#273 1894 10¢ Watermarked

Basic Information

Color: Dark green
Subject: Daniel Webster
Watermark: Watermarked double-lined USPS
Paper: Soft porous paper
Printing method: line-engraved intaglio on flat plates
Printer: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Perforations: 12
Scott #: 273
Quantity issued: 59,983,007
Issued: November 11th, 1895

Value

An unused stamp with perfect gum: $50-$110
An unused stamp with gum and a hinge mark: $6-$15
A used stamp: 75¢-$1

About the First Bureau stamps

#273 with a U.P.U. overprint
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.

Usage

#273 on a cover to Germany paying 6 x 5¢ rate

Until March 21st 1893 it paid the 10¢ registration fee. After this date the registration fee was dropped to 8¢, thereafter its common use was to pay the combined two-cent first-class rate and the eight-cent registered mail fee, a total of ten cents

Plates

#273 was issued with the following plate #'s

200 subject plates
55, 62-64, 302-306

The Inspiration for the Design

Daniel Webster source photo

There was a decision made to feature historical figures in addition to the busts of past presidents. This led to the addition of Daniel Webster. Daniel Webster was an advocate of a strong Federal government and seeked to limit States rights. Besides being a constitutional lawyer, he was also Secretary of State.