Two New Jersey Shore, Pa. Dials On Stampless Covers.

In the event you haven't dated the first cover, it is addressed to Dr. (J.) Wesley McMurray, who was originally from Jersey Shore, PA, the son of James McMurray. He studied medicine in Philadelphia in 1850 but died from TB in 1853, which should give a good indication of the period of when that cover was mailed.

First one is the 5 cent rate of July 1, 1845-June 30, 1851. Second one is the 3 cent rate of July 1, 1851 through 1855, when prepayment by postage stamp became mandatory.

I am fond of "integral rate" postmarks (where the rate is included in the postmark as a time-saver for the postal clerks who otherwise would have had to separately rate each mail piece) but I can't speak to the scarcity of this particular one since my area of focus is Ohio. Generally speaking the 3 cent letter rate items from eastern states are not expensive (regardless of actual scarcity; it's demand that sets prices of course).

WOW Thank you for all the interesting and valuable information! Very gratefully- Jeff

Funny -- "Medicle College"

Well I finally saved up and purchased these two gorgeous documents from my hometown of Jersey Shore Pennsylvania so I'll scan them proper when they arrive. Thank you for the information up above there! Very Sincerely & Respectfully -Jeff

I'm so happy today....lol

I noticed above it was mentioned about values vs. supply & demand and although I am curious about it's actual book value, it has no meaning to me other than pure curiosity. Because to me, they are absolutely priceless! Every piece of local or town history I find (or just uncover/dig up is just like the hope diamond to me, well historically speaking anyway. I don't think one can very accurately anyhow, put a true dollar figure on someones' local towns history collection. I mean just think about it a moment would you? These fragile little "scraps of paper" was normally just unceremoniously tossed away! And then you got to start thinking about the fires and floods (J.S. Pa. is on the Susquehanna river), and at least 3 wars (Spanish American, 1812, civil war & the two world wars) and possibly even through a couple of collectors hands just to have found little ole me! Simply amazing! So, that's why I cherish each and every one dearly! I was recently asked to speak (Do a presentation) about my Jersey Shore Pennsylvania cover and RPPC (Real Picture Post Card) collection by the Rotary group and the Lycoming County historical association, so I'm honored to do it and truthfully a little nervous. I just have to figure out a way to keep it interesting and a way to display my items so everyone can have a look (but hopefully not touch) Ha-ha! I guess where there is a will there is a way right? -RIGHT! Your friend -Jeff

Does anyone know any more on that red "PAID in Dial"?, Or at least maybe know of a reference where I could find out more? Would the Stampless cover catalog be of any help in this situation? Thank you very much! -Jeff

The 1997 American Stampless Cover Catalog lists the "3 paid" marking from 1854 and values at $20, which I think is probably about right for a decent example; this was the regular letter rate at the time (1851-1855). ASCC also lists an integral rate "5" (for the unpaid rate; this will be a bit scarcer), and a "paid 6" for double rate or for use to the west coast, which catalogs at $50 and would sell for more if you found one.

All I could find in my Stampless Cover Catalogs was in Vol. 1 and was only this - and they are not even close to mine?

paperhistory said:




I'll keep my eyes open for these. I usually get these kinds of things relatively cheap so thank you for the information. I wish you had a pic though. Oh well I can go off what you wrote. I'm trying to get all the different early dials and auxiliary markings on cover for my postal history collection. Thanks again -Jeff

The other Jersey Shore listings are at the bottom of the preceding column. The "county name" marking would be a great thing to find - those are generally quite scarce. It was also used on stamped covers; an example is illustrated in the Simpson-Alexander book on 1851-1861 postal markings.

Soon I'll be in your debt paperhistory! Thank you very very much I'll have a look in a bit to visually see what you mean after my nap. -Jeff

@ paperhistory on pg 336 in Volume I. of the stampless cover catalog it only mentions briefly Jersey Shore and no mention on Lycoming County of where Jersey Shore exists? Maybe I'm doing it wrong but I just can't find anything on Lycoming County in this book? I just wanted to bring this to your attention. I'm going to look at Volume II. to make sure I'm not missing anything. -Gratefully yours -Jeff

EDIT:

After pouring through this exhaustive catalog it seems that it's all either SHIP franking, Free Franking or presidential Franking. But not one single word that even hinted or mentioning Lycoming County (or Jersey Shore Pa.) Now what?

Maybe I'm just missing something here? -Jeff

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I think I read the date correctly as January 4, 1848, which would fit into the timeframe of previously posted data.

It would seem the writer of the letter was quite religious with references such as this: