# R14 - 1862-71 2c US Internal Revenue Stamp - proprietary, old paper, orange
1862-71 Proprietary Stamp – Old Paper
As war raged and resources stretched thin, the firm was allowed to ship the stamps whether or not the perforating process was complete. Therefore the First Issue Revenue stamps may be found perforated horizontally and vertically, imperforate, or partially perforated. “Part perforated” stamps were created unintentionally. Because revenue was needed quickly to finance the war, the stamps were pulled from production before they were completed. As a result, they feature perforations in one direction only and resemble coil stamps.
Each First Issue Revenue stamp features the same portrait of George Washington, which is based on a work by Gilbert Stuart. However, the various taxable categories and denominations differ in the design of the lathwork frame that surrounds the Washington portrait. The tax was later repealed on some articles.
Between 1862 and 1869, Butler and Carpenter printed Revenue stamps on “old paper.” A catch-all phrase, “old paper” is actually a number of different papers that share certain characteristics: they’re grayish-white, thin, unwatermarked, and brittle. These traits were intentionally chosen as they allowed the paper to hold ink well. “Old paper” was in use until 1869.
Expand Your Collection or Start a New One
1862-71 Proprietary Stamp – Old Paper
As war raged and resources stretched thin, the firm was allowed to ship the stamps whether or not the perforating process was complete. Therefore the First Issue Revenue stamps may be found perforated horizontally and vertically, imperforate, or partially perforated. “Part perforated” stamps were created unintentionally. Because revenue was needed quickly to finance the war, the stamps were pulled from production before they were completed. As a result, they feature perforations in one direction only and resemble coil stamps.
Each First Issue Revenue stamp features the same portrait of George Washington, which is based on a work by Gilbert Stuart. However, the various taxable categories and denominations differ in the design of the lathwork frame that surrounds the Washington portrait. The tax was later repealed on some articles.
Between 1862 and 1869, Butler and Carpenter printed Revenue stamps on “old paper.” A catch-all phrase, “old paper” is actually a number of different papers that share certain characteristics: they’re grayish-white, thin, unwatermarked, and brittle. These traits were intentionally chosen as they allowed the paper to hold ink well. “Old paper” was in use until 1869.
Expand Your Collection or Start a New One