Basic Information
Color: Blue
Subject: Benjamin Franklin
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 264
Quantity issued: 1,971,338,063
Issued: April 29th, 1895
Value
An unused stamp with perfect gum: $7-$11
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $2-$3
A used stamp: 25¢-50¢
About the First Bureau stamps
A pane of #264
Click the image to enlarge
The 1894 Series, known as the "First Bureau Issue," marked the first time the U.S. government printed its own postage stamps, ending the 47-year monopoly of private contractors. Produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), this series used existing designs but introduced small, unique "triangles" in the corners of the stamps to distinguish them from earlier American Bank Note Company issues.
The BEP, which had been established in 1862, successfully bid for the contract to print postage stamps, overcoming intense opposition from private firms that claimed the government was incapable of the work. The BEP reused the 1890–1893 stamp dies. The most defining feature of this series is the addition of small triangles in the upper corners of the designs.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing introduced the watermarked paper—which featured the letters "USPS" (United States Postage Stamp) in double-lined letters—shortly after discovering counterfeits of the 2-cent stamp. The counterfeits were lithographed and as such were easily identified, however the appearance of counterfeits must have spooked the Bureau.
Identifying the Watermark
The double lined USPS watermark
Between 1895 and 1916 the U.S. government used two different watermarks, double line and single line with the letters "USPS".
By placing the watermark face down on a dark surface or holding it up to bright light you might be able to see the watermark. If you cannot see the watermark it might be a good idea to invest in watermark fluid and a watermark tray. Ronsons lighter fluid works just as well as watermark fluid. Both fluids evaporate quickly.
Pour a little fluid in the tray, lay the stamp face down. In a few seconds the stamp will absorb the fluid and reveal the watermark to you.
As you will see from the illustrations the letters can span several stamps, so on the watermark, for instance, you can see only part of the letter S in one corner and only part the letter P in the other corner.
Working at the Bureau in 1895
Preparing the Ink
We are fortunate that in the early 1890's, the Bureau photographed the process of printing a stamp. The 1890 series was the last contract for the American Banknote company, thereafter the Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed stamps. The building these photographs were taken was replaced by a new building in 1918.
Preparing the Ink
To make the printing ink, the base color was mixed with oil then the mixture was ground under heavy steel rollers. The machinery was belt driven by steam. Inks then was tested to see if it was the correct color. Some of the inks contained quite a few impurities which wore down the printing plates. Black was the least impure ink, blues and greens the most impure inks.
Preparing the Gum
Preparing the Gum
Down in the basement with the window open for ventilation this poor guy mixed ingredients to make the water soluble gum. Gumming took place after printing and before perforation, usually because the paper had to be damp for printing to work well. The production of gum was in fact an art. The gum could not be too acidic as it would destroy the paper over time. It has to be the right viscosity for application. The gum should also be stable, not yellow or crack.
Preparing the Paper
Preparing the Paper
This is a photo of workers in the postage stamp gumming and drying room in the Stamp Division at the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. Again power is supplied by steam driven belts.
Drying the paper
Drying the Paper
A photo workers taking mucilaged (applying water soluble glue) sheets of postage stamps from the drying box in the gumming and drying room
Women at work
Women at Work
A photo of women at work in the Bureau in 1890. If anyone can tell me function they are performing please email me at rogerkirby9@gmail.com
African Americans at Work
African Americans at Work
The dirty job of working in the Bureau's laundry was assigned to African Americans
Wetting the Paper
Wetting the Paper
Wetting the paper prior to printing in the Bureau
Perforating the Paper
Perforating the Paper
Women perforating printed sheets of stamps. The odd hats are to prevent the dust created by perforating from getting in their hair.
Usage
#264 earliest date of use, May 16th, 1895
#264 was primarily used for paying the postage on postcards. It was also used for drop letters, circulars, and newspapers/periodicals. Another use was in combination with other denominations to fulfill higher postage rates.
Plates
#264 was issued with the following plate #'s
400 subject plates
24, 29, 33, 35, 98-99, 101-102, 119-122,
165-168, 177-180, 234, 237, 240, 245,
276-278, 280, 295-301, 304, 308, 310
313-314, 333-336, 344-348, 350, 352
355, 360, 362, 365-367, 369-371, 439-446
452-455, 493-496
The Inspiration for the Design
Benjamin Franklin bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon
The design of the orginal 1869 1¢ stamp with this vignette (#112) was inspired by a sculpture of Benjamin Franklin by Jean-Antoine Houdon, which is currently located in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
It has been much debated whether Franklin actually sat for Houdon or if the sculptor captured his vividly accurate image from mere passing acquaintance. He would have had ample opportunity to observe the American minister at the Masonic lodge of the Nine Sisters to which they, as well as many other artists and patrons in the expatriate community (e.g., Count Stroganov; see Voltaire and Diderot), belonged. This cleanly truncated version, in modern dress, was clearly preferred by contemporary American statesmen and anticipates George Washington's insistence that Houdon work on the statue of him.