Lot 1789
Department of Justice Penalty Mail, indigo "Washington, D.C. Jun 16, 1879" c.d.s. on cover to Randolph, Vt. with enclosure signed by Attorney General Charles Devens, violet Dept of Justice penalty imprint handstamp covered the postage, some edge wear, Very Fine.
Estimate 500 - 750
THE EARLIEST RECORDED DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PENALTY MAILING.
Penalty envelopes were first authorized for use in 1877. During the transitional period, 1877-1884, both official stamps and penalty envelopes were valid for postage. Although few early Justice penalty franks have survived, it is clear that the department embraced this new concept enthusiastically as very few Justice official stamps were used from Washington, D.C. or elsewhere after 1880.
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| Realized $1,600 |
