I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 14, 2014 15:09:20 GMT
I have always wanted to do something with the series of 1902 stamps, like a study and share the work with the community. By all means if you have any input then feel free to contribute to this thread! I'll start out with a simple image from the net of the issues up for discussion.
The "series of 1902" was produced by the Bureau of Printing & Engraving after the success of the Pan-American stamps which was, of course commemoratives so a more intricate definitive series was though to be well received by the public. There was actually some very mixed results however, some called them "picture stamps" and thought that they was unnecessary and even pitched a fit about the 2 cent denomination saying George Washington looked too messy! ...People will gripe about anything wont they? lol more on that later.
A passage from the 1847 website says-
Although this series is commonly known as the "Series of 1902", and in fact all of the stamps in this series are inscribed "Series 1902", only two of the stamps were issued in 1902, with the balance being issued a year later in 1903. The series included a denomination that had never appeared on a U.S. postage stamp before, thirteen cents, and for the first time included a stamp portraying a woman. Like the Pan-American stamps, the Series of 1902 gave the artists and engravers free reign, resulting in some of the most intricate, if not ornate, designs ever placed on U.S. postage stamps. There were many complaints concerning the designs of the various frames, and in fact one stamp, the two cents, was redesigned completely
Lets start right at the beginning shall we? Here is Scott #300 showing the bust of Benjamin Franklin, on each side of which is a child's figure, nude, except for flowing drapery about the loins, holding aloft in the upper corners of the stamp an electric light bulb. The one-cent stamp paid the post card rate.
This is Scott #301 depicting a bust of Washington, by Stuart, is in an elliptical opening 6/16 of an inch axis, on each side of which a U.S. flag is draped; the Arabic numeral "2" appears in the lower corners in scroll and leaf surroundings. The two-cent stamp paid the first class letter rate.
Below is Scott #319 is the revised design -The Stuart portrait of Washington was used as vignette, however the head is larger on this stamp than in the first design of the 2-cent stamp from the 1902 series. The opening is an oblong on end, the top line curving upward; the background is a U.S. shield; the numeral "2" on the lower left side of the portrait is surrounded by a laurel wreath; that on the right side by an oak wreath.
Below is Scott #302 It is the portrait of Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson, whose shoulders are cloaked, has on each side the upper half a bearded man with naked front. The waist is encircled by a belt with a shield-shaped buckle. One arm is bent above the head and the other forearm flexed upward from the elbow, the hands supporting a robe over the head, back, and sides. The vignette's frame is formed by the sides of these figures, and the numerals of value cover the lower limbs of the figure; an arched line above and a straight horizontal line below. The three-cent stamp was used as an all-purpose stamp to complete postage requirements as needed. There was no great demand for this stamp and hence it was never issued imperforate or in coil form as were the other values between 1¢ and 5¢
On December 9th, 1902 the (Scott #E6) Special Delivery -Bicycle messenger stamp was unveiled to the public! One of my personal favorite Back-of-Book items!
From the 1847 site I quote-
"Although not a quantum leap from the earlier special delivery stamps depicting a running messenger, the Messenger on Bicycle stamp did reflect in a small way the importance technology would play in America's future, clearly mirroring the mood of the time. Written on the stamp were the words "Secures immediate delivery at any United States Post Office" the same wording that appeared on the earlier special delivery stamps. The new stamp was inscribed "Series 1902" as were the regular issues of 1902 and 1903. This inscription remained on all special delivery stamps for nearly twenty years, until the Messenger on Motorcycle design of 1922 replaced it, long after the ordinary stamps of the Series of 1902 had been replaced by the Washington Franklin stamps."
More to come!
|
|
|
Post by jkjblue on Jan 14, 2014 15:43:57 GMT
Excellent!
I've always preferred the #301 Washington stamp - the earlier one.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 14, 2014 20:31:42 GMT
Me too. I like the ornateness of these issues. I been finding myself more & more gravitating towards these lately. I especially am fascinated with the 13¢ Benjamin Harrison issue and the two different colors they was issued in. I plan on doing a little ditty on the subject later on in this thread actually. I think it will be fun an hopefully interesting.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 14, 2014 22:14:01 GMT
Below is the Scott #303 4¢ denomination Depicting General then President Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was the 18th president of the United States following his success as military commander in the American Civil War. The distinctive features of the border are eagles' heads looking outward in the upper corners, with a well defined arch, including perpendicular haunches extending slightly below the half circle, as the enclosing line of the portrait. Wreaths of oak leaves surround the numerals near the lower corners, and above each of these numerals are two small flags whose staffs lean outward. The four-cent stamp paid double the first class letter rate and was sometimes used as a substitute, using two stamps for the eight-cent stamp, to pay the registry rate.
This is Scott #304 5¢ denomination with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln "The Great Emancipator". Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. (Also one of my personal favorite stamps) The design depicts 2 female figures fully enrobed except the arms, are resting against the portrait line, and crossing wands of palm over the vignette, with flags floating behind their heads. The numerals are in the lower corners. The five-cent stamp paid the U.P.U. rate for foreign mail.
Below is Scott #305 the 6¢ denomination of our series and is depicting our 20th President James Abram Garfield . Garfield served as the 20th President of the United States, after completing nine consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. The border of this stamp is more in tune of the architectural design of the time, consisting, as a main feature, of a fluted pilaster on each side, midway of which is a fancy tablet bearing the numeral "6." Like the three-cent stamp this stamp had small demand, but did pay triple the first class letter rate and was used as an all-purpose stamp to complete postage requirements.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 14, 2014 22:33:02 GMT
OK, this next stamp, Scott #306, is really neat in my opinion! It's the first US stamp to feature a woman and none other than Martha Dandridge Custis Washington was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Although the title was not coined until after her death, Martha Washington is considered to be the first First Lady of the United States.
Description of it's design - The vignette-enclosing line, bearing the words "United States of America" on the upper half, is bordered by a laurel wreath on the sides, leaving an unconnected space above, which is filled with the words "Series 1902." The face is after the painting by Stuart.
The 8¢ Martha Washington stamp represents a change in attitude and a growing awareness of the importance of women's contributions to American society. Although it would be another eighteen years before the 19th Amendment was adopted, giving women the right to vote, the women's suffrage movement was already in full bloom. After much bickering over who the appropriate woman to honor would be, Martha Washington received the least resistance and her likeness was placed on this stamp. The artwork and choice of color, "dark lilac", resulted in what many have deemed to be the most beautiful stamp in the series. As with the 13¢ stamp (which we will delve more in-depth later), the eight cent stamp underwent a color change, as it was issued in deeper and deeper shades until it nearly took on the "dark slate" black color originally reserved for the thirteen cent stamp. Ironically, this was done purposefully to distinguish it from the thirteen cent stamp. The original lilac stamps bring a small premium. Colors are listed as Lilac, violet black, black and slate black.
The eight-cent stamp paid the registry fee.
Below is Scott #307 the 10¢ denomination of the set and depicts Daniel Webster. Webster was a leading American senator from Massachusetts during the period leading up to the Civil War. He first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests. The 10¢ stamp paid the combined first class letter fee and registry fee on domestic mail and double the U.P.U. rate on foreign mail.
Scott #308 is the 13¢ denomination and what an interesting issue this is! Depicting a nice portrait of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, an American military officer and politician, and the first president to die in office. A description of this design consists of the following: Resting on each side of the upper half of the elliptical opening for the portrait is a semi-nude female figure, the lower limbs being draped. That on the right holds a mallet in her right hand, while the left rests on a carved head. That on the left supports with her right hand a book resting on her knee, and the left pushes back the mantle covering her head. The bases supporting these figures and partly hidden columns carry the numerals "13."
The 13¢ Benjamin Harrison stamp was the first stamp issued in this series and served a two-fold purpose. It honored Benjamin Harrison, who had not been recognized on any previous issue, and it paid the foreign rate for a registered letter. According to Post Office Department records, the 13¢ stamp was originally issued in "Dark Slate", but over time it was issued in a brownish violet tint in a deliberate attempt to distinguish it from the 8¢ stamp. Both this and the eight cent stamp present a nice variety of shades for the collector. Colors are listed as purplish black & brown violet.
This was the first thirteen-cent denomination issued by the U.S. Post Office Department also it paid the combined letter and registry fee on international mail.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 14, 2014 22:44:04 GMT
Shown below is Scott #309 the 15¢ denomination of the series depicting a vignette of Henry Clay, Sr. (April 12, 1777 – June 29, 1852) Henry Clay was an American lawyer, politician and skilled orator who represented Kentucky in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives. He served three different terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives and was also Secretary of State from 1825 to 1829. He lost his campaigns for president in 1824, 1832 and 1844.
The fifteen-cent stamp was used mainly for letters over 2 oz. to Europe and on fourth class mail and parcel post packages; also to pay triple the U.P.U. foreign mail rate and as an all-purpose stamp to complete postage.
Below is Scott #310 the 50¢ denomination and shows a handsome portrait of Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. He was a spokesman for democracy and the rights of man with worldwide influence. A description of the design is this-The upper corners between the frame of the stamp and the ellipse (which is broken at the bottom by a straight horizontal line) surrounding the vignette are filled by foliate ornaments Perched eagles with their beaks outward fill the lower corners; upon these are placed the denomination numerals "50." The original painting of Jefferson is by Gilbert Stuart.
The fifty-cent stamp was used on multiple rate letters and parcels.
|
|
tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,269
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
|
Post by tomiseksj on Jan 15, 2014 2:53:01 GMT
...It's the first US stamp to depict a woman... I believe that the first U.S. stamp to depict a woman was from the Columbian Exposition issue of 1893 with Queen Isabella being featured in several of the series, but looking her best in the $4 crimson lake issue. Martha Washington was, however, the first U.S. woman to be featured on a U.S. stamp.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 15, 2014 7:50:28 GMT
Your right! I'll amend it.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 15, 2014 8:07:58 GMT
And then there was...the high denominations. The One-dollar denomination depicts a portrait of David Glasgow Farragut. He was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. The stamp design shows the superior border line of the portrait is a haft circle. The denomination numerals and the dollar sign appear in the upper corners. A marine holding a musket sits in the lower left-hand corner and a sailor supporting, boat hook in the right. Scott #311 The one-dollar stamp was used on high multiple rate letters and parcels.
The last two was the only stamps from this series to have been re-printed and issued.
The 2$ denomination has a Portrait of James Madison, Jr. Madison was an American statesman, political theorist and the fourth President of the United States. The portrait used was a painting by Gilbert Stuart, looking from a circular opening. The border is noticeable from the sprays of palm on the sides, the stems extending behind and below a sharp pointed shield on each lower corner, upon which the denomination in an Arabic numeral is placed. Scott #312 The two-dollar stamp was used primarily on parcels. The two-Dollar re-issue stamp was often used on parcels to Russia. Re-issue is Scott #479
it is not difficult to tell the two apart as the original has a perf 12 and the re-issue, a perf 10.
5$ denomination -Portrait of vignette is enclosed above Marshall. The vignett is enclosed above by a line describing a half ellipse cut through its lower minor axis. Architectural design predominates in the border; fluted columns form the sides, and on either end of the entablature, immediately above the pillars upon which it rests, are the mythological heads of Liberty and Justice facing each other on the left and right, respectively. The numerals are on scrolled backgrounds near the lower corners.
The initial issue of the Washington-Franklin stamps in 1908-1909 comprised only twelve denominations, with a top value of $1. Supplies of $2 and $5 stamps from the Series of 1902 at post offices were then so ample that there seemed no point in issuing replacements. Indeed, stocks remained adequate until early 1917, when a sudden increase of parcels sent from the U. S. to revolution-wracked Russia greatly swelled the demand for these high denominations. As the public needed $2 and $5 stamps immediately, the Post Office elected to reprint the 1902 designs of the two issues as a stop-gap, until such time as Washington-Franklin versions could be produced. The reprints (Scott nos. 479-480) went on sale on March 22, 1917; new Franklin $2 and $5 stamps (Scott nos. 523-524) became available only on August 19 of the following year.
The two reissues are easily distinguishable from the 1903 originals because by then the Bureau had determined that perforated 12 stamps separated too easily to withstand normal handling in post offices, and so, a coarser gauge, perforated 10, was used for the 1917 issues. Moreover, the new versions, like all the stamps of that year, were produced on un-watermarked paper. The reprints are considerably less costly to collectors than the originals (particularly the $5, which is almost ten times as expensive in the 1902 version). Re-issue is Scott #480. Scott #313
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 15, 2014 21:18:27 GMT
I am thinking of doing a write-up on the coils {Scott #316,#317 & #318} and experimental perforations and paste-ups of this series. If anyone has information or especially an example of any, I'd love to have it featured in this thread. -Jeff
|
|
Philatarium
Member
Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 1,032
What I collect: Primarily focused on Japan, but lots of other material catches my eye as well ...
|
Post by Philatarium on Jan 16, 2014 1:37:00 GMT
Although I haven't collected US as an adult, it was what I collected as a kid, and, although I didn't have very much that was old, I was familiar with this series and have always really liked it!
Thanks for sharing this, Jeff!
-- Dave
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 17, 2014 14:22:04 GMT
Your very welcome. I hope to go much further in-depth on this subject and want to see members covers with these stamps on them in this thread too. So if you got me post em!
|
|
tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,269
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
|
Post by tomiseksj on Jan 17, 2014 18:17:03 GMT
I wish I had a lot of covers to contribute to this thread; unfortunately, I only have one post card with a stamp from the 1902 series. The card was postmarked in Morristown, Tennessee on October 12, 1903.
|
|
rod222
Member
Posts: 9,914
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps, Ephemera and Catalogues
|
Post by rod222 on Jan 17, 2014 23:42:37 GMT
Lovely art deco Card Steve. Beautiful. Nice enjoyable thread, good reading.
|
|
BC
Departed
Rest in Peace
Vancouver, BC Canada
Posts: 836
What I collect: Worldwide USED up to the 1960's, later years from countries that came into existence after then, like Anguilla, Tuvalu and Transnistria.
|
Post by BC on Jan 18, 2014 2:26:48 GMT
Those stamps look great all together, as in the first post.
|
|
|
Post by ChickasawStampMan on Jan 18, 2014 4:40:00 GMT
Lots of great information!!! Thanks!
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 18, 2014 10:19:19 GMT
|
|
|
Post by ChickasawStampMan on Jan 19, 2014 4:30:11 GMT
I am traveling this coming week, so will try to do uploads next weekend.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Jan 19, 2014 12:01:17 GMT
Here is my little collection of the series. I do have others but these make my point I think? These are beautiful designs and relatively inexpensive to collect.
I found that I have in my collection at least two of the different shades of the Scott #308. Scanned at 1200dpi. to show off the gorgeous detail of the designers and engravers and, of course, the shades.
|
|
KirkS
Member
Often wrong, but never in doubt :-)
Posts: 187
|
Post by KirkS on Jan 19, 2014 21:49:44 GMT
Excellent thread. Well done!
|
|
|
Post by jamesw on Jan 20, 2014 4:35:22 GMT
Excellent Jeff! Nice write up. And as usual your covers are great. I've got two distinct hues of the 4¢ Grant. I'm switching to a new computer so everything is topsy turvy here, but I'll try to upload a scan in the next couple of days to add to you thread. Well done!
|
|
|
Zuzu
Member
Inactive
Self-Proclaimed Black Belt in Google Fu
Posts: 768
|
Post by Zuzu on Jan 20, 2014 18:47:49 GMT
Jeff, I found a death record for young Mr. Rivard. The handwriting is difficult to make out... cause of death appears to be adenitis and inanition. And does that say Mother's Maiden Name Unknown?? It seems very sad. Maybe I'm feeling particularly sympathetic because he died on May 24, which is my birthday.
|
|
|
Post by jamesw on Jan 22, 2014 2:25:49 GMT
As promised here are my two 1902 US Grants. Quite the colour difference.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Feb 4, 2014 21:32:39 GMT
Wow James I can't wait to get home tonight and look at those beauties on a big screen . This little stupid smart phone is a royal pain in the butt! Lol
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Feb 4, 2014 21:54:44 GMT
Jeff, I found a death record for young Mr. Rivard. The handwriting is difficult to make out... cause of death appears to be adenitis and inanition. And does that say Mother's Maiden Name Unknown?? It seems very sad. Maybe I'm feeling particularly sympathetic because he died on May 24, which is my birthday. . That's very young to die in a place like that. I just assumed he was an old codger? Thank you so much for that death certificate , now I have something to print out and put with it! I'll have to google those ailments when I get home now huh? Maybe jkblue might know? I hear he's good with that kind of stuff !
|
|
Zuzu
Member
Inactive
Self-Proclaimed Black Belt in Google Fu
Posts: 768
|
Post by Zuzu on Feb 4, 2014 23:01:51 GMT
I'll have to google those ailments when I get home now huh? Maybe jkblue might know? I hear he's good with that kind of stuff ! Jeff, I had to Google them myself, and I included clickable links when I originally posted that certificate.
|
|
antoniusra
Member
Inactive
Actively pursuing every stamp I do not have and continuing to expand my site.
Posts: 416
|
Post by antoniusra on Feb 5, 2014 1:42:17 GMT
Jan 14, 2014 at 9:09am
Jeff, Beautiful set you have there. It must have taken you a long time to find such nicely centered copies! They have always been one of my favorite sets.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Feb 5, 2014 7:40:47 GMT
Thank you! It was on one of the first sets I was ever exposed to when I was a wee lad.
|
|
I.L.S.
Departed
Rest in Peace
I am in Clearfield, Pa. I love US Classic covers!
Posts: 2,113
|
Post by I.L.S. on Feb 6, 2014 10:46:22 GMT
As promised here are my two 1902 US Grants. Quite the colour difference. Now then, I can finally view these two on a large screen and usually, I would assume that 112 years of existence would normally be part of the equation, and it is to one extent or another however, these are most certainly 2 different shades! Although I see no mention of it in my personal catalog, there may be a reference to shades in the Scott specialized catalog (of which currently I do not own). I think I'm going to see what Series 1902 specialist reference material I can dig up and see if they make mention of different shades for this particular issue and others. Great looking examples to add to this thread, and it certainly peaks my curiosity!{The image didn't carry over with the quote.}Below is James' 4¢ Grant -Scott catalog #303 to better illustrate what we're discussing.
|
|