Petersburg Va. 5¢ red 65X1 tied blue PETERSBURG Va. 5 cts. DEC 61 town postmark on blue embossed Peebles, Plummer & C. Commission Merchants & Grocers cameo corner card to P.L. Derby, Crimea PO Va. Ex Moody, Emerson, Swap, and David Burton. Listed in both Postmaster Provisionals, Section 2, and Advertising, Section 2. $2,000.

Charleston, S.C. 5¢ blue 16X1, tied by one of two complete strikes of CHARLESTON S.C. OCT 6 1861 double-circle datestamp on J. N. Robson commission merchant's corner card cover to Mess. Phifer York, Concord N.C., minor edge flaws and soiling. The Calhoun census lists approximately fourteen examples on corner card covers, however, many are embossed and do not clearly show the design. 1997 CSA certificate. Ex Clovis (Ken Schopp) and David Burton. Listed in both Postmaster Provisionals, Section 2, and Advertising, Section 2. $550.

Charleston, S.C. 5¢ blue 16X1, Calhoun type E, large to ample margins showing outer framelines on three sides, just into frameline at left, tied by CHARLESTON S.C. OCT 18 1861 double-circle datestamp on Charleston Hotel, D. Mixer, Charleston S.C. overall lithographed advertising cover to Col. Montgomery Moses, Sumter So. Ca., W. Eaves N.Y. imprint at bottom and on back flap, sealed tear at top and on back flap from opening, tiny gum spot on stamp, Very Fine. The Calhoun census lists approximately fourteen examples on corner card covers -- some embossed without color. This is the only example identified in the census with an overall advertising design. Great provenance of Ex Edward Knapp, Dr. Ralph Brandon, Clovis (Kenneth Schopp), and David L. Burton. Listed in both Postmaster Provisionals, Section 2, and Advertising, Section 2. $1,250.

Montgomery Moses bio on linked page.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue pair tied neat clear QUINCY Flor. JAN 30 circular datestamp on professionally cleaned (lightly) and restored college cover with blue cameo of University of Georgia, Athens (CSA Catalog type GA-15a, CV $1,250), addressed to Mrs. Lamar Cobb, Athens, Georgia, slightly reduced at left, and tiny repair at lower left corner, Ex Oxer and Burton. $750.

Lamar Cobb was a son of Howell Cobb (1815-1868) who married Mary Ann Lamar, daughter of Col. Zachariah Lamar of Milledgeville, Georgia, by whom he had 12 children. He became Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Secretary of the Treasury under James Buchanan, President of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States at Montgomery in 1861, and a Confederate Major General.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue pair tied CHARLESTON S.C. DEC 31 on all-over tan advertising of Horsey Auten & Co., Dealers in Items, Caps Straw Goods, 25 Hayne Street, Charleston, S.C., to Messrs. A.M. Norris & Co., Dalton, Georgia; lower left corner replaced. Ex David Burton. $950.

CSA 5, 10¢ rose used with pen cancel and matching manuscript postmark of Chula Depot Va. Sept 17 on light orange all-over college cover of Richmond Female Institute (CSA catalog type VA-13, CCV $750) showing college buildings, to Mr. Charles H. Winston, Richmond, Virginia, Box 643 with docketing “Wife Sept 17.” Ex David Burton. $600.

Charles Henry was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau, for which he was commissioned a major of cavalry. Bio on linked page. Richmond Female Institute was used during the war as C.S. Hospital #4, for officers. From June 1863 to February 1865. It was built in 1853 and demolished in 1924. It was designed to look like what, at that time, was perceived to be an Italian villa.

CSA 4, 5¢ blue, Stone 3, position 33 with C and E joined, used over uncanceled US 26 3¢ red, tied CHARLESTON S.C. APR 22 (1862) on printed corner card of Southern Tobacco Agency, S. Wyatt & Co. Commission Merchants, Charleton, S.C., addressed to Messrs. W.R. Johnson & Bro. Petersburg, Va. Stamp moved to the left to show US stamp, restored piece out across top, slightly reduced at top and top back flap missing. Ex Tate and Burton. $550.

CSA 2e, 10¢ light milky blue Stone Y (4 margin) tied blue PETERSBURG Va. OCT 7 (1862) pm advertising cover with printed corner card of Thos. Branch & Sons, Grocers & Commission Merchants, Petersburg, Va; addressed to Jno Fitzgerald Blacks & Whites, Va.; matching letterhead with printed transaction form on the back as well – a charming set. Ex David Kohn and David Burton. $500.

Thomas Branch was a highly successful commission merchant and banker. Bio on linked page.

CSA 2-P, 10¢ light blue Paterson (3 large margins) pen canceled with matching Mattoax Va July 17th manuscript postmark on deep orange all-over college cover of Richmond Female Institute (CSA catalog type VA-13, CCV $750) showing college buildings, to Mrs. Charles H. Winston, Richmond, Virginia. Ex David Burton. $600.

Charles Henry Winston was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau. His bio and history of the  Richmond Female Institute are on the linked page.

CSA 1, 5¢ bright green tied beautifully struck MONTGOMERY Ala. MAR 10 1862 cds on advertising cover to Margaret Cloud, La Place, Alabama; orange-red cameo of CENTRAL BANK OF ALABAMA, MONTGOMERY, ALA. that was originally on top back flap and was cut out and placed at upper left for display. Ex Seybold, Brandon, and Burton. Very Showy. $550.

Margaret Ann (called Peggy) Swearingen Cloud and Dr. John B. Cloud bios on linked page.

CSA 1, 5¢ green (stamp a bit reduced on right side along with cover) tied RICHMOND Va. DEC 2 (1861) CDS on all-over green Spotswood Hotel cover addressed to Mrs. Geo T. Whittington, Rector Town M.G. R. R., Va. Care of T. M. Lake, Esq. Edge tears and stains, but a scarce and showy cover. Many accompanying articles on and photos of the hotel. $900.

The Spotswood Hotel opened in 1860 and was the center of high society. History on linked page.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue, roughly torn margins with double strike tie of RICHMOND VA FEB 19 CDS on all-over green Spotts & Harvey Grocers & Commission Merchants advertising cover addressed to C.Y. Thomas Esq, Martinsville, Henry Co Va, Ex-Dr. Daniel C. Warren, B.R. Williams, and David Burton. $650.

C. Y. Thomas was a man of more than ordinary distinction in Virginia, an attorney of ability who served in the Virginia senate before the War and struggled in vain against secession. Despite this, he held the office of commonwealth attorney during the War and was appointed by the Confederacy to distribute supplies to the needy families of Confederate soldiers.

CSA 1, 5¢ green top right corner margin single with large margins on 3 sides, tied by RICHMOND Va. DEC 31 cds on lovely blue all-over shaded advertising cover of Harvey, Armistead & Williams, Wholesale Grocers & Commission Merchants, Richmond, Va., to Messrs. Gillian & Newman, Evergreen, Va.; small sealed tear at top, otherwise Extremely Fine, ex Tate, Monroe (pictured in his book on page 58), and Burton. $1,400.

CSA 1, 5¢ green, (4 even margins, deep rich color) tied by CHARLESTON S.C. JAN 3 1862 cds on ALL-OVER CHARLESTON HOTEL AD COVER to Mrs. E[lijah] Willis, Augusta, Ga.; purple non-contemporary docketing, small opening tear at upper left. $1,000.

Elijah Willis was a wealthy cotton planter. Bio on linked page.

CSA 1, 5¢ green, tied by blue LEXINGTON Va. FEB 17 (1862) circular datestamp on light orange-brown lithographed Virginia Military Institute all-over illustrated college cover with Standing Liberty and "Sic Semper Tyrannis" slogan (CSA Catalog type VA-19b); addressed to John B. Cocke Esq., Belmead Mills Powhatan, Va., stamp is defective with tiny portions torn away and lower right corner replaced, otherwise Very Fine, with 2004 CSA certificate. Ex Richard Hall, Clovis (Ken Schopp), and David Burton.  VMI ad covers are extremely rare and desirable. $1,700.

CSA 1, 5¢ bright green pair (couple pre-affixing pin holes in left stamp) tied by blue PETERSBURG Va. MAR 18 CDS on advertising cover to Mess. Carroll Hoy & Co., New Orleans, La. with R.A. Young & Bro. Grocers & Genl. Commission Merchants blue cameo; small piece restored at upper left into upper right of cameo, slightly reduced at top. Ex David Burton. $400.

CSA 2-P, 10¢ blue Paterson, including part adjacent stamp at top, slightly in at bottom, tied RICHMOND VA. circular datestamp on blue all-over Harvey, Armistead and Williams Wholesale Grocers and Commission Merchants. Showy. Ex David Burton. $650.

CSA 4, 5¢ blue (3 margin) tied RICHMOND Va. MAR 2 1862 CDS on all-over advertising cover of Spotts & Harvey Grocers & Commission Merchants addressed to Messrs. Carroll Hoy & Co. New Orleans; small repaired piece out at top, signed PWWP (Peter W.W. Powell, Richmond specialist), Ex Powell and David Burton. $550.

CSA 4, 5¢ blue (faulty) tied blue CHARLOTTESVILLE VA. JUN 16 1862 CDS on gray all-over illustrated advertising cover of Spotswood Hotel, Joseph H. Crenshaw, Proprietor to Lewis D. Crenshaw, Esq. Richmond Va.; top back flap missing, vertical file folds, Ex Bruce E. Engstler and David Burton. $450.

CSA 4, 5¢ blue used with manuscript cancel and matching ms. Mattoax Va June 16th on gray all-over illustrated college cover of Richmond Female Institute addressed to Charles H. Winston Richmond Virginia, the college president. A lovely use. Ex David Burton. $750.

Charles Henry Winston was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau, for which he was commissioned a major of cavalry. Bio on linked page.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue pair (crease or sealed pre-use tear in left stamp) tied SAVANNAH Ga. JAN 23 CDS on orange all-over illustrated advertising cover of Screben House, Savannah, Ga., 608 Bull and Congress Streets, Mrs. J.B. Foley, Proprietor; addressed to Mrs. T.F. Hooper, Okolona Miss.; directed Care S. Word and Via Mobile; reduced at left, Ex Brian M. Green and David Burton. $750.

CSA 7, 2 singles of 5¢ blue barely tied at center by grid with matching ATHENS Ga. circular datestamp on small college cover with blue embossed cameo of University of Georgia, Athens (type GA-15a, CV $1,250), addressed to Thomas W. Grimes M.D., Columbus, Georgia. Ex David Burton. $750.

Dr. Thomas Wingfield Grimes (1809-1881) was a prominent Columbus physician from an old family with family members who served in the Revolutionary War.

CSA 6, 5¢ light blue single used with pen cancel and matching ms. Mattoax Va May 28th (1862) postmark on gray all-over illustrated college cover of Richmond Female Institute addressed to Charles H. Winston Richmond Virginia, the college president. A lovely use. Ex Richard Hall and David Burton. $550.

Charles Henry Winston was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau. Bio on linked page.

CSA 6, 5¢ light blue single (3 margins, faint pre-use crease) tied neat double-circle datestamp of CHARLESTON S.C.JUN 27 1862 on printed corner card of Force & Mitchell, Wholesale Dealers in Boots and Shoes, addressed to J.H. Gant Esq, Cleveland Tenn. Handsome. Ex David Burton. $500.

CSA 6, 5¢ light blue single (4 margins, but close on 3 sides) tied blue PETERSBURG Va MAY 31 1862 CDS on printed grocer and commission merchant corner card of Thos. Branch & Sons; addressed to John Fitzgerald Esqr, Blacks & Whites, Va.; minor edge wear but still overall Very Fine appearance. Ex David Burton $250.

Thomas Branch bio on linked page.

CSA 6, 5¢ light blue pair (4 margins) tied blue PETERSBURG Va CDS on printed grocer and commission merchant corner card of Thos. Branch & Sons; addressed to John Fitzgerald Esqr, Blacks & Whites, Va.; a bit of back flap damage otherwise Very Fine. Ex Peter W.W. Powell (signed on back as “a Gem”) and David Burton $325.

Thomas Branch, of Petersburg and Richmond, was born in 1802. He established himself in Petersburg as a highly successful commission merchant and banker through businesses such as: Thomas Branch & Bro.; Thomas Branch & Sons; and Branch Sons & Co. During the Civil War, he established Thomas Branch & Co. in Richmond, making his permanent home there after the war. In 1871, he founded the Merchants National Bank of Richmond. Thomas Branch, who died in 1888, had 16 children, 13 by Sarah Pride Read and 3 by Anne Adams Wheelright. In 1880, Thomas resigned the presidency of the Merchants National Bank. John Patteson Branch, his third and oldest surviving son by Sarah Pride Read, succeeded him. Branch was a moderate Unionist and initial opponent of secession. He was chosen in early 1861 as Petersburg’s representative at the state convention to consider secession. Because of his age, he played a minor role during the war but continued operating his business.

CSA 7, 5¢ blue pair just tied used with manuscript cancel and matching ms. Mattoax Va Octo 15th on fresh gray all-over illustrated college cover of Richmond Female Institute (VA 13, CV $750) addressed to Charles H. Winston Richmond Virginia, the college president. A lovely use. Ex David Burton. $600.

Charles Henry Winston was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau. Bio on linked page.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue, White Tie Variety with ample to large margins, tied by faint blue circular datestamp, likely of Petersburg Va., on Franklin Davis fruit and ornamental tree grower's all-over lithographed illustrated ad cover to Franklin Davis, Staunton, Augusta County, Va., possibly used as a return envelope, Extremely Fine. SHOWY ILLUSTRATED AD COVER WITH SCARCE WHITE TIE VARIETY, Ex Dr. Howard Green, John Walker and David Burton. A Showpiece. $1,000.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue 2 overlapping singles local print (some gum staining) tied neat RICHMOND VA. JUL 26 (1863) on green all-over advertising cover of Harvey, Armistead & Williams Wholesale Grocers over to M.C. Massie Massie’s Mill, Nelson County, Va. Ex David Burton. $700.

The Massie family history on linked page.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue pair tied blue PETERSBURG Va MAR 10 (1863) on advertising cover with blue cameo of Richmond Christian Advocate Main St. Richmond VA, Leo Rosser, editor.” The Richmond Christian Advocate was a newspaper. Click here to see the second use of this turned cover which has been refolded on the inside so that the advertising could be displayed. It bears CSA 7 5¢ blue pair with pre-affixing faults tied by a blue LYNCHBURG Va. CDS MAR 19 (1863) and addressed back to Petersburg Va. to Rev. TH Early; part of back flap is missing but still Very Fine appearing turned advertising cover. Ex David Burton. $700.

CSA 7-R, 5¢ blue pair (4 margins) tied SPARTANBURG S.C. MAR 24 double-circle datestamp on ad cover with printed oval of J.N. Robson, Commission Merchant, Charleston, S.C.; envelope addressed to James N. Robson, Charleston, So.Ca. Top back flap missing, otherwise Very Fine, Ex David Burton. $275.

J.N. Robson and Son history on linked page.

CSA 1, 5¢ green (4-margin with small tear and crease) tied RANDOLPH MACON COLLEGE VA JAN 24 (1862) circle datestamp on cover to Jeff W. Stubbs Esqr., Cappahosic Va. Back flap embossed with blue Randolph Macon College oval (VA-12, CV $750). The back flap has been cut and folded over for display purposes. This is also a TURNED COVER with inside a handcarried use to Miss N.A. Jones c/o Dr. JP. Boisseau, Dinwiddie, Va. Ex Conrad Bush and David Burton. $650.

Jefferson W. Stubbs bio on linked page.

CSA 11d, 10¢ green (4 margins) tied blue PETERSBURG Va OCT 20 CDS on printed grocer and commission merchant corner card of Thos. Branch & Sons; addressed to John Fitzgerald Esqr, Blacks & Whites, Nottoway (County) Va.; Very Fine, Scarce shade. Ex David Burton $500.

Thomas Branch bio on linked page.

CSA 11, 10¢ blue (4 margins, faulty) used with manuscript cancel and matching ms. Mattoax Va Feby 9th on gray all-over illustrated college cover of Richmond Female Institute (VA 13, CV $750) addressed to Charles H. Winston Richmond Virginia, the college president. There appears to be an earlier stamp affixed under this one and a light penciled address under the one in pen. This points to an earlier use. Slightly reduced at top and part of top back flap missing. Ex David Burton. Sold on its own merits. $350.

Charles Henry Winston was Superintendent of the Confederate Nitre Bureau. Bio on linked page.

CSA 12-ADa, 10¢ milky blue (4 margins) tied neat blue PETERSBURG VA circular datestamp on fresh envelope to Rev. J.H. Saye, Lewisville, Chesser Dist. S.C. with printed ad of the Evangelical Tract Society, Petersburg, Virgina. Ex David Burton. $250.