Early US Flag Stamp

Since janknez collects flag stamps, I looked to see if I had some early flags stamps in my collection.

I found this Scott #121 30c blue & carmine, showing a shield, an eagle and flags, issued May 15, 1869.




Unfortunately it has a rather heavy black cork cancel.
This is normal for the issue, though, since postmasters were intent
on cancelling stamps heavily to prevent their reuse.

I think this must be the earliest US flag stamp.

Yes, t360 -- as far as I have been able to determine, Scott 121 is the first U.S. stamp with an American flag on it. Despite the cancel, yours is sharper than mine, but I'm proud to have one. (Cost me a bundle.)

When I say stamps with flags, I don't mean the flag has to be the main motif. As long as you can make out (using 10x power if necessary) that there's an American flag, it counts, at least in my album. That makes the second one (chronoglically speaking) Scott 288, Fremont on Rocky Mountains from 1898



because that's an American flag in his hand.

It's been great fun researching American stamps looking for flags, and then acquairing the actual stamps. I recommend topical collecting to anyone who, like me, is overwhelmed by the enormity of general stamp collecting.

Jan

Very nice 5c Trans-Mississippi! It definitely belongs in a flag stamp collection.
This stamp is a favorite of mine, as are all the stamps in the Trans-Mississippi series.

So which US stamp is the third flag stamp issued?

Well, t360, that would be Scott 372, the 1909 Hudson-Fulton Celebration:




And in case you decide to ask for #4, it's this:



Recognize it?

Jan

I like a good solid cancel myself. Nice stamps and a very interesting collecting angle.

What about the 1903 2c Washington (Scott #301)?

Oops.

Yep, I missed that one.

And while we're on the subject, what do you think about Scott 304? Are those stars from the flag's Union above the heads of the vestal virgins (or whoever they are)?



Didn't I say this forum was going to be wonderful? Huh? Didn't I?

Thanks, t360.

Jan

Yes, it looks like #304 qualifies too. Very nice looking stamp!

Yes, it looks like #304 qualifies too. Very nice looking stamp!

Agreed.

I think the cork cancel gives your item real "character" and actually enhances it's value in my mind. It would be a nice addition to any U.S. collection.

Of course I only collect used issues in my Germnan collection anyway since I consider them the best "real" postage.

Thanks LaSwabbie! I like used stamps too!

Oh, my gosh!
I'm gonna have to start with some Lincoln stamps to go with my Lincoln Wheaties--what year is that blue Lincoln?

Gussyboy1

Three cuts with the scissors can turn that 304 into a 315.
Just kidding.

I love when you guys post pictures of stamps. I especially like it when I have them and I learn more about them.

Thank a million

Dianne

Beautiful stamps but I have to be partial to Jans Hudson Fulton stamp since I am a neighbor of the Livingston estate..Vaughn and his @#%*&+ lobsterbacks burned it down when they came to burn Kingston to the ground...sorry Loyalists !

Tom:..Off the top of my head, isn't SC 116 a flag stamp ?

Bob [ no catalog at work ] gggg