Montgomery Postmaster Provisional Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Montgomery is not recognized as a sovereign country with its own postal administration or stamp-issuing authority in standard philatelic or geopolitical databases. Therefore, there is no specific geographical region, colonial history, or linguistic environment associated with a country named Montgomery for the purpose of stamp description. Any postal items bearing the name "Montgomery" would likely originate from a locality, city, or historical entity within a larger recognized nation, such as the capital of Alabama, USA, rather than representing an independent nation-state.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Americas
- Subregion:
- North America
- Issuing period:
- 1861 – 1861
- Languages:
- English
- Currency:
- USD
- Parent issuer:
- Confederate States of America
Stamp Catalogs
Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Series
Montgomery Postmaster Provisional (1861)
Issued by the postmaster of Montgomery, Alabama, during the early days of the American Civil War before official Confederate stamps were available.
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Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Montgomery Postmaster Provisionals are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors of Confederate philately. Values depend heavily on condition, cancellations, and specific varieties.
How to Identify Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Montgomery (Confederate Postmaster Provisional) stamps:
- 1 Look for the handstamped 'PAID' and '5' (or '10') cents, often in red or blue ink, on envelopes or cut squares.
- 2 The stamps are not printed, but rather handstamped directly onto the mail piece or on small pieces of paper affixed to the mail.
- 3 Authenticity is paramount; expertization is required due to numerous forgeries and facsimiles.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Montgomery stamps?
Montgomery 'stamps' refer to Postmaster Provisional issues from Montgomery, Alabama, used briefly in 1861 during the American Civil War. These were not officially printed stamps but rather handstamped markings applied by the local postmaster to indicate postage payment before the Confederate States of America issued its own stamps.
Are Montgomery stamps valuable?
Yes, Montgomery Postmaster Provisionals are among the most valuable and rare items in Confederate philately. Due to their scarcity and historical significance, genuine examples can fetch thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Their value is highly dependent on condition, cancellation, and provenance.
How can I identify Montgomery stamps?
Identifying genuine Montgomery Postmaster Provisionals requires expert knowledge. Look for handstamped 'PAID' and '5' (or '10') cent markings, typically in red or blue ink, on envelopes or cut squares. These are not engraved or lithographed stamps. Due to the prevalence of forgeries, professional authentication is essential. You can also use a stamp identifier app to help with initial recognition, but for such rare items, expert opinion is crucial.
Which catalogs list Montgomery stamps?
Montgomery Postmaster Provisionals are primarily listed in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, specifically within the Confederate States of America section under 'Postmasters' Provisionals'. They are generally not listed in Michel or Stanley Gibbons as these catalogs focus more on national issues.
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