Sale 983 — The Hampshire Collection of United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 23 February, 2010
Category — 1869 Pictorial Issue
1c Buff (112). Slightly disturbed original gum described as "original gum" on accompanying certificate, bright color, Very Fine, with 1981 P.F. certificate
2c Dark Brown (113). Original gum, magnificent deep "chocolate" color and very well-centered, sharp impression, Very Fine and choice, with 2009 P.F. certificate, this shade is certainly scarcer than the shades of Brown and Reddish Brown typically seen, although not reflected in the Scott Retail price
3c Ultramarine (114). Original gum, wide margins, fresh and Very Fine, with 2008 P.F. certificate
6c Ultramarine (115). Original gum, well-centered, bright color on fresh paper, clearly visible grill pointsVERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 2000 and 2008 P.F. certificates
10c Yellow (116). Original gum, vibrant color, well-centered, Very Fine, a lovely original-gum example of the 10c 1869 Pictorial, with 2008 P.F. certificate
12c Green (117). Original gum, lightly hinged, choice centering with balanced margins all around, deep rich color and intense proof-like impression on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE -- ONE OF THE MORE DIFFICULT 1869 PICTORIALS TO FIND IN THIS CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Ex Silver Lake and Hoffman. With 1998 P.F. certificate
24c Green & Violet (120). Unused (no gum), rich colors and detailed impressions on crisp paper, choice centeringVERY FINE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE.
With 1985 and 2007 P.F. certificates
30c Ultramarine & Carmine (121). Original gum, intense colors, exceptionally well-centered with nicely balanced margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE. A WONDERFUL STAMP IN TERMS OF GUM, COLOR, CENTERING, FRESHNESS OF PAPER AND IMPRESSION.
The rarity of centered original-gum examples of the 30c 1869 with grill is somewhat obscured by the availability of off-center copies of the 30c with and without grill. If the scope were narrowed to Scott 121 only, and only grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine were considered, we estimate that fewer than 15 examples would be counted. Among the qualifying stamps, this is without question one of the finest.
Ex Silver Lake and Hoffman. With 2001 P.F. certificate
90c Carmine & Black (122). Original gum, deep rich colors and proof-like impressions, unusually choice centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE FOR AN ORIGINAL-GUM SCOTT 122 TO DATE.
With 1991 P.F. and 1991 and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $66,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date. Only one other stamp has equaled this grade (from our 2006 Scarsdale sale)