Revenue Stamp
| Accession № | 1992.040.00001 |
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| Category | Single Stamp |
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| Purpose | Philately |
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| Specific Name | Revenue Stamp |
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| Artist/Maker | W.T. Blow |
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| Date | 1862-1883 |
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Description
This private die proprietary medicine stamp was issued by the United States government in 1862. It advertises Dr. T. L. Stephen's Celebrated Chemical Eye Salve, manufactured by W.T. Blow. Revenue stamps were issued by the United States as part of a tax on "patent" medicines to help raise money for the Union Army to fight the American Civil War. The Proprietary Medicine Manufacturers and Dealers Association finally lobbied Congress to repeal the tax in 1883.
