Sale 1100 — United States Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Monday, 22 June, 2015
Category — Telegraph Stamps
American Telegraph Typewriter Co., 1910, Orange Essay (unlisted in Scott). Pane of four, left vertical pair has full gum (bottom stamp Mint N.H.), right pair part disturbed gum from being stuck down, toned spots affect top pair, thin in top right stamp, otherwise Fine-Very Fine, this unissued complimentary frank stamp is considered to be an essay, it is scarce as a single and very rare as a full pane
Baltimore & Ohio Telegraph Co., 1886, 1c-10c Kendall, Hoen Imprints (3T8, 3T9, 3T14-3T16, 3T15a). Panes of six, all with original gum, one or two in each h.r., others Mint N.H., pane of 3T15a imperf without gum, staple holes in selvage as usual (enlarged on a couple), 3T15 with stain spots in two stamps, otherwise Fine-Very Fine, 3T15a ex Lilly and Scott Retail $157.50 as three pairs, others approximately $450.00 Scott Retail
California State Telegraph Co., 1870, Blue & Black (5T1). Complete sheet of 12 comprising two panes of six with horizontal interpane gutter, original gum (brownish as always), handstamped serial no. 104 on all stamps (doubled at top center), slightly toned, creased along gutter between panes and crimped with small puncture at center (as usual since these were folded and stapled into booklets), top right corner slightly clippedFINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF TWO COMPLETE SHEETS OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE TELGRAPH COMPANY 1870 BLUE & BLACK "BUSINESS" FRANK WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE.
The California Telegraph Company was the product of the 1861 consolidation of four companies responsible for the first transcontinental telegraph line. The 1870 Blue & Black typeset "Business" frank was the first issue. The black type was printed from a setting of six subjects repeated twice in a sheet of 12, with a blue background of ornaments also arranged in six subjects repeated twice in a sheet. Position 1 (top left in each pane of six) has an inverted ornament in the blue background at lower left (bottom row, second ornament), which breaks the pattern of diamond shapes. Position 3 has a repeating flaw in the "F" of "Free".
Booklets of 100 stamps were made by inserting 16 panes of 6 (96 stamps total) plus four additional stamps. The Kramer book speculates that stamps with red crayon serial numbers were added to the the booklets to make up the 100 count. The sheet offered here is one of two full sheets of 12 we have encountered. It is the largest possible multiple.
Colusa, Lake & Mendocino Telegraph Co., 1876, 5c Black (7T1). Complete pane of ten, "P.L.W." handstamp in blue, unused (no gum), Pos. 1 with sealed tear at top, faint stain affects three stamps in the top rowVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE FULL PANE OF THE COLUSA, LAKE & MENDOCINO FIVE-CENT TELEGRAPH STAMP. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF TELEGRAPH STAMP COLLECTING.
The Colusa, Lake & Mendocino was incorporated in 1875, with 260 miles of line extended through the counties of Colusa, Lake, Mendocino and Napa. Three stamps were issued for prepayment -- 5c, 10c and 25c. Only one example each of the 10c and 25c is known, and the 5c is very scarce. This unique pane of ten is an important Telegraph stamp rarity.
Ex Lilly (where acquired by the collector)
North American Telegraph Co., 1899, Violet (10T1). Pane of four, original gum, lightly hinged in the top tab, serial no. 1086, fresh, left pair Fine, right pair Extremely Fine, a scarce pane
North American Telegraph Co., 1904, Violet (10T5). Pane of four, original gum, h.r. in the top tab, serial no. 1066, bright color, Very Fine and scarce
Postal Telegraph Co., 1916, Violet (15T47A). Original gum, h.r., well-centered and freshVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE POSTAL TELEGRAPH CO. 1916 VIOLET IS MISSING FROM NEARLY ALL COLLECTIONS.
This is the first example we have offered since keeping computerized records. Signed Stern
Postal Telegraph Co., 1912, Yellow, El Paso Southwestern Railroad, Official (15TO28). Pane of four, disturbed original gum, light gum crease affects top pair, a Very Fine example of this rare pane