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Why Gutter Pairs and Cross Gutter Blocks are Collector Favorites

Why Gutter Pairs and Cross Gutter Blocks are Collector Favorites

In stamp production, a “gutter” refers to the blank or unprinted space that appears between panes of stamps on a printed sheet. When two stamps are connected by this gutter, they form what is known as a gutter pair. If a group of four or more stamps is connected by this space, it is called a gutter block. A cross gutter block occurs when four panes of stamps are connected by two intersecting gutters, creating a block of stamps with a cross of unprinted space or additional design elements at its center.

The Art and Impact of Hunting Permit Stamps

The Art and Impact of Hunting Permit Stamps

Hunting permit stamps, also known as “duck stamps,” were first introduced in the United States in 1934 as a means of generating revenue for waterfowl conservation. The initiative was born out of necessity, as the early 20th century witnessed a dramatic decline in waterfowl populations due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. The federal government stepped in, mandating that all waterfowl hunters over the age of 16 purchase a stamp annually.

Confederate Postage Stamps Provide a Glimpse into Civil War-Era History

Confederate Postage Stamps Provide a Glimpse into Civil War-Era History

When the Southern states seceded from the Union in 1861, one of the first tasks of the newly formed Confederate government was to establish a postal system. The United States Postal Service had stopped operations in the seceded states, leaving a vacuum that needed to be filled quickly. The Confederate Post Office, under the leadership of Postmaster General John H. Reagan, began issuing its own stamps in October 1861.

A Look at Stamped Envelopes and Wrappers

A Look at Stamped Envelopes and Wrappers

The concept of stamped envelopes dates back to the early days of the postal system. The first stamped envelope in the United States was issued in 1853. Known as the Nesbitt issue, these envelopes featured a simple design with a profile of Benjamin Franklin, modeled after the designs of contemporary postage stamps. Wrappers, on the other hand, were introduced as a way to efficiently mail newspapers, periodicals, and other printed materials. The first stamped wrappers in the United States were issued in 1861.

The Fascination of Specimen Stamps

The Fascination of Specimen Stamps

Specimen stamps are essentially sample stamps provided by postal authorities to other postal administrations, government agencies, or stamp dealers. Their primary purpose was to serve as a reference to identify the designs, denominations, and security features of stamps from other countries. Often, the word “Specimen” is either overprinted on the stamp or incorporated into the design to clearly indicate that it is not valid for postage.

The Story Behind Arrow Blocks

The Story Behind Arrow Blocks

Arrow blocks are stamp blocks that include one or more arrows printed in the margin. These arrows were used by printers as alignment guides to ensure that the sheets were properly positioned during the printing process. The arrows often point towards the center of the sheet, helping to align the stamps with precision.