Round Stamps From 1893 - U349

I have these 3 that im just not sure what they are all about. I was able to discover they were commerative issue stamps from the World's Columbian Exposition world's fair held in Chicago in 1893. I think they were embossed/printed on an envelope and later cut off. These do not appear to be a stamp that was "applied" to an enevelope. But what do I know LOL! I can't find an SC number. Are these worthless in the scheme of things?



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Precisely. :)

If you can show three that also are cut into the design, it will be a safe bet to say they are not worth much.

gezadrummer1930
They are 'cut-to-shape' US postal stationery and very few hobbyists collect them. Their market value is near zero since demand is so low.
Don

As you surmise, your cut-to-shape pieces originally were sold by the USPOD as complete envelopes:

The entire covers are common (this came from a $1 box), thus the cut-rounds are virtually worthless (add: in a financial sense, but these can still have educational and research value. I have many earliest and latest known postmarks which are on 2"x4" clippings or even smaller, which were made by previous collectors.)

Everything that has been said is totally true, with the tiny caveat that, in some cases, the mutilated postal stationery might accidentally capture an interesting postmark. A stamp collector would say, "Bah, humbug" but a philatelist might say, "nice find. There were only three known, and I have two of them."

That might be more likely with non-U.S. material? Still not likely. RRRR postmarks are RRRR for a reason.

I dislike the term 'mutilated postal stationery' and am unsure how it is defined as such. We could technically call a single, imperforated US #1 or #2 a 'mutilated stamp' since it was cut from the sheet 'as issued' from the USPOD.

I support good stewardship and do not want to encourage the cutting up of postal history. On the other hand, I also support how anyone choses to collect, I feel that we should not throw shade on how of what others do in our hobby. For example, say someone joins the SCF who uses stamps for decoupage. They are quite productive in their efforts and ultimately promote the hobby well by introducing non-collectors to stamps. I happen to be someone who does this https://stampsmarter.org/learning/H...coupage.html

I am currently gathering 'cut-to-shape' postal stationary for a new lamp shade. Of course, I am not cutting up good material but rather just accumulating items like the OP shows.

lastly, are cut squares considered 'mutilated postal stationery'? I have really enjoyed my cut square collection. Yes, I also have a fairly extensive 'full' postal stationery collection too. But my cut square collection is an excellent reference group for colors and die comparisons.

But when I see folks use the term 'mutilated postal stationery' it makes me feel dirty and unwashed!!

I think there are places for these things in our hobby.
Don

The irony, it burns. Do you not see that I suggested looking at these things rather than immediately dismissing them as junk?

The catalogues pretty much dismiss cut-to-shape postal stationery. I'm pretty sure I learned "mutilated postal stationery" right here...maybe not.

Again, collect what you like. If you find it interesting, great. I have a bunch. Most came with collections, but I've purchased some with interesting cancels. If it is cut-to-shape, caveat emptor.

Now, in all fairness, if we're to support and encourage decoupaging stamps, then perhaps you'll want to start a new site. Is decoupagesmarter.com still available?

Cjd,
Yes, I noticed and understood your post. And yes like you, I have only seen the term mutilated postal stationery in this community and from one person. When I saw you use the term (as the second person I recall using the term) I wanted to offer my opinion.

Your sarcasm is noted regarding decoupaging stamps, as I mentioned in my post I support anything which increases awareness of this hobby. I am now sorry for saying anything.
Don

BTW, I have one of Don's decoupaged lamp shades...


and I love it.

Aside from 'cut-to-shape' decoupage lamps, here are some of the other ways I collect postal stationary
















Don

I don't see why stamps, like any other scrap or piece of ephemera, shouldn't be fit raw material for découpage. My favourite piece, which I saw on ebay many years ago, but didn't win, was a screen covered in Edwardian cigarette cards. Yes, I'd rather have had the unblemished cards, but, as it had been done, and a century earlier, I'd also have liked the screen.