Stamps of PANAMA
PANAMA
1818, January 12: Colonial Mail, Panama was part of New Granada, Red Straight Line h.s. on folded letter to Jose Antonio Errea, Lima (Peru) m.s. "4" rate.
This letter has a date "Fiel Panama 12 Enero 1818" where "Fiel" indicates that the sender was affirming his loyalty to the crown.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This letter has a date "Fiel Panama 12 Enero 1818" where "Fiel" indicates that the sender was affirming his loyalty to the crown.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1813, May 22: Red Straight Line h.s. PANAMÁ. It is two sheets of paper folded together. You can see the address and also the docketing by the sender which includes the date. The PANAMA strike is rather faint - it was done in red. There is a slight hole and tear in the back of the outer sheet, which does not affect the contents. Otherwise it is in quite good condition for its age. It is the only colonial Panama cover sent to Havana.
Only colonial letter from Panama to Havana, Cuba.
Only colonial letter from Panama to Havana, Cuba.
1819, August 17: Colonial Mail, Panama was part of New Granada, FINE strike, E.L. from Panama to Lima endorsed "Bergn. Pelican" with fine straight line PANAMA in red. Endorsed as sent on 17 August and received on 6 October.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1813 PANAMA to HAVANA
1818 PANAMA to LIMA
1819 PANAMA to LIMA
1805 PANAMA to Fuenterrabia, Spain
1805, March 12: Colonial Mail, Panama was part of New Granada, Red Straigh Line h.s. PANAMÁ FRANCA on folded letter to Licdo D. Gabriel Antonio Zuzuárregui, Spain m.s. "4 1/2" rate, FINE strike, Mar 12/805. From its content, originating in Panama where is uncle ask his nephew how is Europe.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of two PANAMÁ/FRANCA to Europe, one of two to Fuenterravia, Spain and one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line marking
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of two PANAMÁ/FRANCA to Europe, one of two to Fuenterravia, Spain and one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line marking
1811, June 19: Colonial Mail, Panama was part of New Granada, Red Straigh Line h.s. on folded letter to Señor Don Miguel Pizano, Lima (Peru) m.s. "4 1/2" rate, FINE strike, June 19, 1811, delivered by "Paquebot Carmen."
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1811 PANAMA to LIMA
1808 Nov 28 PANAMA to Santa Fe, Colombia
1808, November 28: Red Straight Line handstamp Type II PANAMÁ FRANCA on folded letter from PANAMA CITY to SANTA FE de BOGOTA addressed to Camilo Torres, Santa Fe. This letter is the second of three letters sent to Camilo Torres from the same sender, Camilo Torres, who was the leader of the Revolutionary Forces and was elected President of United Provinces of Nueva Granada in 1815. The stamp shows a flat "S," which does not represent the 5 reales required for a double letter weighing up to 2 ounces. These rates were published in the 'Itinerario Real de Correo del Nuevo Reino de Granada,' dated December 4, 1770.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
1809 PANAMA to Santa Fe, Colombia
1809, June 30: PANAMA to SANTA FE. Entire letter. PANAMÁ (Tizon 2 = RR) and VYVA FERNANDO 7 (Tizon 3 = EXT) patriotic handstamp-applied in support of Spain's King. Rated "5" reales in manuscript for a double letter under ¾ ounce in weight. NOTE: In 1809 Spain was invaded by French Army and King Fernando VII imprisoned. Ironically, the addresse Camilo Torres was to join the Revolutionary forces later in 1809 and was shot in 1816.
One of two letters from Panama with a patriotic hand-stamp "VYVA FERNANDO 7." One of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
One of two letters from Panama with a patriotic hand-stamp "VYVA FERNANDO 7." One of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
1816 PORTOVELO to PANAMA
1816, Februry 16: PORTOVELO (Later COLON) to PANAMA. Entire letter with red PORTVLO handstamp. Originated from Portovelo and addressed to Panama, no indication of rate but should be 1½ reales for under ½ oz; contents referring to large shipment of silver.
Only recorded colonial letter originating in Portovelo and the only colonial letter originating in a town other than Panama.
Only recorded colonial letter originating in Portovelo and the only colonial letter originating in a town other than Panama.
1816 PANAMA to LIMA
1816, November 19: Dated folded letter with straight line PANAMÁ (Tizon 2 = RR) handstamp in red, postmark used from 1807 to the late 1820’s. From Panama to Lima, Peru, manuscript "Par la Bot Abarcal," with manuscript “4” reales rating for a double letter up to 1½ ounces. Content stating that 6,029 pesos have been shipped on the "Abarcal."
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1818 PANAMA to LIMA
1819, May 6: Dated folded letter with perfect straight line PANAMÁ handstamp in red, postmark used from 1807 to the late 1820’s. datelined May 6, 1819 from Panama to Lima, Peru, manuscript "Paquebot Correo Y."
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1815 PANAMA to SPAIN
1815 September 30: Fine strike in red straight-line h.s. PANAMÁ/FRANCA on folded letter to Licenciado D. Gabriel Antonio Zuzuárregui to Fuenterravia, Spain. m.s. "X" with no rate and m.s. "España." From its content, dated Sep 30 de 1815 and originating in Panama where his uncle answers his nephews 13 de Abril letter.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of two PANAMÁ/FRANCA to Europe, one of two to Fuenterravia, Spain and one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line marking.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of two PANAMÁ/FRANCA to Europe, one of two to Fuenterravia, Spain and one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line marking.
In 1717, the Viceroyalty of New Granada (northern South America) was created in response to other Europeans trying to take Spanish territory in the Caribbean region. In the reinstatement of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1739, the territories of the Royal Audience of Panama are added. The Isthmus of Panama was placed under its jurisdiction. But the remoteness of New Granada's capital Santa Fe de Bogotá proved a greater obstacle than the Spanish crown anticipated as the authority of the new Viceroyalty was contested by the seniority, closer proximity, previous ties to the Viceroyalty of Peru in Lima and even Panama's own initiative. The Royal Decree of 6 August 1764 by King Carlos III established the new rules for mail in all Spanish colonies, and corresponding postmarks were introduce to denote the provenance of the mail. This uneasy relationship between Panama and Bogotá would persist for a century and lasted until November 28, 1821 when Panama got independence from Spain and joined to the Republic of Colombia.
If we consider only the material available for private collectors, and not the letters preserved by national archives in Spain and America, not many folded letters/covers for this period have survived. Four classes of mail service were offered, paid letters, unpaid letters and official mail. The earliest colonial markings were hand stamps for the town name usually a port name PANAMÁ or PORTVLO, FRANCO or FRANCA (paid). There is one known private mail from Chagres, Panama, one from Portovelo with SANTA FE, one from Panama to Cadiz 5R.
Via Panamá: Four known covers, three through Panama and one through Portovelo two of them to Lima seem to have come from the same sender and on the same date 19 Nov, 1811; one from Venezuela to Guatemala, and Lima to Cadiz.
From Panama to Popayan 1, Antioquia 1, Cartagena 2, Santa Fe 5, Lima 7, Cadiz 1, Fuenterravia 2, Madrid 2, Guayaquil 2, Guatemala 1 and Havana 1.
By country Colombia 9, Peru 7, Spain 5, Ecuador 2, Guatemala 1 and Cuba 1.
From Portovelo (Colon) to Panama 1
From Chagres to Nicaragua 1 privately
Other Markings: From Portovelo with SANTA FE and the other from Panama to Cadiz with 5R
If we consider only the material available for private collectors, and not the letters preserved by national archives in Spain and America, not many folded letters/covers for this period have survived. Four classes of mail service were offered, paid letters, unpaid letters and official mail. The earliest colonial markings were hand stamps for the town name usually a port name PANAMÁ or PORTVLO, FRANCO or FRANCA (paid). There is one known private mail from Chagres, Panama, one from Portovelo with SANTA FE, one from Panama to Cadiz 5R.
Via Panamá: Four known covers, three through Panama and one through Portovelo two of them to Lima seem to have come from the same sender and on the same date 19 Nov, 1811; one from Venezuela to Guatemala, and Lima to Cadiz.
From Panama to Popayan 1, Antioquia 1, Cartagena 2, Santa Fe 5, Lima 7, Cadiz 1, Fuenterravia 2, Madrid 2, Guayaquil 2, Guatemala 1 and Havana 1.
By country Colombia 9, Peru 7, Spain 5, Ecuador 2, Guatemala 1 and Cuba 1.
From Portovelo (Colon) to Panama 1
From Chagres to Nicaragua 1 privately
Other Markings: From Portovelo with SANTA FE and the other from Panama to Cadiz with 5R
COLONIAL MAIL PERIOD
1808 Dec 2 PANAMA to Santa Fe, Colombia
1808, December 2: Red Straight Line handstamp Type II PANAMÁ FRANCA on folded letter from PANAMA CITY to SANTA FE de BOGOTA addressed to Camilo Torres, Santa Fe. This letter is the third of three letters sent to Camilo Torres from the same sender, Camilo Torres, who was the leader of the Revolutionary Forces and was elected President of United Provinces of Nueva Granada in 1815. The stamp shows a flat "S," which does not represent the 5 reales required for a double letter weighing up to 2 ounces. These rates were published in the 'Itinerario Real de Correo del Nuevo Reino de Granada,' dated December 4, 1770.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
1817 PANAMA to CADIZ
1817, June 17. Entire letter from Panama to Cadiz (Spain), endorsed “1a via,” with a deep slit for disinfection, handstamped in transit at Havana(Cuba) with “Islas De/Barlovento” two lines (P.E. 33), charged with "5R” receiving marking corresponding to an unpaid single weight. The only cover recorded, emanating from Panama, exhibiting any of the extensively used “Islas De Barlovento” postmarks.
This usage is further enhanced by representing one of only about five items known with this handstamp being struck in black at Havana, either on dispatch or in transit.
One of only about five items known with this handstamp being struck in black at Havana, either on dispatch or in transit.
This usage is further enhanced by representing one of only about five items known with this handstamp being struck in black at Havana, either on dispatch or in transit.
One of only about five items known with this handstamp being struck in black at Havana, either on dispatch or in transit.
1807 Sep 30 PANAMA to Santa Fe, Colombia
1807, September 30: Red Straight Line handstamp Type II PANAMÁ FRANCA on folded letter from PANAMA CITY to SANTA FE de BOGOTA addressed to Camilo Torres, Santa Fe. This letter is the first of three letters sent to Camilo Torres from the same sender, Camilo Torres, who was the leader of the Revolutionary Forces and was elected President of United Provinces of Nueva Granada in 1815. The stamp shows a flat "S," which does not represent the 5 reales required for a double letter weighing up to 2 ounces. These rates were published in the 'Itinerario Real de Correo del Nuevo Reino de Granada,' dated December 4, 1770.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
One of seven with PANAMÁ/FRANCA during the colonial period, one of five to Santa Fe, one of seven to Colombia.
1816 PANAMA to LIMA
1816, October 7: Dated folded letter with straight line PANAMÁ (Tizon 2 = RR) handstamp in red, postmark used from 1807 to the late 1820’s. Panama to Lima. Letter with a very interesting context about the gold extraction rights in this province. Dessinfected spots produced by the vinager used for the desinfectation. With manuscript “4” (reales) rating.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
This is one of seven recorded colonial letters from Panama to Lima.
1820 PANAMA to MADRID
1820, March 6: Dated folded letter with straight line PANAMÁ (Tizon 2 = RR) straight line postmark on entire folded letter, rated “7R” (Reales) upon arrival in Spain.
One of two recorded colonial letters to Madrid, one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line.
One of two recorded colonial letters to Madrid, one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line.
1820ca PANAMA to MADRID
1820ca: Envelope sent from Panama to Madrid, undated, with fine strike of the 'PANAMÁ' straight-line in red, manuscript charge mark to front, very attractive and rare; just twenty-one covers recorded during the colonial period with this handstamp.
One of two recorded colonial letters to Madrid, one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line.
One of two recorded colonial letters to Madrid, one of five recorded letters to Spain with PANAMÁ straight-line.
1810ca PANAMA to ANTIOQUIA
1810ca: Stampless letter from the town council of Panamá (Cabildo de Panamá) to Al Gobierno actual de la Provincia de Antioquia via Cartagena rated “13” reales see 177 Antioquia tarif Table with very fine italic “PANAMÁ” and “DEBE” straight-line handstamps in red. The cover contained criminal proceedings against a citizen accused of murdering a slave. This is the only cover in existence with the “DEBE” marking. Applied at Panama, which is unrecorded by Tizón.
DATING: To find the approximate date on which this letter was sent, the address of the letter was used. In this case, it was noted that the letter was officially sent from the "Cavildo de Panama," which ceased to exist after the independence from Spain on November 28, 1821. Understanding that cabildos continued to exist for a while after independence, it was very unlikely that the letter came from the Cabildo of Panama after 1821. Therefore, an estimate of the 1810ca was applied to this letter. Additionally, the rate table below shows a rating of "13" from the Antioquia rating table.
This is the only cover in existence with the straight “DEBE” marking.
DATING: To find the approximate date on which this letter was sent, the address of the letter was used. In this case, it was noted that the letter was officially sent from the "Cavildo de Panama," which ceased to exist after the independence from Spain on November 28, 1821. Understanding that cabildos continued to exist for a while after independence, it was very unlikely that the letter came from the Cabildo of Panama after 1821. Therefore, an estimate of the 1810ca was applied to this letter. Additionally, the rate table below shows a rating of "13" from the Antioquia rating table.
This is the only cover in existence with the straight “DEBE” marking.
Antioquia Rates Table