Multiple Stamps On First Day Cover

Hello fellow collectors. I am a new member that is a somewhat advanced collector specializing in Early U.S issues. So I thought I would post a question regarding a First day cover I recently acquired. I have not seen this type of cover before and would like some info on this I.e.. How scarce is a cover with 6 canceled $5 issues all tied to cover .I personally have never seen one like this As I collect mostly earlier issues ...Thanks for Your time and input...Wm

A whimsical concept. Most, if not all, of the stamps aside from the Harte were previously cancelled (understandably, as you wouldn't want to waste a mint $5 stamp on something like this).

Geoffha's description of the cover as "whimsical" and the reason for it is right on. Your best bet for getting an idea of the value is to search ebay for FDC issues of that same stamp. Besides current listings, look at sold listings also. Dedicated FDC collectors will sometimes pay a modest premium for whimsy or other distinguishing characteristics (uncommon cachet, unofficial cancels, dual cancellations and combo cancels, which is what you have here) for stamps they have an interest in (for me, it would have to be US Airmail or aviation topical, or certain WWII patriotic covers). While I am not specialist on this issue, nothing in particular stands out about this specimen other than the combo stamps. That might add 10-25 percent to the value over a specimen with just the first day stamp applied.

Supply of these types of items is usually quite low. So is the demand. Thus not much premium.

In this case, in my opinion, the obvious re-use of previously cancelled stamps is a strong turn-off. The thriftiness comes across as cheap to me.

Scanned below is a cover like yours, from my collection, that I paid $1 for, at a stamp show years ago. I bought it because I liked it, and it's value today is whatever somebody else would pay for it. I personally don't think it is worth more than a couple dollars, but you never know.

Linus

Thanks Linus. I had never seen anything quite like this cover since I don't really collect covers .I really do appreciate Your help with this. I searched E bay once for anything close ,but turned up nothing. I find it interesting You have it's twin.. Thanx again for Your wisdom....Wm

Great postmark. Twain Harte. In his autobiography that was released 100 years after his death Twain was scathing about Bret Harte. Absolutely scathing. He knew him well. Ironic a town would couple them.
Great first day cover
Cheers

Purely philatelic of course, but an interesting item nonetheless.

I found it interesting when I put this cover up for sale in My store for 21.99 it sold in 15 min. On E Bay the other Hart covers without combo where selling for around $3.00. I guess its all in the eye of the beholder...Thanks all for Your help and input....Wm

Wow! That surprises me, I would have thought $3 max!

I think you did well on it.

Linus

As a baseline, Scott 2017 catalog value for the 6 used stamps is $29.75, although granted, valued in Scott at better centering than those on the cover here.

Take the Scott value of all of the stamps in used condition, then estimate that on a great day you might get 10 percent of Scott for them and that would be the maximum value. I think it is more interesting when I see examples of FDCs where the collector has been creative in combining two or more different stamps from different points in time that are related or have common themes. And every time a new stamp comes along in the same theme you get another opportunity to add another stamp and cancel. There is little or no value resale to these, but the collector gets all kinds of fun from doing it and that makes it more than worthwhile.