.jpg) |
| Lysander Spooner |
It cost 18 3/4 cents to send a letter from Boston to New York and 25 cents to send one from Boston to Washington, DC.
This competition dropped prices dramatically with postage of 6 1/4 cents per each half-ounce and stamps 20 for a dollar. Deliveries were made twice daily between New York City and Philadelphia.
He was challenged by the government but the U.S. Circuit Court expressed doubt that the U.S. had the right to monopolize the transportation of mail.
Congress eventually forced him to cease operations in 1851 by legislating mail delivery as a US monopoly.
Genuine issues
1844 SL1 in sheets of 20
Only on the genuine is the tail squared off with about 4 distinct feathers
The top of the 2 curls completely into a loop
The top inscription is in serified capitals with extended serif
Note, the same scratch through the E as the original
Forgeries
 |
| Forgery Type A - Hussey |
 |
| Forgery type B- Scott Round O's |
 |
| Forgery Type C - Scott with common cancel |
 |
| Forgery Type C - Scott |
 |
| Forgery Type C - Scott |
 |
| Forgery D |
 |
| Forgery G |
 |
| Forgery H Moens |
Reprints
This issue has a lot of reprints that often show up as being trial colors or originals.
They can be distinguished by the "rust" spots from the original dies
They are indicated as facsimiles on the reverse side
5L2 & 3 Originals
Forgeries
It appears this issue was not extensively forged or reprinted
They do not have the names of the designer and engraver at the bottom
Note also the dangling "worm" from the beak
Sources
Scotts US specialized 2014
Moens 1894 Catalog
The Identifier for Locals Fakes and Forgeries Vol 1 - Larry Lyons
Private Local Postage Stamps - Mitchell 1887
Collector's Club online
US Locals - Penny Post various editions
Klaseboer Forgeries Vol 2 CD
Several auction sites
