| 569 |
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 8c Violet Brown, "I.R." Overprint (R156). Clear
overprint, intense shade on bright paper, neat "M.M. L.I.C. 7/12/98" manuscript cancellation (Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Co.), additional red ink mark, trivial inclusionFINE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 8-CENT "I.R." EMERGENCY PROVISIONAL
OVERPRINT. To meet the increased demands for federal revenue during the Spanish-American War, on June 13, 1898, Congress approved the War Revenue Law of 1898. The law was to become effective on July 1, 1898, leaving only seventeen days before
the new stamps were needed. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing had already started work on the dies, rolls and plates in anticipation of its passage, but they were still unable to issue stamps when the law went into effect. A large quantity of
1c and 2c stamps were printed with an "I.R." overprint (Scott R153, R154, R155 and R155A). Additionally, small quantities were produced in the 8c, 10c and 15c denominations. These issues mark the first time that the United States had to resort to
surcharging. According to Sloane's Column (Jul. 31, 1948), the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Co. handstamped copies of the 8c, 10c and 15c regular issues over a period of five days in July 1898. Sloane states these provisional revenues were
brought to the philatelic market by J. E. Scott, a collector and employee of the company. J. E. Scott reported that the company used 41 copies of the 8c, 66 of the 10c and 28 of the 15c. The Scott Retail values support this relative mix of
supply. With 1966 P.F. certificate. (Image) Search for comparables at SiegelAuctions.com |
$ 5,500.00
SOLD for $1,700.00
Will close during Public Auction |
| 570 |
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 1c Dark Yellow Green, Chapman Overprint (R158A).
Light strike of handstamp cancel at top leaves overprint clearly visible, faults (certificate states "minor faults")FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT CHAPMAN OVERPRINT. ONLY EIGHTEEN COPIES ARE RECORDED IN TOTAL. ONE OF THE
GREATEST REVENUE RARITIES. According to Scott Catalogue, the 1c Trans-Mississippi was overprinted by the Purvis Printing Company with federal government approval. They were ordered by L. H. Chapman of the Chapman Steamboat Line, which operated
freight-carrying steamboats along the Erie Canal. Only 250 stamps were produced; additionally, 250 were printed reading "I.R./P.I.D. & Son", for P.I. Daprix & Son, which served different ports along the same waterway. In his privately published
census, Larry Lyons records fourteen copies (thirteen used) of Scott R158A. We are aware of two additional used examples and two additional unused copies, for a total of eighteen. With 1992 P.S.E. certificate. (Image) Search for comparables at
SiegelAuctions.com |
$ 12,500.00
SOLD for $2,100.00
Will close during Public Auction |
