1890-93 Regular Issue 8¢ Sherman - U.S. #225

U.S. #225 1890-93 Regular Issue 8¢ Sherman

• Issue Date: March 21, 1893
• Issue Quantity: 12,087,800
• Printed by: American Bank Note Company
• Method: Flat plate
• Watermark: None
• Perforation: 12
• Color: Lilac

A military commander in the Union Army, William T. Sherman is most remembered for his devastating 32-day march through Georgia. Beginning with the burning of Atlanta, he implemented a “scorched earth” strategy all the way to the border, where the South finally fell.

Sherman is often referred to as the “father of modern warfare.” However, a personal letter, written in the final days of the Civil War, reveals a man haunted by the realities of battle: "I confess, without shame, I am sick and tired of fighting – its glory is all moonshine; even success the most brilliant is over dead and mangled bodies, with the anguish and lamentations of distant families, appealing to me for sons, husbands and fathers ... 'tis only those who have never heard a shot, never heard the shriek and groans of the wounded and lacerated ... that cry aloud for more blood, more vengeance, more desolation."

Sherman is the subject of the 8¢ 1890-93 Regular Issue stamp. Although similar in design to the previous issues, the 1890-93 Series was smaller in size and featured new colors.

The 1890-93 Regular Issue stamps were the last issued printed by the American Bank Note Company for 50 years. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was awarded exclusive control of stamp production until the 1943 Overrun Nations.

(Photo is of actual product)