What Is The Technical Philatelic Term For These?

I've seen documents with these before, but I don't know what to call them. This document was in a lot of illegal usages of postage stamps used as revenues, but I'm sure these are not revenue-related, as there was no revenue tax in effect in 1855.

The bisect and quadrisect pieces are not initialed in any way, but are positioned right next to signatories to the document. So were these used in lieu of a notary embossed stamp?

What is the significance of using pieces of postage stamps for this purpose and does the proportion of the stamp used have any significance?

Thanks.

In my humble opinion, as I am learning and no expert, the portions of the stamps are being used as seals, as indicated in the document wording in print and script on back. Appears to be illegal use of postage stamps, rather than an embossed seal as you mention.

I agree.

I seem to recall Ron Burns has written up one of these (and yes, he had a word for its use), along the lines that portions of a stamp were distributed to remotely located parties who were sign a legal document, this being a way to verify the validity of the signatures by being next to the pieces of the stamp which would obviously fit back together. Almost like a miniature indenture cutting. The use of a stamp was merely a convenience item, which would essentially self-notarize each signature. It was never intended to have any purported postal or revenue value, thus nothing "illegal".

John,

That explanation would make sense... except for the fact that the 2 quadrisect pieces and the bisect piece all represent the top part of two different stamps, not the various portions of the same stamp.

My guess is The methodology was applied to each signature/section independently, not as a collective.


There are 3 signatures this applies to.
The top 2 were signatures required validation so a single stamp was split into quarters. Each opposite half was an individual validation of the signature.

Then with a 3rd signature a new stamp was needed, but only one signature.

Otherwise you run into a problem where you can't validate diagonally. For instance the top left corner with a bottom right.

There was definitely a Chronicle, AP, or Linn's article about this. I do seem to recall that they were called "seals" or intended as seals, according to the article.

This is a really neat item.

I used to collect different usages of 1c stamps - postal usages.
I can't say that I ever saw anything like this. Ironically, this wouldn't have fit in an exhibit of postal usages - it couldn't even be shown as an illegal use since its not even being used as a stamp, thus not illegal. Pretty neat.

The idea that this was used to validate signatures certainly seems like it is on the right track.

Found it .... See Ron Burns' article on page 266+ of the Aug 2015 Chronicle on Sigillum usage.

Fascinating thread, enjoyed reading.
Sigillum = seal

Australia : "Sydney Views" engraving on stamps.
"Sigillum Nov. Camb. Aust." ("Seal of New South Wales")

Exists : one with error SIGIIUM

In the Burns article the Banknote stamps had been postally used previously.

In this case, the 1c stamps appear to have possible gum staining, but may have been previously used. Of course, the missing part of the stamp could have the cancel.

Naturally, with this scheme, the stamp could be used or unused- as long as one could get it affixed (if used - no gum).

They are used as seals for the signature. Quite often you will see die cut wafers, sometimes a small piece of paper cut to various shapes, selvage from sheets of stamps, red sealing wax, or whatever was available. Start looking at documents from the 18th and 19th centuries and you will see a variety of seals.