Let's See Your Territorial Covers!

I haven't checked this thread for some time, but the posts in the last month are outstanding. Stan, I particularly like the Oregon Territory covers from Port Orford. We used to live in Coos Bay, about 50 miles north. But in the 1850s, Port Orford was probably the biggest timber port on the Oregon coast. Great stuff!

Incidentally, the cover sent to Dayton, OT (between Salem and Portland) was addressed to Joel Palmer, one of the town's founders. His house still exists and is local a historical site. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayton,_Oregon

Looking at these covers, I wish I had been collecting similar items but with the feeling that these items must be fairly rare and expensive.

I love history, and covers tell it as well as any artifact could, especially when tied, as some of these are, to historical figures.

Any suggestion how a person can get started collecting historical covers such as these without breaking the bank? I suppose they are mostly available at stamp shows, etc.

Bobby T

Yes it is from a Territory, it doesn't involve parcel post and yes it holds its own with all the other covers in this thread, even if less old. However, for this, it is in fact the perfect amount of old. It is one of those items where all the ducks lined up.


[See, I am not limited to just parcel post collecting. But for a parcel post territorial usage see my thread here: http://goscf.com/t/76523 you will need to scroll down a number of posts to see the pretty side.]

BobbyT,
Plenty of territorials are available on Ebay. Some are $1-$5. Looks like most are going to be the more recent states; Hi, AK, AZ, NM, and OK. Others are going to cost more. Dealers boxes will also have some if shows go back live. Happy Hunting.

As Stephen said. I found these in a small antique shop. Paid $20 for these and a group of a few others. (when I went back for more, the shop was gone)

Arizona is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912.

Douglas, Ariz.
Canceled before statehood, Nov. 30, 1911. And after, Sep. 22, 1912.

Wonder what these guys, part of the he Mexican Revolution (1910–1920, thought about it at the time.

Here are a couple picture postcards from territories we haven't touched yet -- Puerto Rico and the Canal Zone.

And one more Canal Zone cover from 1928.

One more postcard from the Canal Zone. The shot of the Culebra Cut is terrific, if only someone hadn't peeled off the stamp on the other side.

Here's a territory that doesn't get much love -- the U.S. Virgin Islands. Can anyone offer some insight on the Fleet Marine Force cancel?





Edit: Ooops, just noticed ppg posted a Charlotte Amalie postmark a while back.

GregAlex, it's for the US Marines detachment stationed there.

The US Virgin Islands were purchased in 1917 for military purposes/to prevent a German invasion, so the Marines were probably there since then. Plus the islands were under US military and Interior Dept. control until 1936.
https://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/history/

Related cancels:
https://www.navalcovermuseum.org/wi...rgin_Islands

Two of the same illustrated covers from San Juan, Puerto Rico, the first pre-WW II, the second after the U.S. entered the war, from a serviceman at Borinquen Air Field.

The second is curious in that it is marked Air Mail in two places, but has only 3 cents postage. I wonder if it went out by air? Since it was marked Air Mail, seems that it should have gone by air and and marked 3 cents postage due.

DonSellos

Not covers, per se, but here are several territorial registry items.

An 1895 registered package receipt from Prescott, Arizona Territory



An 1889 registry return receipt from Spokane Falls, Washington Territory (just before statehood, later that year)



And an 1895 registry bill from Nephi, Utah Territory

Hawaii cover postmarked June 13, 1900, in Lahaina, Maui, which was the last validity date for the usage of Hawaiian stamps.

Provenance - Schuyler Rumsey Philatelic Auctions Sale 103 - Lot 1455 August 25-28, 2022 as follows: Hawaii, 1899, 2¢ rose, tied by bold four-ring cancel duplexed with "Lahaina, Maui, Jun 13, 1900" cds (255.9a1) used on the Last Day of Validity of Hawaiian Stamps to local address, Very Fine and gem last day use. Scott No. 81 stamp.

Nice Hawaii cover.
This is a fun thread.

Here is one I picked up not too long ago.



Nebraska City, Nebraska Territory to Pacific City, IA.
A 3c #26A straddle margin showing Centerline pays the postage.

Here is another example of a Territorial Cover, postmarked Jan 7, 1900, addressed to President Sanford B. Dole of Hawaii. Hawaii Scott #80 1 cent Dark Green, from the 1899 issue, Hawaiian Coat of Arms.


Sanford Ballard Dole (April 23, 1844 – June 9, 1926) was an American-Hawaiian lawyer and jurist. He lived through the periods when Hawaii was a kingdom, protectorate, republic, and territory. A Hawaiian-born descendant of the American missionary community in Hawaii, Dole advocated the westernization of Hawaiian government and culture. After the overthrow of the monarchy, he served as the President of the Republic of Hawaii until his government secured Hawaii's annexation by the United States.