St. Louis Postmaster Provisional

United States · 1845 · 5 CENTS

A black stamp featuring the words 'ST. LOUIS, MO.' at the top, 'POST OFFICE' in the center, and '5 CENTS' at the bottom, all within an ornate rectangular frame.

This is a St. Louis Postmaster Provisional stamp, issued before the first general issue of U.S. stamps, reflecting the need for local postage solutions prior to a national postal system.