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America’s First Adhesive Stamp Awarded Highest Grade
We’re excited to announce that Lot 16087 in our Summer 2025 Auction has just been graded Superb Gem 100 Jumbo by the Philatelic Foundation. This unused left corner margin horizontal pair of (Greig’s) City Despatch Post, is now one of only two pairs to receive this exceptional grade. It ranks among the highest-graded examples of the first U.S. stamp ever recorded. Read the story of the evolution of City Despatch as we explore highlights from our Summer 2025 Auction.
A Local Mystery No More: The Only Known Unused Cutting’s Despatch Post Adhesive, Now Authenticated, to Surface in Auction
First announced in 1847 by Thomas S. Cutting, this 2c Black on Vermilion adhesive served a brief, enterprising private post during Buffalo’s rapid expansion. The stamp appeared sporadically in 19th-century catalogues, but for generations, only a single example, used on cover, was confirmed. Then in 2000, an off-cover adhesive matching the long-rumored issue surfaced at auction and was eventually quietly authenticated by the Philatelic Foundation. Still, it vanished from public view for more than two decades.
Despite its certification in 2001, the stamp was never exhibited, reoffered, or noted in the literature. For nearly 25 years, its whereabouts remained unknown, and its story largely forgotten. Now, this elusive local stamp will finally return to the market, offered publicly for the first time since its authentication. For collectors of Buffalo postal history, local posts, or classic United States material, this is a historic opportunity.
From Rebel Post to U.S. Postmaster: The Mumford Family Legacy
This 1824 folded cover, offered as Lot 13007 in our June 2025 Auction, connects us to a prominent Newport family whose legacy helped shape the American postal system. Endorsed by Benjamin B. Mumford, Newport’s postmaster from 1813 to 1827, the cover traces its roots to a remarkable story of rebellion and redemption. Benjamin’s father, Benjamin Mumford Sr., defied British authority during the Revolutionary era by operating an illegal postal service that outperformed the King’s Post. Detained by the Royal Navy for carrying rebel correspondence, he stood at the center of colonial resistance. Read the full story of how the Mumford family helped deliver the mail and define the American Postal System.
Summer 2025 Auction Coming Soon: A First Look at Our Auction Highlights!
The Summer 2025 Auction is almost here! Featuring over 930 exciting lots, including U.S. Stampless, US Stamps and Postal History, Carriers, Locals, Independent Mail, Western & Eastern Express Postal History, Civil War Postal History, Airmail and more! As we prepare to launch, we’re pleased to share a preview of just a few standout highlights from across the sale. Explore standout highlights and get ready to bid!
Pony Express Free Frank and Cover Addressed to Pony Express Co-Owner to Surface at Auction
As our Summer 2025 auction approaches, we are excited to highlight two postal history covers that offer a direct connection to the story of the Pony Express. One is a newly discovered manuscript free frank from R. B. Bradford, addressed to William B. Waddell, co-owner of the Pony Express. The other is the only recorded “Free” usage of the Wells, Fargo & Co. Type I Pony Express printed frank, a remarkable rarity that has not been publicly offered in over 55 years.
3 Covers That Explore the Career of Gold Rush Expressman, Pillsbury “Chips” Hodgkins
Pillsbury “Chips” Hodgkins was more than a Gold Rush expressman, he was a trusted courier who helped connect California’s frontier towns, earning a reputation for honesty and service that spanned decades. Chips’ legacy lives on through three remarkable postal covers, each capturing a different chapter of his career. As we look ahead to our Summer 2025 Sale, we are proud to offer three pieces of postal history that preserve the memory of this expressman whose quiet dedication helped carry the West forward.
About Us
Americana Stamps is a leading philatelic auction house dedicated to preserving philatelic history, educating the next generation of collectors, and modernizing the philatelic auction experience. Our commitment to detailed research, high-quality imaging, and expert insights sets us apart in the industry.
Our team is founded by collectors who have seamlessly transitioned into the role of auctioneers. We understand the challenges and frustrations that collectors face when participating in auctions, and our mission is to bridge the gap, offering a new and innovative auction platform that addresses these issues.
