Confederate stamps were not yet available when postal service between the North and South was suspended on June 1, 1861.
Southern postmasters could either use manuscript markings or handstamps to indicate postage paid or they could meet the
need for stamps by issuing local provisional stamps or pre-paid envelopes.
The Confederacy had established new postal rates to replace the 3 cent standard postage rate used in the United States:
- 5 cents per 1/2 oz under 500 miles
- 10 cents per 1/2 oz over 500 miles
- 2 cents drop letters and circulars
Local provisional stamps were not authorized by Richmond, however the Confederate Post Office permitted them as long as
they were used only at the city where they were issued.
The New Orleans provisionals, authorized by Postmaster John L. Riddell, first appeared in June 1861.
They were engraved on wood and printed by John V. Childs of New Orleans.
I bought some New Orleans provisionals today from an APS sales circuit.
There are some small faults but I think they are still a presentable bunch.
Scott #62x1 2c blue
Scott #62x2 2c red
Scott #62x4 5c red-brown on bluish paper w/New Orleans PAID cancel
Scott #62x5 5c brown on off-white paper
Memphis, Tennessee also issued 2c and 5c Provisional Stamps
Scott #56x1 2c blue
Admittedly I had some reluctance buying these stamps because of the large number of
fakes reported in the market.
However based on what I have read, I think these are genuine. Let me know if you agree or you think otherwise.
If anyone has some of these issues, please post pictures of them!
[sorry for Penny's hair in scan 1]
Posted 10/22/2008 8:09 pm
