Lockport Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Lockport (United States Local Post) Stamps
Lockport is a city located in Niagara County, New York, United States, and does not possess independent postal sovereignty. As a municipality within the United States, its postal services have historically been governed by the United States Post Office Department and its successor, the United States Postal Service. Consequently, stamps issued for use in Lockport feature English text and denominations consistent with the national currency of the U.S. The postal history of Lockport is therefore entirely integrated with that of the United States, reflecting American administrative and political evolution without separate national postal issues.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1846 – 1846
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- United States
Stamp Catalogs
Lockport (United States Local Post) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Lockport (United States Local Post) Stamp Series
Lockport Postmaster Provisional (1846)
The single known issue, a 5-cent black on buff stamp, used by the Lockport postmaster prior to the general issue of U.S. federal stamps.
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Lockport (United States Local Post) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: The Lockport Postmaster Provisional is one of the rarest and most valuable items in U.S. philately. Its value is primarily driven by its extreme scarcity and historical significance as a pre-federal stamp.
How to Identify Lockport (United States Local Post) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Lockport (United States Local Post) stamps:
- 1 Look for 'LOCKPORT N.Y.' and '5 CENTS' printed in black on buff paper.
- 2 The design is simple, often with a frame and text, characteristic of early provisional issues.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to its rarity and value.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lockport stamps?
Lockport stamps refer to the extremely rare 'Postmaster Provisional' stamp issued in Lockport, New York, in 1846. These were locally produced stamps used by the Lockport post office before the first general issue of U.S. federal stamps.
Are Lockport stamps valuable?
Yes, Lockport stamps are among the most valuable and sought-after items in U.S. philately. Only a handful of examples are known to exist, making them exceptionally rare and commanding prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
How can I identify Lockport stamps?
Identifying a Lockport provisional stamp requires expert knowledge due to its rarity and the potential for forgery. Key features include the 'LOCKPORT N.Y.' and '5 CENTS' inscription, typically in black on buff paper. For definitive identification, especially for such a high-value item, professional authentication is essential. A stamp identifier app can help with preliminary checks for common stamps, but for items of this magnitude, expert philatelic societies are the go-to resource.
Which catalogs list Lockport stamps?
The Lockport Postmaster Provisional is listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue under United States Postmaster Provisionals. Due to its unique nature, it may not be extensively covered in international catalogs like Michel or Stanley Gibbons, which primarily focus on national issues.
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