and replaced on
the cover, still appears Very Fine, only 26 known, ex
Heathcote, with 1992 P.S.E. and 1993 C.S.A. certificates........$ 800
372 (S) Macon Ga., 5c Black on Light Blue Green Laid (53X8).
Unused (no gum), three large margins, frameline touched at
top, fresh and Fine, the Laid paper stamp is far rarer
than the Wove, with 1983 P.F. certificate.......................$ 900
373 C Marietta Ga., 5c Black entire (54XU1). Neat strike on
cream cover to Macon Ga., "Marietta Ga. Sep. 27" cds,
slightly reduced at left and light toning spots, Fine,
with 1992 C.S.A. certificate....................................$ 150
374 C Marietta Ga., 10c on 5c Black entire (54XU2). Bold strikes
on orange cover addressed to Vice President Stephens at
Richmond Va., ms. "Box 43" and signed over "Marietta Ga.
Oct. 16" cds, docketing on back, backflap removed as usual
for this correspondence, Very Fine and rare, only five are
known, ex McGee, Frazer, with 1992 C.S.A. certificate.........$ 1,400
375 Memphis Tenn., 2c Dark Blue (56X1). Huge margins all
around including part of adjoining stamp at left and
showing doubling of bottom frameline, neatly cancelled by
Memphis circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, probably
the finest single used example of the Memphis 2c
provisional in existence - extremely rare used and
especially so in the dark shade - Scott Retail $950.00,
which in no way reflects the rarity of this stamp in any
condition.....................................................$ 1,900
376 (SBL) Memphis Tenn., 2c Blue, Cracked Plate (56X1 var).
Positions 16-17, top pair in block of four showing cracked
plate, unused (no gum), full to large margins, creases
invisible on face, Extremely Fine appearance, normal block
valued in Scott at $475.00......................................$ 325
377 (S) Memphis Tenn., 2c Light Blue, Cracked Plate, Nail Head in
"I" (56X1 vars). Pos. 16 with advanced crack, Pos. 23
showing nail head in "I", both unused (no gum), former
creased, latter thinned, both appear Very Fine...................$ 80
378 (S) Memphis Tenn., 2c Light Blue, Large Part of Design Missing
(56X1 var). Pos. 5/10/15/20 with right sheet margin and
large portion of each stamp "cracked off" at right, unused
(no gum), margins all around, couple faint creases and
tiny natural pinholes, still Extremely Fine and striking
example of this plate damage....................................$ 400
379 (SBL) Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Positions 6-7/14-15, top
sheet margin block of four, unused (no gum), large margins
except just barely touched at bottom right, fresh and
Extremely Fine multiple.........................................$ 700
380 Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Variety damaged "A" of
"Paid", three full margins, touched at right, neat Memphis
cds, Very Fine, scarce plate variety, Scott Retail for
normal stamp $175.00............................................$ 270
382 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Three huge margins, clear at
right, beautiful bright shade, tied by neat strike of
"Memphis Ten. Dec. 20, 1861" cds on orange cover to
Huntsville Ala., sender's instructions "Deliver this at
once", insignificant reduction at right, still Extremely
Fine, a wonderfully fresh cover bearing the Memphis
provisional, Colson handstamp, ex Pope, Scott Retail
$1,000.00.....................................................$ 1,700
383 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Large margins showing top
sheet margin, tied by bold "Memphis Ten. Sep. 3, 1861" cds
on cover to Monticello Ark., slightly reduced at left,
some toning on stamp and cover, Fine, ex Matz...................$ 525
384 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Three ample margins, just in
at bottom, tied by bold "Memphis Ten. Sep. 23" cds on
Jefferson Davis Medallion and Verse Patriotic cover to New
Orleans, the patriotic design applied skewed, backflap
added and address re-inked, still appears Fine, with 1995
P.F. certificate................................................$ 950
385 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Ample margin at bottom, just
touched or in on other sides, tied by "Memphis Ten. ? 24,
1861" datestamp on 11-Star Confederate Flag with "T" and
Verse Patriotic cover to Sicily Island P.O. Louisiana,
repaired edge tears and some gum soaks around stamp edges,
otherwise Fine and rare patriotic usage, ex Matz,
Stonewall.......................................................$ 950
386 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Two horizontal pairs and
single, the pairs slightly overlapping and large margins
to in, the single large margins to in at top, tied by two
strikes of "Memphis Ten., Oct. 5, 1861" datestamps on
light yellow courthouse cover to Nashville Tenn., court
docketing at left, one pair tear in margin only##FINE.
EXCEEDINGLY SCARCE FIVE-TIMES RATE FRANKING. ONE OF THE
GREATEST MEMPHIS PROVISIONAL COVERS IN EXISTENCE.##Ex
Caspary, Matz, Stonewall......................................$ 4,250
387 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Two vertical pairs, first
has large margins on three sides showing part of adjacent
stamps at left and clear at right, second pair large
margin at bottom and in on other sides, tied by "Memphis
Ten. Dec. 3, 1861" datestamps on large part of light
yellow courthouse cover front only to Helena Ark., stamps
have bit heavy gum soaks##A FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE
MEMPHIS PROVISIONAL USAGE.##Ex Caspary, Matz, Meroni,
Stonewall.....................................................$ 1,600
388 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red (56X2). Horizontal pair, just in to
large margins showing part of adjacent stamps at left and
bottom, tied by "Memphis Ten. Oct. 2, 1861" cds on cover
to Georgetown S.C., small repair at top right edge of
cover and some overall soiling, otherwise Fine, only eight
pairs recorded on cover, with 1993 C.S.A. certificate...........$ 375
390 C Memphis Tenn., 5c Red entire (56XU1). Cancelled by neat
"Memphis Ten. Jul. 16, 1861" cds to Guntersville Ala.,
repair at top left. just clear of design, tiny tear
affecting design, missing backflap, otherwise appears
Fine, only 21 recorded, ex Clapp, McBride, Hart...............$ 1,600
391 C Milledgeville Ga., 10c Black entire (57XU5). Bold
provisional handstamp with "Milledgeville Ga. Nov. 18" cds
on adversity cover made from printed legal form, to
Madison Ga., cut and folded over for display, small edge
tear at top, still Very Fine, extremely scarce and
handsome usage, with 1987 C.S.A. certificate....................$ 525
392 C Milledgeville Ga., 10c Black entire (57XU5). Mostly clear
provisional hs with "Milledgeville Ga. Nov. 18" cds on
brown homemade cover to Salem Ga., cadet's endorsement at
left and letter enclosure, dated Nov. 17, 1864, late
provisional usage, Fine and scarce, approximately twelve
known, ex Peters, with 1986 C.S.A. certificate..................$ 425
393 C Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Large margins except at
bottom left corner where barely touched, faint gum toning,
tiny sealed tear at top right, tied by "Mobile Ala. Feb.
26, 1862" double-circle ds on tiny cover with local
address, top edge trimmed slightly and flap
reaffixed##VERY FINE APPEARING STAMP AND AN ATTRACTIVE
SMALL COVER. EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT MOBILE
PROVISIONAL USED ON A DROP LETTER.##In our opinion the 2c
Mobile provisional is generally under-appreciated. Its
allegorical design is unusual among Confederate
provisionals - the only other postmaster's adhesive stamps
with a pictorial design were issued at Livingston Ala. (a
similar design probably by the same printer who produced
the Mobile provisionals) and Port Lavacca Tex. (a crude
ship representation). In terms of rarity, the 2c value was
used almost exclusively on drop letters and circulars, of
which very few have survived - the Crown book records just
23 covers with the 2c Mobile. However, despite its
distinctive design and established rarity, the 2c Mobile
is assigned the lowest value among the ten different 2c
Confederate provisionals listed and priced in the Scott
Catalogue. By our estimation the Mobile should be valued
at least on a par with the New Orleans 2c Blue provisional
on cover, which is more common (29 recorded) but priced at
$3,500........................................................$ 2,100
394 C Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Ample to large margins on
three sides showing part of adjacent stamps at right and
bottom, in at left and partly painted in, tied by "Mobile
Ala." double-circle ds struck partly off cover used
locally, slightly reduced at right, light file fold
affects stamp, appears Fine, rare drop rate usage, ex
Seybold.........................................................$ 475
395 C Mobile Ala., 2c Black (58X1). Just in to clear margins,
tied by neat "Mobile Ala. Mar. 13" double-circle ds on
local drop rate cover, cover repaired with small portion
of stamp design drawn in, still appears Fine, ex Matz,
with 1993 C.S.A. certificate....................................$ 800
396 C Mobile Ala. 5c Blue (58X2). Constant variety showing long
vertical line thru "O" of "Post", large even margins,
neatly positioned and tied by full clear strike of "Mobile
Ala. Nov. 13, 1861" double-circle ds on yellow cover to
Carroll Hoy & Co. in New Orleans, usual filing pinholes,
Extremely Fine Gem, an absolutely perfect cover bearing
one of the two allegorical stamps issued by Confederate
postmasters (the other being the Livingston stamp produced
by the same printer), ex Brown, Brooks, Scott Retail
$800.00.......................................................$ 1,000
397 C Mobile Ala., 5c Blue (58X2). Clear to ample margins, tied
by bold strike of "Mobile Ala. Nov. 14, 1861"
double-circle ds on cover to Marion Ala., slightly reduced
at left, Very Fine, with 1992 C.S.A. certificate................$ 750
398 C Mobile Ala., 5c Blue (58X2). Three large margins, touched
at top, faint crease, tied by bold "Mobile Ala. Oct. 2,
1861" double-circle ds on yellow cover to Pleasant Hill
Ala., merchant's corner card (clipped from opening), fresh
and Fine........................................................$ 450
399 C Mobile Ala., 5c Blue (58X2). Margins to touching, tied by
"Mobile Ala. Jul. 31, 1861" double-circle ds on pale
yellow cover to Pleasantville Ala., with blind embossed
corner card for commission merchants, mended cover tears
at top right, appears Fine......................................$ 170
400 C Mobile Ala., 5c Blue (58X2). Horizontal pair, large
margins to in, tied by neat "Mobile Ala. Oct. 13, 1861"
double-circle ds on cover to Norfolk Va., slightly reduced
at left and few repaired edge tears at top left and bottom
left, still Fine................................................$ 550
401 C Montgomery Ala., 5c Red entire (59XU1). Clearly struck
provisional hs and "Montgomery Ala. Aug. 7, 1861" cds on
cover to Greenville Ala., mended flap, still Extremely
Fine............................................................$ 750
402 C Montgomery Ala., 5c Red entire (59XU1). Clearly struck
provisional hs, partly clear "Montgomery Ala. Aug. 29,
1861" cds on yellow cover to Marion Ala., slightly reduced
at right, fresh and Very Fine...................................$ 400
403 C Montgomery Ala., 5c Red entire (59XU1). Clear strike on
orange cover to Sand Fort Ala., "Montgomery Ala. Aug. 31,
1861" cds, some slight edgewear, repaired backflap, Fine,
with 1992 C.S.A. certificate....................................$ 425
404 C Montgomery Ala., 5c Blue entire (59XU2). Clearly struck
provisional hs, 5c Olive Green, Stone A-B (1c), ample
margins, placed over provisional and tied by "Montgomery
Ala., Jan. 7, 1862" cds on yellow cover to Chester C.H.
S.C., neatly docketed at left, part of flap missing and
tiny opening nick at top, faint stains at right and on
stamp, otherwise Very Fine, attractive and rare usage,
Crown records one 5c Black with General Issue used over
provisional, ex Ferrary, Walcott, Everett.....................$ 1,050
405 C Montgomery Ala., 10c Red entire (59XU3). Magnificent bold
strike of provisional hs, "Montgomery Ala. Sep. 4, 1861"
cds on buff cover to Richmond, slightly reduced at left,
Extremely Fine, one of the finest strikes known of this
scarce provisional - only fourteen recorded in Crown book.....$ 1,150
406 C Montgomery Ala., 10c Red entire (59XU3). Clearly struck
provisional on cover addressed to Col. Jno. W.A. Sanford
at Norfolk Va., "Montgomery Ala. Jul. 5, 1861" cds, minor
repair, otherwise Very Fine, only fourteen are known, ex
Needham, signed Brian Green and with 1977 C.S.A.
certificate.....................................................$ 475
407 C Montgomery Ala., 10c Blue entire (59XU4). Well-struck
provisional on large part of yellow legal-size cover to
Austin Tex., "Montgomery Ala. Nov. 3, 1861" cds, some
slight wear, otherwise Very Fine, only six known, with
1992 C.S.A. certificate.........................................$ 625
408 C Montgomery Ala., 10c Black entire (59XU9). Clear strike of
provisional handstamp, "Montgomery Ala. (Dec) 18" cds (no
month) on blue Dec. 1861 folded letter to Central
Institute Ala., light stains have been expertly removed,
Very Fine appearance, extremely rare marking - only two
known - illustrated in Crown book, with 1978 C.S.A.
certificate...................................................$ 2,400
409 Nashville Tenn., 5c Carmine (61X2). Margins touching but
framelines complete, lightly struck blue Adams Express Co.
oval, minor faults, Fine appearance, rare express company
cancellation on provisional, with 1977 P.F. certificate,
Scott Retail $500.00 without premium for cancellation...........$ 325
410 (S) Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Unused (no gum),
huge margins incl. half of adjoining stamp above, rich
color, creased between stamps well above frameline,
Extremely Fine Gem, ex Caspary, Lilly, with 1979 P.F.
certificate, Scott Retail $850.00.............................$ 1,500
411 Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Top sheet margin,
large at left and bottom, touched at right, blue "5"
numeral cancel, fresh and Very Fine, a lovely stamp and
very rare with numeral cancel, ex Caspary, with 1990
P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail $475.00 for usual
cancellation....................................................$ 750
412 Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Constant variety
showing white spot at bottom of "I" of "McNish", mostly
clear to ample margins, touching at places, bold blue
Nashville cds, minor faults, Fine appearance....................$ 250
413 Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Horizontal pair,
ample margins to barely touching, rich color but two
distinctly different impressions (these were printed using
a work-and-turn method), blue "Nashville Ten. Nov. 23,
1861" cds, slight thinning as almost always, Very Fine
appearance, pairs of the 5c Nashville are extremely rare,
particularly of the printings in Carmine or Brick Red -
our records contain ten used pairs (one strip of three) of
either shade, more than half of which are on covers - this
being among the finest of all recorded multiples, Scott
does not list a pair off cover..................................$ 800
414 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Carmine (61X2). Magnificent deep rich
color, large margins at top and bottom, clear at left and
touching at right, tied by well-struck blue "Nashville
Ten. Aug. 15, 1861" cds on immaculate cover to Athens
Tenn., from the Cleage correspondence##VERY FINE. A
COLORFUL AND REMARKABLY ATTRACTIVE NASHVILLE PROVISIONAL
COVER.##From our 1983 Rarities sale where it realized
$3,190, Scott Retail $2,500.00................................$ 3,500
415 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Three huge margins,
top frameline cut in, tied by blue "POSTAGE/PAID" rimless
handstamp applied by Nashville office of Adams Express
Company, also tied by black "Adams Ex. Co. * Louisville,
Ky. * Aug. 21, 1861" circular datestamp on 3c Red Star Die
entire to St. Paul Minn., ms. "2/-" (two bits or 25c),
Adams Louisville office affixed the 3c Dull Red (26) over
invalid embossed stamp and placed letter into mails, tied
by blue "Louisville Ky. Aug. 22" double-circle datestamp,
upon arrival at St. Paul the 3c 1857 was considered
demonetized and "DUE 3" handstamps were applied, light
fold in cover at left, part of backflap missing##FRESH AND
VERY FINE. ONE OF FIVE RECORDED COVERS WITH THE 5-CENT
NASHVILLE PROVISIONAL USED IN COMBINATION WITH A UNITED
STATES STAMP, THIS BEING THE ONLY ONE ALSO TREATED AS A
"SOUTHERN LETTER UNPAID".##Two of the five recorded Adams
Express covers with the 5c Nashville are from the Knowles
correspondence to Rhode Island. One of the five is a
North-to-South usage with the provisional paying postage
from Nashville to Cleveland, Tennessee. The fourth cover
has Adams and Louisville post office markings with dates
matching this cover (Aug. 21 and 22) and a 3c 1857 affixed
over the Star Die, however, it is addressed to Kentucky
and was accepted as prepaid by the receiving post office.
This cover was handled by Adams within days of the August
26th termination date for all express intercourse between
the North and South and also at the point when Northern
post offices commenced demonetization of old stamps. The
exchange period in Louisville began August 22nd for three
days, beginning on August 25th, stamps other than the new
1861 Issue would no longer be accepted by the Louisville
post office. The St. Paul office clearly refused to
recognize a 3c 1857 on mail originating in the South,
making this a remarkable "Southern Letter Unpaid" express
usage.##Adams was required to pay Confederate postage, but
letters never actually entered the mails at Nashville.
Instead, the blue "Postage Paid" marking was used to
indicate prepayment.##Ex Deats and Piller....................$ 26,000
416 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Brick Red (61X3). Large even margins,
magnificent deep rich color and impression, tied by blue
"Nashville Ten. Nov. 21, 1861" cds on fresh orange-buff
cover to Chattanooga Tenn.##AN EXTREMELY FINE GEM STAMP
AND PRISTINE COVER. ONE OF THE FINEST-QUALITY NASHVILLE
PROVISIONAL COVERS EXTANT.#Ex Haas (our 1980 sale where it
realized $2,420). Scott Retail $2,250.00......................$ 7,500
417 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Violet Brown (61X5). Top sheet margin
single, just in on other sides, uncancelled and affixed at
top left corner of small cover to Richmond Va., two
strikes of blue "Nashville Ten. Sep. 14, 1861" cds at
right, matching "Paid", also ms. "Due 5", few small edge
tears, light surface scuffs in top margin only, otherwise
Fine and rare short-paid usage, ex Stonewall....................$ 750
418 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Violet Brown (61X5). Three clear to
ample margins, touched at bottom, brownish gum toning,
tied by blue "Nashville Ten. Oct. 9, 1861" cds with
matching "Paid" hs on small narrow cover to Plaquemine
La., Fine, with 1987 C.S.A. certificate.......................$ 1,050
419 C Nashville Tenn., 5c Violet Brown (61X5). Distinctive
intermediate shade between Carmine and Violet Brown, in at
bottom right to large margins showing part of adjacent
stamp at left, tied by blue "Nashville Ten. Nov. 29, 1861"
cds on cover to Macon Miss., expertly repaired at top of
cover and stamp, appears Fine, rare, only 24 known, ex
Caspary.........................................................$ 800
420 Nashville Tenn., 10c Green (61X6). Just in to ample
margins, blue Adams Express oval handstamp, horizontal
crease at bottom, otherwise Fine, rare........................$ 2,500
421 S New Orleans La., 2c Blue, Red (62X1, 62X2 two shades).
Blue unused (no gum), ample margins to touching, both Red
stamps have part o.g., margins all around, Fine-Very Fine.......$ 500
422 C New Orleans La., 2c Blue (62X1). Clear to large margins
showing part of adjacent stamp at top and guideline at
bottom, tied by bold strike of "New Orleans La. 23 Oct."
cds on prices current to Washington N.C., inside of
circular with repaired corner##VERY FINE. VERY RARE USAGE
PAYING THE 2c CIRCULAR FEE RATE.##The stamp was mostly
used to pay the 2c drop letter rate, and circular rate
usages are rare. Ex Meroni, Moody, Clapp. With 1992 C.S.A.
certificate...................................................$ 2,800
423 C New Orleans La., 2c Deep Vermilion (62X2 var). Remarkable
vibrant shade recognized by specialists but not listed in
Scott, three ample margins, cut into but evenly at left,
tied by perfect dark bold strike of "New Orleans La. 13
Feb." (1862) circular datestamp on bright yellow locally
addressed cover, trivial sealed edge tear at upper right
corner##A BRILLIANT EXAMPLE OF THE ELUSIVE DEEP VERMILION
SHADE OF THE RARE NEW ORLEANS 2-CENT RED PROVISIONAL. ONLY
EIGHT COVERS RECORDED WITH THE 2-CENT IN ANY SHADE OF
RED.##The New Orleans postmaster, J. L. Riddell, prepared
provisional stamps in June 1861 and advertised them for
sale on June 12th. The 2c Red stamps were printed without
the marginal inscription "Usable exclusively in the New
Orleans Post Office". The 5c and subsequent 2c Blue
printings all have the imprint. It is the accepted theory
that the 2c Red stamps were printed first, before Riddell
added the imprint, and were withheld from use until
January 1862 when the supply of 2c Blue stamps was
exhausted. The Crown book lists six 2c Red covers, while
Dr. Hubert C. Skinner (The Congress Book, 1978) recorded
eight covers.##Scott Retail $25,000.00.......................$ 14,000
424 New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Dark shade,
ample margins, lightly cancelled, Very Fine.....................$ 120
425 C New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Full to large
margins, dark shade, pre-use crease, tied by bold "New
Orleans La. 20 Aug." (1861) cds on buff cover to Spring
Ridge La., Very Fine appearance.................................$ 180
426 C New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Horizontal
pair, Pos. 1-2 showing part of imprint at top, margins
clear to full, tied by three neat strikes of "Paid" hs on
folded cover to Nashville Tenn., matching "New Orleans La.
8 Aug." cds, blue company handstamp on back for "Ferrer &
Co. Importers of Havana Segars", expert internal repair,
Very Fine, signed Skinner.......................................$ 375
427 C New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Ample to large
margins, cancelled by "Paid" handstamp, matching "New
Orleans La. 31 Jul." cds on buff cover to Spring Ridge
La., few tears and missing backflap, otherwise Fine.............$ 110
428 New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Vertical pair,
three ample to large margins, in at left, cancelled by
light strike of "STEAM" handstamp on part of folded letter
to Natchez Miss., some toning on stamps from gum, Fine,
with 1992 C.S.A. certificate....................................$ 100
430 C New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Large margins
except irregular at right, tied by bold "STEAM" handstamp
on cover to Natchez Miss., endorsed "Care Mr. Bennett
Second Creek" August 10, 1861 docketing at left partially
erased, backflap clipped slightly, Fine steamboat usage,
cancelled on arrival at Natchez, ex Everett.....................$ 500
431 C New Orleans La., 5c Brown on White (62X3). Horizontal
pair, ample margins, tied by two strikes of "Paid" and
"New Orleans La. 6 Aug." (1861) cds on red and blue
Confederate Flag and Cannon Patriotic cover front
(rebacked with part of top restored) to Russellville Ga.,
Sutterly New Orleans imprint, a rare and handsome
appearing usage, ex Moody.......................................$ 850
432 New Orleans La., 5c Ocher (62X3b). Large margins, intense
reddish shade, part of New Orleans cds (large circle with
serifed letters), Extremely Fine and choice example of the
rare Ocher, Scott Retail $500.00 does not accurately
reflect rarity of this shade....................................$ 500
433 New Orleans La., 5c Ocher (62X3b). Large margins all
around, bold "Paid" cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, very rare
used and grossly undercatalogued in Scott.......................$ 525
434 S New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Full
original gum, lightly hinged, full margins, fresh and
Extremely Fine..................................................$ 260
435 New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Vertical
pair with top sheet margin containing "ble exclusiv"
portion of "Usable exclusively in the New Orleans Post
Office" imprint - a unique feature of the New Orleans
provisionals - huge margins, beautiful shade on deep blue
paper, perfect strike of New Orleans cds (with piece from
which this pair was removed), Extremely Fine Gem pair...........$ 600
436 New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Ample to
large margins, bold strike of "Southern Express Co. New
Orleans Oct. 3" double-circle ds and faint blue datestamp,
Very Fine, rare cancellation....................................$ 500
437 New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Full to
large margins, beautiful color, lightly cancelled, Very
Fine, signed Dietz..............................................$ 250
438 New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Full to
large margins, New Orleans cds, fresh and Very Fine.............$ 150
439 New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish, Printed on Both
Sides (62X4a). Full to large margins, clear split
impression on back, New Orleans cds##EXTREMELY FINE
EXAMPLE OF THE RARE PRINTED-ON-BOTH-SIDES VARIETY.
PROBABLY FEWER THAN A DOZEN EXAMPLES EXIST ON EITHER WHITE
OR BLUISH PAPER.##Ex Col. Green and Grant (where described
as "probably the finest known"). Scott value of $1,500.00
is in no way indicative of the true rarity of this
provisional stamp variety.....................................$ 2,500
440 C New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Wide side
margins, touched at top and bottom, tied by "Paid"
straightline, "New Orleans La. 10 Oct." cds on blue folded
cover to Memphis Tenn., "Our Flag S.C." 7-Star Confederate
Flag Sticker at upper left, circular die cut, fresh and
Very Fine, signed Brian Green.................................$ 1,050
441 C New Orleans La., 5c Red Brown on Bluish (62X4). Large
margins, rich color and fine impression, neatly positioned
and tied by clear strike of "New Orleans La. 25 Oct."
(1861) cds on buff cover to Spring Ridge La., Extremely
Fine, a wonderfully fresh and choice New Orleans
provisional cover, ex Haas, Scott Retail $300.00................$ 750