Brattleboro Postmaster's Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamps
Brattleboro is a town located in the state of Vermont, within the New England region of the northeastern United States. As part of the US postal system, its postal history is intrinsically linked to the development of the United States Post Office Department, with local postal services operating under federal authority. Stamps issued for use in Brattleboro would feature English inscriptions and denominations in US currency, reflecting the dominant linguistic and monetary environment of the nation. While Brattleboro itself does not issue independent stamps, its postal history mirrors the broader administrative and political transitions of the American republic.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1846 – 1846
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamp Series
Postmaster's Provisional (1846)
The single issue of a 5-cent black stamp, handstamped and signed by the postmaster, was created to meet local postal needs before the first general issue of U.S. stamps.
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Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Brattleboro Postmaster's Provisional stamps are exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. Their value depends heavily on condition, cancellations, and provenance. Only a handful of examples are known to exist.
How to Identify Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Brattleboro, Vermont (Postmaster's Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for a 5-cent denomination, printed in black on yellowish paper.
- 2 The stamp features the inscription 'P. O. / BRATTLEBORO / VT. / 5 CENTS.' in a circular design.
- 3 Authentic examples are handstamped and typically bear the manuscript signature of the postmaster, F. N. Palmer, or his clerk, T. C. Lord, often in red ink.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Brattleboro stamps?
Brattleboro stamps refer to a single issue of a 'Postmaster's Provisional' stamp, a temporary local stamp issued by the postmaster of Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1846. These were used to prepay postage before the first official U.S. federal postage stamps were issued.
Are Brattleboro stamps valuable?
Yes, Brattleboro stamps are among the most valuable and rarest of all U.S. philatelic items. Due to their extreme scarcity (only a few examples are known), they command very high prices, often ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
How can I identify Brattleboro stamps?
Brattleboro stamps are 5-cent black provisional stamps with a distinctive circular design reading 'P. O. / BRATTLEBORO / VT. / 5 CENTS.' They are usually handstamped and often bear a manuscript signature. For definitive identification, especially given their rarity and value, consult a philatelic expert or use a stamp identifier app to compare with known examples.
Which catalogs list Brattleboro stamps?
Brattleboro Postmaster's Provisional stamps are listed in all major philatelic catalogs, including Scott (as Scott #10X1), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons, under the United States section for Postmaster's Provisionals.
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