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Post by kappa1 on Dec 26, 2021 23:15:31 GMT
  This stampless cover was mailed from Harrisburg PA to Ebensburg PA, and I'm trying to estimate the date. It has a "PAID 5" hand stamp on the front, but I've been unable to find a similar hand stamp on other covers. Is anyone familiar with this hand stamp? Thanks! |
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JeffS
Member 
Posts: 2,610
What I collect: Oranges Philately, US Slogan Cancels, Cape of Good Hope Triangulars, and Texas poster stamps and cinderellas
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Post by JeffS on Dec 27, 2021 0:44:58 GMT
In general, this cover would date in the time period of 1847 (year of issue of the first US stamps of 1847) through 1851 when the rate reduced to 3 cents.
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Post by kappa1 on Dec 27, 2021 12:02:02 GMT
Thanks JeffS for the info. I just started collecting slogan cancels as well. I'm planning to post something soon. Have a great holiday!
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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
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Post by tomiseksj on Dec 27, 2021 14:16:38 GMT
kappa1 , The American Stampless Cover Catalog (V1, 5th ed.) indicates that a PAID/5 fancy octagon was used in Harrisburgh, PA. The zone rate for a half ounce letter sent under 300 miles went into effect July 1, 1845 so that would be the earliest that the letter might have been sent. As JeffS said, the latest possible mailing date would have been June 29, 1851, when the prepaid single 1/2 ounce letter rate changed to 3 cents when not exceeding 3,000 miles. As best as I can tell, the ASCC does not list the postmark on your letter (HARRISBURG/Pa. ("a" large)); however, it does list a 30mm circular postmark (HARRISBURGH/Pa. ("a" large)) in use from 1841-1856 that was seen with that paid marking. The U.S. Philatelic Classics Society has been working on an update to the catalog and the Pennsylvania section still does not reflect the postmark without the trailing "H." If you are interested, you can find information on submitting the marking for inclusion here.
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JeffS
Member
Posts: 2,610
What I collect: Oranges Philately, US Slogan Cancels, Cape of Good Hope Triangulars, and Texas poster stamps and cinderellas
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Post by JeffS on Dec 27, 2021 15:12:37 GMT
kappa1
Here is a link to two examples on eBay
www.ebay.com/itm/393749268702?hash=item5bad4908de:g:i1cAAOSwLG5gUWpb
Perhaps this is the octagonal marking that tomiseksj mentioned as the corners are at 45 degree angles, albeit small, creating an octagon.
Regarding stampless cover pricing, one must consider the nature of the correspondence, content and quality of the marking.
I am unable to read the sender endorsement (Upper right) on your example. Overall your example seems to be of a premium quality.
Nice find. |
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