New Haven, CT Provisional (8X)
See below for details
Basic Info
5¢
Red
Printing Method: Handstamped
Scott #: 8X
Number Issued: Approx. 2,000
Surviving copies: 6 on cover, 4 off cover
Issued: 1845/46
Notable Sales
Provisional 8XU2 at top right, red on light bluish "New Haven Ct. Oct 21" date stamp at lower left, addressed by Professor Benjamin Silliman to Francis Mark, Jr., Esq. in Washington, DC, manuscript "Due" and hand stamped "5",
Sold January 2023 for $50,000
Provisional 8XU4 at top right, dull blue on white "New Haven Ct. Oct 21" date stamp at lower left, addressed by Professor Benjamin Silliman to Dr. Sowell in Athens, Alabama, manuscript "Due" and hand stamped "5",
Explore H.R. Harmer's Auctions
The Reprints and Forgeries
A 1871 Charles P. Brown reprint signed with a matching 'copy'. Printed in lilac, original signature
Value: $700 (down from $1,100 in 2020)
The 1875 Seebeck reprint, printed in blue and red, unsigned.
Value: $300
The 1874 Cyrus B. Peets reprint. Printed in blue, carmine, vermilion and rarely black, original signature
Value signed: $750
Value unsigned: $300
The 1932 reprint (the die was destroyed after this reprint). Printed in blue, green and red, signed
Value: $900
A cheap and crude forgery, produced in Bahrain.
The Story Behind the Stamp
LEFT: Edward A. Mitchell, producer of the New Haven Postmaster's Provisional
RIGHT: Augustus E. Lines, the designer of the New Haven Postmaster's Provisional
This was the second postmaster's provisional to be issued. The first being the NY provisional. It was a handstamp applied directly to the envelope. The design, in brass, measures 31 mm. x 26 mm. Only a 5-cent denomination was made.
Edward Mitchell explained in a letter the following:
"My object in getting up this stamp was simply to accommodate the public, as I charged no profit...As no letters could be paid after business hours or Sundays, these were convenient for that purpose as well as others. Many bought their own envelopes, and I only charged 50 for the postage. The business of the office was so limited that to prevent objection by the Post Office Department, or forgery I signed each one. The amount sold were few and probably not over 2000 altogether. They being done by hand and with no motive of profit, they were generally offered for sale...The impression was always on envelope...As all originals had my own signature, of course, I cannot furnish lots to dealers, even if I wanted."
Viewers are encourage to visit the New Haven Philatelic Society's webpage
Provisionals
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