In 1912, the U.S. Postal Department established its parcel post service for sending items weighing 16 ounces or more through the mail. The U.S. Post Office divides all mail into four classes, with parcel post making up the fourth class. Almost any type of merchandise can be mailed parcel post, including day – old chicks, baby alligators, and honeybees. Only items that could be dangerous to handle cannot be sent through the U.S. postal system. Twelve stamps with various denominations were issued in 1912-13 to prepay the fourth-class rate. Although different vignette designs were featured, all twelve stamps used the same border and color, which caused a great deal of confusion for postal workers. Less than a year later, the Postmaster General authorized ordinary postage stamps as valid for parcel post. Parcel post stamps were then made valid for all classes of mail and were used as regular postage until the supply was depleted. The 20¢ issue was the first stamp to picture an aircraft carrying mail, although by 1912, mail had been transported by air on numerous occasions. View attachment 1823
i have a few of them myself, but great to know the history behind them i may have to start letting you know the hisory behind some of our GB stamps when i get back lol
And when you have Parcel Post stamps, you need Parcel Post Postage Due stamps. For a mere six months in 1913, Parcel Postage Due stamps were required by law on packages bearing less than the necessary postage. Before 1912, private companies controlled package deliveries throughout the U.S. Small towns were often overlooked in favor of more lucrative cities. Effective January 1, 1913, the U.S. Post Office offered parcel delivery. Parcel Postage Due stamps paid the makeup fee for underpaid packages. At the end of six months, the Parcel Posts were replaced with ordinary postage stamps. View attachment 1824
i do not have any of them postage dues, will have to start looking now lol, very nice stamps and some great cancells
thanks for the info! i only have 1 parcel post stamp in my collection. i've thought about trying to get the whole set.
The biggest problem was since they were all the same color, they cause confusion and so were discontinued on July 1, 1913.
I have the 1, 2, 4, 5, and 25c Parcel post so far thanks for the info on them as well Do not think I have any of the dues though
I have a few maybe 6 or 8 but all used. I love these issues and have always been partial to the U.S. B.O.B. P.P.
Yes it is a beautiful series and not to expensive to collect all 12 of them. Everyone should have these in there collection.
I believe I have a plate number "block" of either 6 or 8 of the "fruit growers" someplace. My grandfather gave them to me. I'll have to see if I can dig them out.
Mint???? That would be worth some bucks!!!! Hope you find them, and share with us. A plate # block of 6 unhinged is worth $27,500. I hope its mint, crossing my fingers for you.
I don't think that's what is was then because I remember it wasn't worth a bunch so I just stuck it in a book somewheres. I'll have to look and see what it is now because that made my pulse go a waaay up reading that! lol
