Information:
Issued:
July 01, 1847
E.K.U.:
July 07, 1847 (New York City)
Scott:
Number 1
Format:
Two Panes of 100
Configuration:
10 x 10
Postmaster General:
Cave Johnson
Designer:
James Major
Engraver:
Asher Brown Durant
Color:
Brown (shades incl.
Red, Orange, Black)
Printer:
Rawdon, Wright,
Hatch & Edson
Portrait:
From drawing by
James B. Longacre
Paper:
Thin Bluish Wove,
high Rag content
Perforations:
Imperforate
Watermark:
None
Rate:
Half ounce domestic single
letter under 300 miles
Demonitized:
July 01, 1851 |
|
The 5-cent Franklin stamp was the first
U.S. Issue, introduced in 1847
Click to View
Before handstamps, the Postal Service
used pens to cancel a stamp as it was used.
Note the cancel on this stamp.
Click to View
This stamp features a red grid handstamp cancel.
Click to View
This cover features with 1847 Issue
Click to View
|
A Little History -
The law authorizing these stamps to go into effect on July 01, 1847 was
sponsored by Representative George W. Hopkins of the State of Virginia. Hopkins introduced
Bill HR 638 on February 01, 1847 that was approved on March 3 of the same year.
As of the date of issue, the use of Postmasters' stamps and markings
became illegal for general franking and thus giving the control of postage to the
Postmaster General. This act of Congress authorizing the release of the First General
Issue started a long line of "Number Ones and Other Firsts" as the United States
rapidly expanded postal department services.
These issues are from Gregg Hopkins' Exhibit
"Number Ones and Other Firsts"
If you have a "Number One" or
"Other Firsts", please contact:
Gregg Hopkins, Sr.
2344 N. 32 Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Telephone: (602) 954-8175
Fax: (602) 957-2910
E-mail Gregg
Return
|