Lot 4

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Embossed stamp from the Stamp Act of 1765, on the docket leaf of a marriage certificate. Quebec, 30 January 1766

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(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Embossed stamp from the Stamp Act of 1765, on the docket leaf of a marriage certificate. Quebec, 30 January 1766

Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000

Starting Bid: $9,000

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
June 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010



Embossed stamp from the Stamp Act of 1765, on the docket leaf of a marriage certificate.
Quebec, 30 January 1766
Manuscript docket leaf, 8 x 13 inches, on laid paper with large watermark, and ¾ x 1-inch embossed "America III Pence" revenue stamp with die letter B; minor wear, partial separation at one fold, minor soiling at folds and on one panel not affecting stamp.

After the Stamp Act went into effect on 1 November 1765, these stamps were used throughout the British North American colonies, including the Province of Quebec which had been taken by the British in the recent settlement of the French and Indian War. The act was repealed six months later due to extreme resistance from the thirteen English-speaking colonies to the south.  

This example was applied to the docket leaf of a marriage contract in Kamouraska on the St. Lawrence, far north of Quebec City, between François Dominique Damphous and Josette Caron.

Adolph Koeppel counted 5 of these stamps in private hands for his 1976 survey, "The Stamps that Caused the American Revolution," pages 4-5 (not including the present copy). Edward Zaluski counted 4 of these stamps in private hands for his 1989 "Canadian Law Stamps" exhibit. Scott, RM-24.

Provenance: purchased from Canadian dealer Erling van Dam. 

  • Medium: Quebec, 30 January 1766
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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