Description:

Civil War Appomattox Centennial FDCs, Archive of 140+ Pcs

A large archive of Civil War-related First Day of Issue Covers, the majority issued on the 100th anniversary of the April 9, 1865 Battle of Appomattox Court House, totaling 142 pieces. The envelopes are vintage and date from the Civil War period, but were stamped and postmarked on anniversaries. The majority of the archive consists of Appomattox Centennial FDCs, though there are a few exceptions (Battles of Shiloh & Gettysburg Centennial FDCs, etc.) The Appomattox FDCs typically bear a 5-cent U.S. "Civil War Centennial Appomattox" stamp and were postmarked from Appomattox, Virginia on April 9, 1965. Expected light surface wear including toning and weathering. Scattered pencil inscriptions, and minor loss to the envelopes. Else very good to else near fine. The average size of the envelopes is 5.5" x 3.125." The highly pictorial nature of the FDCs, combined with the colorful inks and bright envelopes, make this a great Americana lot.

The FDCs feature a variety of cachet engravings, patriotic vignettes, and satirical cartoons falling into four distinct categories. The predominant themes are: anti-Jefferson Davis sentiment; pro-Union sentiment; post-war Northern attitudes towards the South; and the depiction of Blacks. Some representative examples from each category can be found below. Please refer to the catalog photos for additional information about content and condition.

Anti-Jefferson Davis Sentiment

- "A Grave Wish. Jeff. Davis Alone. Jeff Davis, after taking Dr. Scott's Union Pills, is gratified in the grave wish of being let alone." The image is of a tombstone.

- Jefferson Davis variously depicted as a gnat, cat, rat, dog, fox, weasel, monkey, donkey, scarecrow, pirate, etc.

Pro-Union Sentiment

- Columbia: "Then conquer we must, our cause it is just. And this is our motto, 'In God is our trust.'"

- The Union depicted as a cannon firing on a toppling log cabin of "Disunion."

Post-war Northern Attitudes Towards the South

- "Southern Menagerie is Coming," depicting defeated Confederate Generals in circus cages.

Depiction of Blacks

- "Massa can't have dis chile, dat's what's de matter. The latest contraband of war."

- "…Massa Davis, what a figure, You will cut upon dat swing. I'd sooner be the poorest N--r, Den the whitest 'Cotton King.'"

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 4, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000