US Stamp 1873 90c Official / War Perry Unused

US Stamp 1873 90c Official / War Perry Unused

U.S. #O93
1873 90¢ Perry
Official Stamp – War

Printed By: Continental Bank Note Co.
Printing Method: Engraved
Perforations: 12
Color: Rose

Official Mail stamps are genuine postage stamps, although they were never available at any post office.  These unique stamps are called Officials because their use was strictly limited to government mail.  Before 1873, government agencies had “franking” privileges.  This meant that government mail could be sent free of postage as long as it bore an authorized signature on the envelope.  As of July 1, 1873, “franking” privileges were discontinued and special official stamps were put into circulation for use on government mail.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785–1819) was a prominent American naval officer known for his role in the War of 1812, particularly for his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry was born on August 23, 1785, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, into a naval family. His father, Christopher Perry, was a naval captain, and several of his brothers also pursued careers in the Navy.

Perry began his naval career at a young age, serving as a midshipman under his father’s command. He gained experience in naval operations during the First Barbary War (1801–1805) against the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. War of 1812: Perry’s most famous achievement came during the War of 1812, a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. In 1813, Perry was given command of a small fleet on Lake Erie, where he faced off against the British Royal Navy. Battle of Lake Erie: On September 10, 1813, Perry’s fleet engaged the British fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie near Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Despite facing superior British forces, Perry successfully defeated the enemy fleet, famously sending the message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.” Perry’s victory at the Battle of Lake Erie was a turning point in the War of 1812, securing control of the Great Lakes for the United States and boosting American morale. Perry became a national hero and was praised for his leadership and bravery. After the war, Perry continued to serve in the Navy, participating in naval operations in the Caribbean. Tragically, he died of yellow fever at the age of 34 on August 23, 1819, while serving as the commandant of the Newport, Rhode Island, naval station. Perry is commemorated in various ways, including the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island, Ohio, which honors his victory at the Battle of Lake Erie. Additionally, numerous ships in the U.S. Navy have been named USS Perry in his honor.