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Replies: 24 / Views: 3,184 |
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Pillar Of The Community
Guatemala
1500 Posts |
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I have developed an interest in Confederate States of America materials which is serious enough to move me to purchase this cover. August 1862 Richmond, Va. CDS but I can't tell if there is a second number for the day of the month. There is a "1". Can anyone figure out the second number?  
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Not that I would know, but the paper represented by the cover, is that in period?
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Pillar Of The Community
Guatemala
1500 Posts |
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Actually, I would not know either. The seller claims that the provenance for this cover is David Robinson, who I am learning was a collector of Civil War material. Now that you've raised the question, I'll ask the seller the same question and see if I get an answer. |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
1721 Posts |
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If you play with the colors a little bit and I think you will find it is Aug. 10, 1862 |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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quigngt, look, I really hope I am not raining on your parade, it's really just in the advance of knowledge, the cancel raised alarm bells first, then the cover just didn't sit right. This is once I pray I am abosutely wrong :) I may have been reading on too many forgery sites.
I note : the hexagrams in the corner of the frame.
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
6756 Posts |
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Frajola is one of the main go-to-guys in this area. Visit his website. Here is a link to his reference covers http://www.philamercury.com/browse....&ob=postmark. Tweak the search filter at that link as necessary. I'm assuming that the ID of #6 is correct, and that it is not a #7. The postmark date would suggest it is more likely a #7. I can't tell from just a picture. This is not my area. There is also a section at his site on forgeries and reprints. |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
4106 Posts |
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did they have professional cancels then? where you could change the date and such? it looks to modern for me. But what do I know. |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Actually, a small negative can sometimes be helpful, I know with the few doubtful stamps that I have had in the past, taking them along to a stamp bourse, or a stamp club meeting can be really eye opening and full of tips from the more experienced. Collectors love to be asked for advice and offer their opinion on issues, I mean it's what we do  Jot all the queries down (like when was the first changeable date CDS) and ask away . |
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
4106 Posts |
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interestingly, Ont hat site I found a franker that was identical to the one above. also, after July 1, 1862 two of these would be used because the rate went to 10 cents. I am not sure about the stamps themselves but the cancel seems genuine. the placement of the date to the letter "R", the font type itself matches perfectly a specimen from webuystamps. a mint version sold on ebay for 7 bucks... |
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Pillar Of The Community
Guatemala
1500 Posts |
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I appreciate all the comments and suggestions for more research. The cancel is, at least in appearance, identical to CSA period cancels from Richmond. The stamps were identified by the seller as "CSA #6 (London)". I assume at this point, this means the stamps were printed by London (printer) or in London (England?) As for the unusual brown paper envelope, I have read that paper was a relatively scarce commodity at the time and any available type of paper was used.
This could be a fun and educational experience getting to the bottom of this. Marty |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Great attitude. Sometimes it can be disappointing thinking someone has passed on an engineered stamp or cover. At least, that is how I have felt. If I were showing for advice, I would be drawing attention to the point where the cancel impression leaves the stamp and hits the cover.
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
6756 Posts |
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Quote: The stamps were identified by the seller as "CSA #6 (London)". I assume at this point, this means the stamps were printed by London (printer) or in London (England?) Yes, #6 was printed by De La Rue. #7 was printed locally. Regarding the font, rather than concentrating on the "Richmond" which is what everyone initially does, I would focus on the numbers -- especially the "2". Have fun! |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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Any idea how far is Richmond to Atlanta? the postal rate was 5c per half ounce under 500 miles. Wiki just says "later", it was raised to 10c. So I guess August 1862 it had been raised to the 10c.
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Pillar Of The Community
United States
7072 Posts |
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You're gonna love this answer...straight-line is 470 miles; by current roads, it is 532 miles. Hard to imagine the roads would've been much more direct in Civil War times... So, keep digging...  |
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Bedrock Of The Community
Australia
38679 Posts |
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 What's the bet the sender knew the postmaster too. 32 miles doesn't sound much over 500, but I wouldn't want to walk it. |
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Replies: 24 / Views: 3,184 |
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