| DWI Pre-1917 |  Top |
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US$ | ||
248446 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
Scott # 18a BISECT, Green-Blue Printing [4 Cent Perf 12.75 Bicolor] VF (upper left corner) solo use on 23 January 1903 (fourth day of bisect use) picture post card (lithographed photo of Blackbeard Castle / tower) from ST. THOMAS to the U.S. with BROOKLYN, NY, receiving machine postmark. Two cents was the correct foreign post card rate at the time. However, examples of the bisect used on cards to other countries are quite scarce (compared to use on locally mailed souvenir covers), especially with a receiving postmark such as this has. The card, being pre-1907, has an undivided back, and is without any publisher information, but has a standard European-type German / French address-side header. The subject matter of the card is not uncommon, but it is often misunderstood. This is the so-called Blackbeards castle / tower on St. Thomas. (That is not to be confused with the slightly shorter Bluebeards castle / tower located on St. Croix.) Per Wikipedia, it was erected in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower to protect the harbor as well as Fort Christian. It was originally called Skytsborg (meaning protection castle). It is located at the highest point of Government Hill. Skytsborg served as a very effective vantage point for Danish soldiers to spot enemy ships. Fort Christian is at sea level, thus making it ideal for thwarting attackers with cannon fire; however, the fort itself did not provide an ideal view of incoming ships entering the harbor. Pirate Blackbeard was believed to have used this tower at some point. A typical bisect, in good condition and used locally on an envelope, can sell from $45 to $90 depending upon various factors. However, nicely used on post card, the bisect is much, much scarcer. While I do not have a complete record of all bisect covers/cards I have sold in the last 50 years, I do not have a specific record of having had any bisects on card to other countries (though I am sure I must have had one or two). This is the only bisect on post card example I have been able to offer on the website from 2006 when I added this section to the website and now (2024). An very nice item! ACTUAL item. |
165.00 |
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240575 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
29 [1903 2 cent Coat of Arms] (VF) solo use on 31 March 1904 picture post card (lithographed photo of Black Beard Castle / tower) from ST. THOMAS to the U.S. with LANCASTER, PA., receiving machine postmark. The card has a small crease and a sealed tear near (but not affecting!) the stamp. The card, being pre-1907, has an undivided back, and is without any publisher information. This stamp is scarce on cover/card; 2018 Facit value is SEK 1800 (11/2018 $230)! Very attractive! ACTUAL item. |
120.00 |
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239216 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
32 [1905 10 bit Christian IX] (F-VF) on 18 September 1907 picture post card from FREDERIKSTED, via ST. THOMAS, to the U.S. The card pictures the "Public Wharf", with Customs House (the main official building) in Christiansted (some wear on picture side; Lightbourn "St. Croix Series, No. 32."). ACTUAL item. |
45.00 |
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238010 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
"Statue of King Christian IX unveiled August 1909 / Emancipation Garden, St. Thomas, D.W.I." vertical format. Mint VF picture post card. Publisher imprint: Lightbourns West India Series. ACTUAL item. |
12.00 |
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237883 "View EXACT ACTUAL Image"){kind=small} |
43 [1907 5 bit Frederik VIII] (Fine) on 4 August 1911 picture post card used within CHRISTIANSTED. Nice (hand?) colored card of :"Blue Beards Castle", with publisher imprint "Edwd. Fraas copyright. Series No. 23". ACTUAL item. |
35.00 |