Lot
1010 
(Paying Special Delivery Fees) 1906 San Francisco Provisional "Special Delivery" Earthquake Mail, cover addressed to Milwaukee, Wis. with notations "S.F. Apr 20th, 1906" and provisional box franking reading "This is supposed to be a Special Delivery stamp. San Francisco does not seem to be able to sell me one." and "I owe the United States 12, send bill to San Francisco", with additional notation at left "If stamps are necessary, collect at Home of Adressee. I cannot procure any.", reverse with receiving backstamp, Very Fine. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE ONLY RECORDED 1906 PROVISIONAL EARTHQUAKE FREE FRANKING BEARING A PROVISIONAL "SPECIAL DELIVERY" STAMP.
On April 18, 1906, a major earthquake devastated San Francisco. Almost 30,000 buildings were destroyed, 700 persons died and 30,000 were made homeless. The fire that followed the earthquake destroyed the post office's supply of stamps. The Post Office Department permitted residents to send letters free of postage for a time after the disaster.
Realized: $1,250