Sale 1084 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 5-6 November, 2014
Category — 5c-10c 1847 Issue Stamps (Scott 1-2)
5c Red Brown (1). Block of four, original gum, large margins to clear including part of adjoining stamps at left, somewhat heavily creased and defective, slightly oxidizedVERY FINE OVERALL APPEARANCE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
The 1847 Issue is much scarcer in unused condition than other issues, because the stamps were demonetized in 1851. They could be exchanged for the new issue, but once the exchange period ended, the stamps would have no postage value. Considering the purchasing power of five or ten cents in 1851, it is not surprising that the stamps were either used or exchanged, rather than left for future generations of collectors.
We have identified 17 unused blocks of the 5c 1847 Issue. Excluded from this tally is what might be an unused block in the Webster Knight collection at Brown University and a block of 30 which has been rumored to exist for years (if it does exist, then it becomes the largest recorded multiple).
With 1987 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $50,000.00
5c Red Brown (1). Block of four, large margins at top and right, slightly in at left and bottom, cancelled by blue grids and originating on blue piece, lifted and replaced, light wrinklesA FINE AND VERY RARE USED BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
Ex Claflin and Argentum. Scott Retail $27,500.00
5c Brown (1). Block of five, deep shade approaching Grayish Brown, ample to large margins all around except in at bottom, red New York square grid cancels, bottom left stamp tear at bottom, few creases and slight soiling do not detract from its appearanceFINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE AND EXHIBITABLE BLOCK OF FIVE OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
This is the ninth largest recorded multiple of the 5c 1847.
Ex Stollnitz and Rose. Scott Retail $27,900.00 as a block of four and a single
5c Red Brown (1). Huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, bright color with very slight oxidation, neat strike of red cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb used example of the 5c 1847 Issue, with 2001 P.S.E. and 1980 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
5c Dark Brown (1a). Large margins to full including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, intense shade and impression, neat strike of black grid cancel, small thin spot, light corner crease at bottom left, Very Fine appearance
5c Brown, Dot in "S" (1 var). Large margins to clear, deep shade nicely complemented by blue grid cancel, faint diagonal crease, Very Fine appearance
10c Black (2). Huge margins all around, sharp proof-like impression on lightly blued paper, perfect strike of red New York square grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE WITH WONDERFUL IMPRESSION, MARGINS AND A PERFECTLY-STRUCK CANCELLATION.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 1983 P.F. certificate
10c Black (2). Full to large margins, intense shade and impression, two strikes of blue "Paid" cancels, Very Fine
10c Black (2). Positions 76-77R1, horizontal pair, large margins to clear, detailed impression, neat red grid cancels, faint diagonal crease, sealed tear at top between stamps, Fine appearance
10c Black (2). Positions 37-40L, horizontal strip of four with sheet margin at right, large margins to clear, bright shade, each stamp cancelled by two neat ms. penstrokes, few small faults including right stamp tiny pinhole and few light creases, small scissors-cut between two righthand stampsFINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE STRIP OF FOUR OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE. VERY FEW EXIST.
As an indication of rarity, Scott prices a block of four at $75,000, a strip of three at $10,000, and a pair at $2,600. Large multiples such as this were used infrequently. This probably paid the 40c transcontinental rate to California.
Ex Long. With 1987 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail $10,925.00 as a strip of three and a single, which does not adequately convey the rarity or value of this item