Baltimore MD Local Post 5 Cents Provisional Stamp

United States · 1845 · 5 Cents

This provisional stamp from Baltimore, Maryland, features a simple, text-based design with 'BALTIMORE MD' at the top, 'POST OFFICE' in the center, and '5 Cts.' at the bottom, all enclosed within a rectangular frame. It served as a temporary postal marking for local mail delivery.

Issued by the Baltimore Post Office in 1845, this stamp is an example of early American local post provisionals, created to facilitate mail service before the widespread availability of federal postage stamps. These local issues filled a critical gap in the nascent U.S. postal system.