Encased Postage Stamps
Original "J. GAULT" Hand-Cut Pattern/Trial Three Cents
EP-46, HB-129, S-95, Reed-JG03. "Pattern" / "Trial" Specimen Encased Postage Stamp, with unique Hand-Cut Obverse Frame Moons made to demonstrate the Frame Design for displaying the Stamp, Three Cents. J. GAULT. Plain Frame Type, Choice About New.
This one-of-a-kind Hand-Cut (not machine made) Front portion of the Encased Postage Stamp's Brass Frame was obviously created to serve as a "Pattern" or "Trial" design for what ultimately became the standard obverse Moons to hold the mica in place while displaying the stamp below in the open style frame. The later manufactered "regular" issued EP-46 type is Rated as a Rarity-7 (11 to 15 known) according to Fred Reed.
This sealed Encased Postage Stamp with Obverse Pattern is unique. It has a clear roughly made "Hand-Carved" appearance to the obverse moons which display a distinctly natural dark tone where cut on its inner flat edges. This exact piece sold by Early American to an advanced collector circa late 1970s. Subsequent experts' inspection have confirmed the original determination of it being an early prototype "Pattern." This design would be incorporated into John Gault's original Patent, No. 1627, granted on August 12, 1862, shortly after the passage of legislation authorizing the use of United States Stamps as Currency in July of 1862.
This Encased Postage Stamp has a lovely appearance. The red 3 George Washington 1861 series U.S. postage stamp is fairly well centered with original color, viewed under clear mica. The mica has some slight surface wear and trivial craze at the right rim edges, likely created when made. The face and moons of the brass frame is obviously Hand-Cut. The reverse side is clean, smooth with original underlying luster with a bit of natural tone, bearing the original stamped J. Gault patent date properly mated to the obverse frame. It is not known when to parts were sealed together, other than post-patent.
John Gault, the inventor of these emergency currency postage stamp encasements, received his U.S. government Patent on August 12, 1862 during the American Civil War. The same basic technology was used in subsequent years for the manufacture of various advertising shell cards and later for political campaign ferrotypes.
John Gault began "Encasing" Postage Stamps for use as small change during the shortage of "hard money" coinage during the American Civil War. The original patent to him, No. 1627, was granted in August, shortly after the passage of legislation authorizing the use of stamps as currency in July of 1862.
It appears likely that the encasements he issued under his own name were the first in the series, made after July 1862 but before his partnership with Kirkpatrick. Towards the end of the year Gault moved to New York City and entered into partnership with Joseph Kirkpatrick. The new firm of Kirkpatrick & Gault set up business at 1 Park Place.
KEYWORDS:
Civil War Currency, John Gault, Scovill, Waterbury, Connecticut, Civil War Money