Documentary Stamps On A Post Office Form

I don't generally collect revenue and documentary stamps, but I do collect the odd forms the Post Office Department uses in association with the Postmaster selection and appointment process.

The attached document falls into both categories. It is the standard form used in 1915 which is completed by the new postmaster candidate, in this case Louis W. Smith, at South Jamesport, NY, verifying that he has acquired the required Surety bond. (Page 1). The amount of the bond is shown on page 2 as $1000, and the corresponding Oath Of Office (page 4).

Apparently the two sureties agreed to cover the bond, and it was not necessary to secure a separate bond from a company.

Page 3 has a block of 50 (10 rows of 5) of the 1c Documentary stamps, each pen cancelled (by the Postmaster apparently - with "L.W.S 6/12/15"). I'll bet he wishes they had had a single 50c stamp available.

I'd never encountered this particular form before, so I was unaware of the use of these stamps. I hope a revenue collector will explain why these stamps were used on this document.

Page #1 of 4





Page #2 of 4



Page #3 of 4




Page #4 of 4

Here is the tax schedule from page 44 of the 1920 US Official Postal Guide, convenient of them to publish it since the USPOD sold the revenue stamps. This is part of a 4-page section on "War Savings and Internal Revenue Stamp Accounts and Remittances"

John,

Thank you.

It never occurred to me to walk six feet and pull out the Postal Guide and look there. This day is a success; I learned something new.

Nice, the tax table shows surety bonds at 50 cents and that is whats paid.

Apparently, this postmaster only stocked 1 cent revenues, or else he wanted to practice his handwriting. Fifty hand cancellations!