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Official stamps

In the 1870s, government departments lost the franking privilege.  Separate series of stamps were issued for each department's use.  Except for the issues of the Post Office Department, which feature only numerals, the stamps were patterned on the then-current "banknote" issues.

1873 issues, Continental Bank Note Company

War Department

Offices of the War Department were required to use these stamps on official mailings.  This included communications with the commanders of the numerous forts established to protect settlers expanding into the Midwest, Rocky Mountains and Northwest.

Scott O83, 1¢ War Department, Plate Number 48 B

Scott O84, 2¢ War Department, pair with Plate Number 35 B

Scott O84S, 2¢ War Department specimen, pair with Plate Number 35 B

Scott O85, 3¢ War Department, pair with Plate Number 32 B

Scott O86, 6¢ War Department, Plate Number 60 B

Scott O88, 10¢ War Department, Plate Number 79 B

Scott O89, 12¢ War Department, Plate Number 54 T

Scott O90, 15¢ War Department, Plate Number 87 T

Scott O90S var, 15¢ War Department specimen, bottom imprint single

Scott O91, 24¢ War Department, Plate Number 86 B

Scott O92, 30¢ War Department, Plate Number 81 T

Scott O93, 90¢ War Department, Plate Number 89 B

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This page last updated April 7, 2009.

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