Hawaii #52, used, Hilo 282.01 CDS dated 7 August 1892

Item Specifics

Country

United States - Hawaii

Catalog Number

52

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Stamp Format

Single

Year of Issue

1891

Item Description

The stamp in this listing is a used example of Scott #52, a Hawaiian stamp issued in 1891. THIS STAMP IS OF INTEREST TO COLLECTORS OF TOPICAL STAMPS, AT IT WAS THE FIRST STAMP IN THE WORLD ISSUED SHOWING THE IMAGE OF A BUTTERFLY (please see below). The centering is very good for this issue.

The stamp was cancelled at the Hilo post office on August 7, 1892. This is likely to be Hilo 281.01 (II) in Meyer-Harris, which is a rarity 6 on the Meyer-Harris Scale.

Please see scan for details.

The history of the stamp is as follows:

Scott #52 shows the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Lili`uokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This stamp was issued in late 1891, the year the Queen began her short reign. This stamp was issued to be the post office’s main definitive as it showed the portrait of the reigning monarch, and it paid the basic domestic postage rate.

This stamp is acknowledged as the earliest stamp issued by any country showing a butterfly, namely the one which appears to sit in the Queen’s hair. (Obviously, it was not issued to show a butterfly, but it does show one in the design.) The Queen insisted on this butterfly- jeweled brooch which was her favourite piece of jewelry. It appears in her official portraits and on this stamp. If memory serves, the brooch was acquired when then-Crown Princess Lili`uokalani was visiting England in 1887. The wings are spring loaded, and would have appeared to flutter as she moved. The brooch is now on permanent display in the collection of `Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawai`i.

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Shipping:

All stamps shipped by US Mail. US Orders $1.00 without insurance, international rates vary according to country of destination (please e-mail.) Optional insurance at USPS rates. 10 cents additional for each item, more of a discount for purchases of more than six items. Insurance will be required for shipments sold for $20 or more in total. Please e-mail for quotes on shipping if purchasing more than six items! Uninsured shipments sent at buyer's risk. This means that if you choose to forgo insurance, you agree to release me from any future claim via paypal if it should be lost in the mail.

Payment Options:

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Return Policy:

14 day, money back guarantee, provided the item(s) are sent back in original condition. The 14-day period is defined as follows:

US Bidders: 14 days from the 3rd day after the item is sent.

International: 14 days from the 7th day after the item is sent.

If there is a problem with an item (i.e. a problem with the item itself, it didn't get there, etc.), please e-mail me within this time frame and I will be happy to work with you! Sales will be considered final after that point if no contact is made. If any item is returned for any reason, shipping charges will not be refunded.

Seller Information

Seller

sugi891 (3955)

Registered Since

06/07/2005

Feedback

99.9%

Store

Po`oleka Hawai`i--Hawaiian stamps and more

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Item Location

Virginia, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

Yes

Returns Policy

Must be returned within 14 days in original condition. Money back, less shipping, no questions asked. Buyer pays return shipping.