1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-121, HB-171, S-124, Reed-LT10, Ten Cents, LORD & TAYLOR, New York, Choice Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-6 (16 to 20 known) according to Fred Reed. The sharply detailed reverse case is a nice even glossy chestnut in color. Its case is defect free with excellent, clear distinct legends. The Ten cents 1861 US Postage issue George Washington stamp is perfectly centered and remains its rich original green. The mica remains clear and pleasing with one small natural lamination break at the rim edge above the left moon. This elusive, Lord & Taylor, New York Merchant type can be very difficult to obtain in any grade.

This current example being only the sixth we having offered over the past half century. As far back as our EAHA Auction of December 10, 2005 Lot 880, graded Choice EF that lot sold for $1,918.00 now two decades ago. The 10¢ denomination for Lord & Taylor, New York is considered to be the only reasonable “collectable” number for this merchant. This current example is an attractive, most acceptable high quality specimen. (EF Friedberg Cat. $1,500)


Lord & Taylor was America's oldest department store, maintaining a presence in New York City for nearly 200 years before transitioning to an online-only model. Founded in 1826 as a small dry goods shop in Lower Manhattan, it became a cultural icon known for innovation, luxury, and its legendary holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue.

In 1826: Founded by English immigrant Samuel Lord at 47 Catherine Street in Lower Manhattan. In 1834: Lord’s wife’s cousin, George Washington Taylor, joined the business, and it was officially named Lord & Taylor.

In 2019: The legendary Fifth Avenue flagship closed its doors after 104 years, and the building was sold to WeWork (and later purchased by Amazon for office space).

In 2020-2021: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and heavy debt, parent company Le Tote filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. All remaining brick-and-mortar stores were liquidated and closed by February 2021.

Today: The brand was revived as a digital-first retailer by the Saadia Group in 2021. Most recently, in 2024, Regal Brands Global acquired the intellectual property with plans to relaunch it as a discount luxury e-commerce platform in 2025.