3p Massachusetts Colonial Issue embossed revenue stamped paper on document
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
May 1, 1755
Issuing entity
United States3p Massachusetts Colonial Issue embossed revenue stamped paper on document — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 0.276929.1), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RM3. Dated by the museum: May 1, 1755. Medium: paper; ink (black).
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 1
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
On its first day of use in the colony of Massachusetts, the three pence [penny] "Pine Tree" revenue stamp was affixed to this colonial legal document dated May 1, 1775. This document specifies that six pounds were to be attached to the goods/estate of Jose Briant, blacksmith, to repay a debt to a Stephen Coffin. Briant had refused to pay Coffin a promised two pounds, seven shillings and ten pence; and now the bill was increased to six pounds to include damages. The accused was to be held at Salem, Massachusetts until the second Tuesday of July when he was to answer to Stephen Coffin. The document was addressed to the sheriff or deputy sheriff of Essex County. It bears the signatures of Thomas Berry, a witness, and Joseph Willot, the deputy sheriff.
Physical characteristics
- Medium
- paper; ink (black)
- Dimensions
- Height x Width: 6 1/2 x 8 1/4 in. (16.5 x 21 cm)
Identification
- Place
- United States of America
- Topic
- Colonial Era (1607-1776)
- Date recorded
- May 1, 1755
- Museum object number
- 0.276929.1
- Museum classification
- Revenue Stamps
Catalogue references
- ScottUSA RM3
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum example; confirm perforation, watermark, printing and variety details against philatelic references.