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3c William E. Clarke revenue stamp single

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1880

Issuing entity

United States

3c William E. Clarke revenue stamp single — revenue stamp in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum collection (object 2012.2016.2), catalogued by the museum as Scott USA RS56d. Dated by the museum: 1880. Medium: paper; ink (blue).

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

Private die medicine stamps indicated that the required federal tax had been paid on products such as tonics, syrups, pills, and other “cures.” Later, the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act required patent medicine manufacturers to list certain ingredients and prohibited them from making false or misleading medical claims about the effectiveness of their products.

Physical characteristics

Medium
paper; ink (blue)
Dimensions
Height x Width: 11/16 x 7/8 in. (1.75 x 2.22 cm)

Identification

Place
United States of America
Topic
The Gilded Age (1877-1920)
Date recorded
1880
Museum object number
2012.2016.2
Museum classification
Revenue Stamps

Catalogue references

  • ScottUSA RS56d

Research required

  • Research required: this record describes a single museum example; confirm perforation, watermark, printing and variety details against philatelic references.
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