| SC1050 |
CSA 16x1 5c Blue Charleston Provisional (Two Singles paying the double weight rate) tied together and to the cover by the large single rim Charleston SC
CDS 8 DEC (1861). The stamps have faults, and the envelope was opened
at the right and reduced through the right side of the right stamp.
Blue paper cover addressed to Messers Van Lew, Taylor & Co.,
Richmond, Virginia. Van Lew, Taylor and Company sold horses and
carriages in Richmond. This is also an Advertising Cover with colorless embossed circular advertising on the top back flap "Hastie, Calhoun & Co Importers of Saddlery, Coach Hardware, 39 Hayne St., Charleston. So. Ca." The
cover certainly has some condition problems regarding the stamps and
the right side, but it is still quite presentable and a very
significant provisional use rarity with Confederate Catalog unlisted
Charleston advertising. This is one of three recorded covers with two
singles of this stamp and is illustrated on Page 106 of Rick Calhoun's
book on the Charleston provisionals. There are currently four covers
recorded with an actual pair.
Of historical interest is the fact
that John Van Lew of Van Lew, Taylor and Company had a daughter named
Elizabeth Van Lew who was a well-known Unionist in Richmond and a very
effective Union spy who operated out of the Van Lew Mansion on Grace
Street throughout the entire war. The Van Lew Mansion was demolished in
1911, the year of her death. As a reward for her spying activites,
President Grant appointed her Postmistress of Richmond. Needless
to say she was not well thought of in Richmond when her spying
activites became known after the war. |
$1,000.00 |
JLKCSA@aol.com
-- Confederate Order
Form --