1844 6c Hale & Co, blue, Two 75L5 on Cover

Scarce and Historic 1844 Hale & Co. Local Stamps On Cover
Older than U.S. #1

The old stamps on this cover were produced by independent mail company Hale & Co. and mark an interesting chapter in American history… 

Years before the United States Post Office Department issued US #1, independent private mail systems ...  more

Scarce and Historic 1844 Hale & Co. Local Stamps On Cover
Older than U.S. #1

The old stamps on this cover were produced by independent mail company Hale & Co. and mark an interesting chapter in American history… 

Years before the United States Post Office Department issued US #1, independent private mail systems printed stamps and circulated mail in different parts of the country.  In 1845, the United State Post Office Department forced many private mail services out of business.

One of these independent mail companies was Boston’s Hale and Co.  The company started their Independent Mail Service in Boston in December of 1843.  The first office was located at 13 Court Street and then moved to 23 State Street.  Boston was the most active of Hale's offices.  Neat fact: The company’s 13 Court Street address was incorporated into its first 1844 stamps (Scotts #75L1-4).  The address was later removed, but “Hale & Co.” and “Boston” remained (#75L5).

The stamps issued by Hale & Co. in 1844 had a number of firsts: the first stereotyped stamps (a printing process often used on newspapers and books), the first die-cut and mechanically separated stamps, and the first precanceled stamps.  Initial printing on thin pelure paper, which was thin, brittle, and semi-transparent.  Later printings on thicker wove paper.  The blue stamp color shades range from light milky blue to deep indigo blue.  Stamps were printed in sheets of 20 (5x4 subjects) and sold for 6 cents each or 20 for $1.00. 

These stamps are still a marvel to look at, especially considering they’ve been preserved for about 180 years!  They will stand out in any collection.  Now it’s your turn to make these neat old covers yours.  But act soon, we only have a few available.  I don’t want you to miss your chance to enjoy one!

Please note: Hale and Co. covers will vary.