Philatelic Society of Lancaster County

Sharing at Request: Here are a number of very useful references for those interested in U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenues, often termed “Match & Medicine” Stamps. Worth having in your home library.

1. ‘United States March & Medicine Stamps’ by Christopher West, Castenholz & Sons Publishers, 1980.

2. ‘A Census of United States Match & Medicine Stamps’ by Michael E. Aldrich, Aldrich Publishing, 1997.

3. ‘Patent Medicine Tax Stamps, A History of the Firms Using United States Private Die Proprietary Medicine Tax Stamps’ by Henry W. Holcombe, Quarterman Publications, 1979.

4. ‘The Revenue Stamps of the United States’ by Christopher West, Castenholz & Sons Publishers, 1979.

5. An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the United States’ by George L. Toppan, Hiram E. Deats, Alexander Holland, Castenholz & Sons Publishers, 1980.

6. ‘Private Die Match Stamps’ by Christopher West, Castenholz & Sons Publishers.

7. The Morton Dean Joyce Private Die Proprietary Collection, Auction Catalog, Andrew Levitt, 1991.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

For Immediate Release:

2024-08-14… The Philatelic Society of Lancaster County has published its award-winning ‘PSLC Newsletter’ for August 2024.

Editor Scott Ney has published another philately-packed issue, starting with the Veranda Chronicles, followed by our upcoming schedule of in-person monthly meetings (2nd Wednesday), as well as virtual (4th Wednesday), and the details of our August 14, 2024 Society Picnic and Bourse at Millersville Park in Lancaster, PA.

Next, we share news on a number of upcoming stamp shows, a short article on a new discovery made by Pres. DiComo of a Loewenberg-style decal used on cover, sent through the mails, in 1862-63.

Finally, in our In Memoriam, we close the album on two long standing and well-respected PSLC members. They will be missed.

Enjoy the full issue here:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/PSLC-Newsletter-2024-08.pdf

For more information of how to join us, visit our website https://www.lcps-stamps.org

Dr. Charles J DiComo
President,
Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA)

lcps-stamps.org

Sharing: Grasshopper - let me share a few Match & Medicine secrets!!

Any collector in need of a helpful hand in identifying their U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenues, affectionately termed ‘Match & Medicines’ - feel free to message me any time. Always looking for examples for my research studies as well.

Enjoy my primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

A few references to whet your appetite:
“Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland.”
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Enjoy! Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenue Stamps - the Matches.

“W.E. Doolittle” Match Co., Hayesville, Ohio.

: 1¢ Pale Blue, central image of W.E.D. encircled by company name, city, state, INTER. REV., ONE CENT and MATCHES. Issued Mar. 1866 to Nov. 1867: 693,293 all on old paper. Very few survive, estimated ~39, only a handful are sound, my example is better than most.

History: W.E. Doolittle's small match business was located at Hayesville, Ashland County, OH, and lasted ~2 years. The matches were sold locally and the business turned out to be unprofitable, or, like others, ended in a call to the local fire department.

There is very little information known on William E. Doolittle other that he resided in Hayesville for several years before his match venture. The town of Hayesville was laid out on 26 Oct. 1830, by John Cox and Linus Hayes. It was incorporated Mar. 2 1849. Population in 1860 was 336 and the town contained 3 churches, 3 resident clergymen, 2 physicians, 1 lawyer, 1 High School (Vermilion Institute), 1 Lodge I.O.O.F., 2 hotels, shops, etc. William E. Doolittle is listed as Officer, Recording Secretary for the Concord Lodge, No. 325 I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows).
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References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland; “A Census of U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps,” by M.E. Aldrich.

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenue Stamps - The Matches.

“A. Beecher & Sons”, Westville, CT
and “Swift & Courtney” and “Swift, Courtney & Beecher Co.”, Wilmington, DE.

A scarce match container from the Diamond Match Co. with Lucifer matches still inside, ca. 1870’s.

History: The predecessors of the Diamond Match Co. were the Beecher companies. A. Beecher & Sons of Westville, CT was the first to issue stamps. 1¢ Orange, central image of Stars & Stripes, “A. B. & S.” letters in the four corners. Issued Mar. 1865 to Sept. 1874: 20,985,340 on old paper; 4,656,150 on silk paper.

The Swift & Courtney factory was located in Wilmington, DE and was one of the large manufacturers even before it merged with Beecher company in 1870.

Swift & Courtney issued stamps 1¢ Blue, central image of diamond with “Parlor Match Diamond State” within, from Aug. 1864 to Aug. 1875: 86,528,370 on old paper; 164,421,340 on silk paper. Also showing an - a true example of the ultramarine shade.

When the National Bank Note Company (NBNC) took over stamp printing contract in Aug. 1875, the Swift & Courtney stamp was altered to reflect existing corporate name “Swift & Courtney & Beecher”.

The new stamps issued Dec. 1865 to Mar. 1883: 475,154,123 on silk, pink & watermarked papers.

From Mar. 1879 to Dec. 1880, Swift & Courtney & Beecher re-issued the original design of the A. Beecher & Sons stamp in black, with corner initials altered from A. B. & S. to C. B. C. S. - 1¢ Black: 441,000 all on watermarked paper.
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References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U. S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland; “A Census of U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps,” by M.E. Aldrich.

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenues - the Medicines.

“B.A. Fahnestock’s Vermifuge” - It never fails...

History: Benjamin A. Fahnestock, a Pittsburgh, PA native began to market his vermifuge in 1830. It was successful and when stamps were required in 1862, he quickly had one prepared.

-1¢ lake, Eagle on branch facing left, imperforate: Issued Feb. 1863 to Aug. 1875: 2,522,750 on old paper & 1,322,500 on silk paper.

In 1868, Fahnestock died and Schwartz & Haslett took over his drug and proprietary medicine business. They continued to use the Fahnestock stamps until 1875. By then the firm was known as J.E. Schwartz, which appears on revised design in lower left label & ‘Pittsburgh’ moved to lower right label.

- 1¢ lake, imperforate: 750,036 of revised stamps issued on silk, pink & watermarked papers from 1875 to Dec. 1882.

Showing four of my choice XF+ stamps, which are often found quite damaged, stained, torn, etc.; an image of the free Almanacs they handed out; and a typical era Trade Card depicting jolly St. Nicholas dancing, with glove missing, holding holly, as three Owls look down from their perch.
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References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps,” by C. West; “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland (1899).

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenue Stamps - the Matches

“Challenge Match,” by Charles Busch, New York City, NY

History: Mr. Charles Busch first appears in the New York City Directory for 1862-63; then from 1865-66 to 1870-71 he sold matches, fancy goods, etc. at No. 1 Doyers St. and was engaged in the same business at 208 Chatham St. after 1871 until 1882-83.

It is not certain that he manufactured any of the matches he sold and quite likely he was engaged in the match business only as a selling agent. The matches may have been manufactured by Seward Match Manuf. Co. in Trenton, NJ.

Their private die revenue was issued by the American Bank Note Company from May 1880 to late January 1881: 4,166,000 issued all in watermarked paper.

Showing an image of Doyers Street, a one-block stretch with a sharp bend in the middle, one of the most historically rich streets in NYC’s Chinatown.

References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland.”

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing at Request: The U.S. Three Cent 1851 Benner Essay, George Washington, Portrait Facing Left, Black on India, submitted to USPOD in Competition for the 1851 Contract.

Brief: “The hand engraved steel die for the Scott Catalog-designated #11-E2 Essay (shown) was discovered & purchased by a consortium of myself and twelve collectors in the early 2000’s and after years of study donated to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum (NPM). The Scott Catalog had stated for over a century that the 11-E2 Essay was from 1851 and “attributed” it to Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson (RWH&E).

After a decade of persistence by Dr. Charles J DiComo on behalf of the consortium, the 2017 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalog was updated to denote the proper attribution of the Henry C. Benner Essay #11-E2.

Careful examination of the nine (9) known examples of the Essay, plus sixteen (16) prints recently made from the die, revealed that the essays come from two progressive states of engraving (shown). Dozens of lines were added or strengthened between the first and second states. Modern prints can be identified by a rust mark in Washington’s hair.”

Showing my original print of #11-E2 and the modern print made on a period press, with the assistance of Michael Bean.

Also showing the S. Tiller Plate Printer business card of Philadelphia and the 1853 receipt for printing presses that S. Tiller sold to Edwin Benner.

Finally, the framed print made from the #11-E2 Essay Steel Die that the 11-E2 Consortium signed on the reverse and we donated to the NPM, where the original #11-E2 Essay Steel Die also now resides for all visitors to view.

Read more on this fascinating story:
https://www.uspcs.org/resource-center/research-projects/u-s-three-cent-1851-essays/ or contact me directly.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Post Office Department Draft Bank Check. Dated February 19, 1851, signed by then Postmaster General Nathan K. Hall (Mar. 28, 1810 – March 2, 1874)

Hall served as Fillmore's Postmaster General from 1850-1852, when the President appointed him U.S. District Judge for the Western District of New York, an office he held until his death in Buffalo on March 2, 1874.

Check engraved & printed by Hufty & Danforth, Philadelphia & New York. Very fine images of: George Washington at top center; Lady Liberty with Shield & Cornucopia at UR; Rail cars at LL; and a Steam Vessel at UL. Beautifully framed at left “Transportation of the Mails”

Draft No. 6415, to ‘M. Wheeler’; Postmaster ‘Hancock, N.Y.,’ Pay to ‘T.J. Townsend Green & Co.,‘ for $40.00. Countersigned on reverse.

One of my favorite P.O.D Draft Bank Checks from my holdings, and with Hall autograph. Also showing an early photograph of Hall and a 1907 image of the NYC P.O., ca. 1850.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: Major Double Transfer (DT) on the U.S. 3¢ 1851-1857 stamp from Plate 1L - 92L1L, showing DT and shade progression over the multi-years of use.

Here are Chase/Amonette/Hulme or DiComo-plated 92L1L showing the clear double transfer of “THREE CENTS” (also termed ‘line through 3 cents’) and all four rosettes (shifted north).

I highlighted a few from 1852 through 1855: the last Amonette-plated with his note card, stating ‘very worn plate, maybe last sheet before plate discarded in early 1855’

Primer of U.S. 3¢ 1851-57 Issue:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-27-DiComo-A-Primer-on-the-US-3c-Stamp-1851-60.pdf
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

For Immediate Release:

2024-07-28… The Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PSLC) and the Empire State Postal History Society (ESPHS) are pleased to share that President Dr. Charles J DiComo has published his original research entitled “New Discovery: A Loewenberg-style Decal Used on a Cover” in the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society’s ‘The Chronicle of U.S. Classic Postal Issues,’ August 2024, Whole No. 283, Vol. 76, No. 3, pp. 233-237.

The article describes Charles’ discovery of a Henry Loewenberg-style decal affixed to a cover sent through the mails on a ‘Due 6’ unpaid envelope to Mrs. A.E. McDonald, Belleville, Mifflin Co., PA.

This new decal utilizes a portion of the American Banknote Company’s (ABNCs) engraved design found on the reverse of the Scott postage currency note and physically matches the process described in the Loewenberg Patent 40,489, whereby a printed design (the decal) is transferred to a surface (the cover), adhering with the gum-like substance. Significantly, this resembles the earliest known Loewenberg decal. The probable period of use is late 1863 or early 1864.

In December 2023, the Philatelic Foundation (PF) issued its certificate 557,941, inscribed as follows:
“Loewenberg ‘test’ decalcomania essay on cover to Belleville, Pa., ms. ‘Due 6’ at upper right. We are of the opinion that it is genuine, the image is the design from the reverse of PC1, the gum is scientifically matched to the Loewenberg decal. It was not recognized as postage and was charged 6¢ postage due.”

As one postal historian shared, “DiComo strikes again with his in-depth research, rigorous scientific analysis, and has added significant insight to the “invention of prevention” era, the period to prevent the re-use of U.S. postage & revenue stamps in North America.

Enjoy the full article here: https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DiComo-Chas-Loewenberg-Cover-Chronicle-283-2024-08.pdf
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: American Philatelic Society (APS), APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: A display page I recently completed, highlighting the Portland Star Match Company, West Commercial St., Portland, Maine.

Showing an original advertisement from the 1873 New England Business Directory, a post card depicting their Match Factory, and their issued U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenues stamp on old, silk, pink, watermarked and experimental silk paper. Also mounted is an imprint single, a reverse offset, two double transfers and a repro on yellow card.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing at Request: The United States 1851-1857 Three Cent Imperforate Issue: Examples of Each of the Eight Plates of #11 and .

There have been numerous posts inquiring about distinguishing an #11 from an , the various plates used, and their characteristics, etc.

Enjoy one of my choice sets of Amonette-plated 3¢ stamps from Plates 1L, 2L, 3, 4, 5L, 6, 7 and 8. Each archival card describes the predominate colors/shades, as well as describes key features unique to each plate/state.

Plating a 3¢ 1851-57 stamp is the definitive way to determine an 11 from an 11A, as well as, a #10/ .

If anyone is interested in my assistance in plating, acquiring stamps from the various plates, and/or colors and shades, on or off cover - reach out!

Enjoy one of my primers on the subject:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-05-27-DiComo-A-Primer-on-the-US-3c-Stamp-1851-60.pdf
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: The Liberty Bell (formerly Old State House Bell), the iconic symbol of American Independence, located in Philadelphia, PA.

Beautifully engraved & printed by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing (B.E.P.) on thick card, in two colors: dark blue & dark green, with black lettering.

Once placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House (now renamed Independence Hall), the bell today is located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.

The bell was commissioned in 1752 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from the London firm of Lester and Pack (known subsequently as the Whitechapel Bell Foundry), and was cast with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society; U.S. Philatelic Classics Society (USPCS) Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: New York City Postal History.

An 1844 preprinted folded letter sheet (FLS) from The Office of Draper, Toppan & Co. for The Fulton Bank of New York regarding 500 impressions from the new copper plate in denominations $50 - $100. The package was inspected and had proper seals.

Addressed to A.C. Flagg, Esq. Comptroller, Albany with red “NEW-YORK APL 3” CDS, where April abbreviated “APL” instead of common “APR”. Rate 12.5 for 80-150 miles.

Also showing my rare $10.00 Bank Note from The Fulton Bank referred to in the letter, engraved & printed by Draper, Toppan, & Co., dated 1838, check no. 889.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: Sailing the High Seas on the “Acadia” from N.Y.C. to the U.K. in 1844.

My Research: Folded Letter Sheet (FLS) with contents to London, England posted in NYC (“APL” for April instead of “APR”), then Boston, via sailing vessel ‘Acadia’ to Mess. Fred Hugh & Co.

Written 30 April by Godfrey Pattinson & Co., Merchants, entered mails, clerk added red NYC CDS, red arching “PAID” and violet manuscript 37 1/2 indicating double rate of 18 3/4, U.S. internal postage paid (150-400 miles).

Traveled to Boston, places in mail bag, carried on Cunard Line steamer ‘Acadia’, departed 1 May 1844. After twelve day voyage arrived Liverpool 13 May (no Liverpool Ship Letter Marking).

Letter then traveled 220 miles SE via overland coach to London, where red 23 mm “JP 16 MY 16 1844” receiving Mark applied.

Frederick Hugh & Co. (British Bank estab. 1809) rec’d letter and docketed.

Contents discuss enclosed Bill of $2000 for Phepps & Co. forwarded to Pattinson & Co., Glasgow, written by Alex Campbell.
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Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Join the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County via Zoom at 6:30 PM on June 26, 2024 when ATA President Dawn Hamman will speak on “American Topical Association (ATA) 75th Anniversary: A Look at the Past and Future.”

Come along with Dawn for a look at ATA’s founding and progress through the years. After recapping where we’ve been, we’ll explore the exciting future ahead for topical collecting!

Dawn Hamman is a topical collector (of course!) and thematic exhibitor. She is a frequent speaker at stamp clubs and shows, and for Zoom sessions.

For more info on how to join us, visit our website https://www.lcps-stamps.org

Regards,
Dr. Charles J DiComo
PSLC President

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenue Stamps - the Matches.

“A. Goldback & Company” and “A. Goldback,” Richmond, VA.

History: These are the only match stamps issued in the state of Virginia, and with one exception are the only adhesives bearing word ‘Proprietary.’

A. Goldback & Emanuel Bear, Jr. were match manufacturers, founding A. Goldback & Co. in Richmond, VA in 1874-75. Their stamp ( ), was engraved & printed by the Philadelphia firm Carpenter & Co., Issued Jul. 1874 thru Aug. 1875: 3,586,403 all on silk paper. It was one of the last match stamps engraved by the Carpenter firm, found in green and yellow green shades.

A. Goldback succeeded the firm after Emanuel Bear left. The new die ( ) without the “& Co.” was one of the first private die match stamps engraved by National Bank Note Company (NBNC) in NYC, and one of the first to be printed on pink paper. The die was approved Oct. 16, 1875; first issued Nov. 1875 to 1877: 1,974,644 on silk & pink papers.

The variety on pink paper (probably one of the first M&Ms to be printed on pink paper) is one of the rarest U.S. revenue stamps, with only 5 being known to collectors, the first one being discovered in Alexandria, VA. It was first listed in Scott Catalogue in 1906.
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References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland; “A Census of U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps,” by M.E. Aldrich.

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.
Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/

Sharing: U.S. Private Die Proprietary Revenue Stamps - the Matches.

Thomas Allen Matches, St. Louis, Missouri.

, 1¢ Green, central image of Arms of Missouri (resembling St. Louis’ Postmasters’ Provisional 11X2). Engraved & printed by Butler & Carpenter, Mar. 1865 through Jul. 1869: 5,943,536 issued, all on old paper. Most copies available to collectors are off-center, faded, thinned, torn, etc. My example is VF+ for issue, with near complete O.G.

History: The Thomas Allen Match Company was located in Saint Louis, but very little is known about it. The company appears in the St. Louis City Directory for 1865-1868, virtually the same period as the stamps were printed.

Later in 1870, the Swift & Courtney & Beecher Company (incorporated in CT and manufacturing matches in Wilmington, DE) purchased the match business of Thomas Allen & Co.

Swift & Courtney & Beecher Co. would continue to acquire & consolidate. In 1872, they bought McGiugan & Daily of Philadelphia; made contracts with Joseph Loehy of NYC & Charles Busch of Trenton, NJ.

In 1880, everything was sold to the Barber Match Co. of Akron, OH, founded by O.C. Barber. Barber re-named the company after the established trade name of its product, creating the Diamond Match Company.

Following the Panic of 1893, Barber moved the Diamond match factory in Akron to the adjacent town of his own creation, Barberton. He turned the abandoned Akron match factory into the Diamond Rubber Company factory.

The Diamond Match Company was the largest manufacturer of matches in the U.S. in the late nineteenth century.
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References: “Patent Medicine Tax Stamps,” H.W. Holcombe; “U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps” & “Private Die Match Stamps,” by C. West; “An Historical Reference List of the Revenue Stamps of the U.S.,” by G.L. Toppan, H.E. Deats, A. Holland; “A Census of U.S. Match & Medicine Stamps,” by M.E. Aldrich.

M&M Primer:https://lcps-stamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-02-17-DiComo-Chas-WhoNeedsADoctorThisElixirWillDo.pdf

Enjoy! Collection of Dr. Charles J. DiComo, President of both the Philatelic Society of Lancaster County (PA) & Empire State Postal History Society (NY); U.S. Philatelic Classics Society Life Member; Editor of award-winning Chairman’s Chatter; Director, PA Postal History Society; Emeritus, Council of Philatelists, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Affiliations: APS, APS WU30, ARA, BNAPS, EFOCC, ESPHS, PAPHS, PSLC, RSCC, USPCS, et al.

Philatelic Bio: lcps-stamps.org/member-spotlight/