Lot
1439 
[First Day of Rate] Lincoln Me. July 1 (1845), red double-circle datestamp and manuscript "5" rating on folded part-printed justice of the peace notice to the Secretary of State in August Me., Extremely Fine. Estimate $300 - 400.
The efforts of Barnabas Bates and other United States reformers first bore fruit in the Reform Act of 1845. Compared to the sweeping British reforms of 1839-40, this was a partial step in an attempt to fit the Rowland Hill proposals to vastly different circumstances in America. First the concept of setting postal rates as a function of both distance traveled and the number of sheets of paper it contained was partially abandoned. The weight of a letter in one-half ounce increments was substituted for the number of sheets of paper it contained. Distance was retained as a factor in calculating rates, but the five rate zones under the Act of 1816 were reduced to two: one up to 300 miles and the other over the that limit for a single letter. Second, rates were drastically reduced. The new rates were 5 cents for letters traveling up to 300 miles and 10 cents for those traveling over 300 miles. Rates were the same, whether the amount was prepaid or sent collect. No provision was made for the issuance of postage stamps. Finally, the franking privileges of all officers of the executive departments were abolished, except for three assistant postmaster generals.
Lot
1440
[First Day of Rate] New-York '5 Cts.' Jul 1 (1845), perfect strike of red cds on 1845 folded letter to Webster Mass.; folds reinforced, Very Fine appearance. Estimate $200 - 300.
Lot
1441
[Second Day of Rate] New-York '5 Cts.' Jul 2 (1845), red cds re-rated with blue manuscript to "10" on folded letter datelined July 1st 1845 to Watertown N.Y., the first line of the letter shows the current excitement throughout the country for reduced postal rates: "First, let us rejoice together in the opening era of Cheap Postage!"; couple file folds, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Lot
1442
(Last Day of Rate) Buffalo N.Y., '5', Jun 30, blue integral rate cds on Shepard correspondence mourning cover to New Haven Ct., original 1851 mourning enclosure; light crease due to contents, Very Fine, This was mailed on the last day of the 5¢ prepaid rate as the new 3¢ rate took effect on July 1st. Estimate $200 - 300.
Realized: $125
Lot
1443
[First Day of Rate] New-York 'Paid 3 Cts.' Jul 1, red cds on 1851 folded letter datelined "New York July 1 1851" to Philadelphia Pa., pencil "3" rating; light horizontal file folds, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
Realized: $230
Lot
1444
[First Day of Rate] New-York 'Paid 3 Cts.' Jul 1, red cds on 1851 folded letter datelined "New York 1st July 1851" to Philadelphia Pa., mounting mark on flap, Very Fine. Estimate $200 - 300.
Lot
1445
[First Day of Rate] San Francisco Cal 'Paid 6' Jul 1, red cds and pencil "6" on circa 1851 cover to Wilmington Del.; some edgewear, Very Fine and rare example of the new 6¢ west coast rate. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $220
Lot
1446
[First Day of Rate] Underhill Vt. July 1, red cds with matching bold "Free" handstamp and manuscript "Free A. C. Burton P.M., St. Albans Bay Vt." on 1851 folded letter New York City, forwarded upon arrival to St. Albans Bay with red "New-York 'Free' Jul 5" cds; accompanied by letter written on July 1st 1851, Very Fine. Estimate $150 - 200.
Realized: $200