First World War Postal Rates in the United States

Updated April 27, 2006

During my research on the First World War, I have accumulated postal history and War-related "collateral". Since I also collect usages of the Washington-Franklin stamp issue, I have enjoyed covers and cards that show war usages. On November 3, 1917, the U.S. raised many postal rates to help finance the War. The rates for first-class envelopes went up from two cents to three cents, and postcards went from one cent to two cents. These represent 50% and 100% price increases! While we complain about rate increases in 1999, the changes in 1917 were pretty extreme.

This page links you to some images of War-rate postal history items.

The Use of a Revenue Stamp to
Pay Postage Due (1918) [32k JPG]

Typical Rate for a Postcard (1918) [28k JPG]

Typical Rate for a One-Ounce Letter (1918) [20k JPG]

Illegal Usage of Postage Due Stamp (1918) [32k JPG]

Correct Usage Just Before Rate Increase (1917) [27k JPG] *

Parcel Post Stamp (1913 era stamp)
Used to Make Up New Rate (1918) [39k JPG] *

Parcel Tag With Required Revenue Stamp Added (very rare) [32k JPG] *

2 Cent Local Use (envelopes were 3 cents if not local) [47k JPG] *

* -- not from my collection

First World War Postal Rates in the United States

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