Sale 989 — 2010 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 19 June, 2010
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue and 1875 Re-Issue
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly-defined grill points, intense shade and detailed impressionVERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL.
To form our assessment of this 2c Z Grill, we conducted a survey of approximately 100 auction catalogues for major United States collections sold over the past 60 years. The majority of these collections contained only used or very poor unused examples of 85B. In general, many accomplished collectors, such as Sheriff, Klein and Seymour, evidently were unable to acquire a well-centered, original-gum 2c Z Grill. Power Search produced only a very few, along with some near-misses -- the most common flaw being faint creases. Finally, the P.S.E. Population Report lists only four OG stamps, graded two 10's, a 30 and a 50.
With 1998 and 2007 P.F. certificates
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Original gum, clearly-defined grill, brilliant color on crisp paper, light horizontal crease at bottom, expertly reperfed (not noted on accompanying certificate)VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL.
The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples, especially in original-gum condition.
With 1973 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Original gum, lightly hinged at top, deep rich color and proof-like impression on fresh paper, clearly-defined grill points, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS FAR SCARCER THAN ITS F-GRILL COUNTERPART, PARTICULARLY IN SUCH CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION.
Some time ago we observed that the 1c E Grill appeared at auction very infrequently, in any form. After analyzing the early 1868 regular-production grills (Z, D, E and F), we concluded that grilling of the 1c 1861 issue with the E (and Z) Grill must have been short-lived, occurring sometime around February 28, 1868. Later grilling of 1c stamps was probably done with the F Grill. Relatively little of the 1c E Grill supply appears to have reached the philatelic market, as evidenced by the stamp's scarcity.
Ex Odeneal. With 1994 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGh, XF 90; SMQ $9,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded by P.S.E., and the SMQ does not price this in any higher grades.
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Clearly-defined grill, bright shade, tied by quartered cork on folded letter datelined "New York 21st February 1868" to Demerara, British Guiana, endorsed "South America via St. Thomas" and with "St. Thomas FE 29, 1868" and arrival backstamps, manuscript "4" changed to "5" to reflect local delivery charge, vertical file fold just misses stamp which has a single pulled perf at left, some splitting along folds (dateline is separated which is convenient for exhibiting)FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USAGE OF THE 10-CENT E GRILL.
Receipt docketing on back also confirms the date.
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Cancelled by Anchor in Diamond of Dots French Maritime cancel and used with France, 1867, 20c Blue and 40c Orange (33, 35; Yvert 29B, 31), similarly tied on 1869 folded cover to New York, clear "St. Thomas/Paq. Fr. B No. 4/1 Mai 69" French Main Line B octagonal datestamp (Salles 1444), red "P.P." and "New York Paid All May 14" circular datestamp (confirming presence of U.S. 10c stamp), 10c affected by light vertical file fold, 20c tiny tear at bottom, some wear incl. splitting along foldsAN EXCEEDINGLY RARE MIXED-FRANKING COVER FROM ST. THOMAS, DANISH WEST INDIES, TO NEW YORK CITY VIA FRENCH AND UNITED STATES PACKETS. ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE OF ALL MIXED-FRANKING USAGES. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MARC WEINBERG-MARTIN COLLECTION.
This cover was postmarked with the "St. Thomas" Line B datestamp, which was used on mail carried on Compagnie Generale Transatlantique (CGT) Main Line B steamer sailings, which in this case left St. Thomas for Havana. From Havana it was transferred to a U.S. steamer bound for New York, possibly the Morro Castle, which departed Havana on May 8 and arrived in New York on May 12. The French rate was 60 centimes per 7.5 grams. The U.S. contract steamship rate was 10c. From the French perspective, all that was required was the 60c prepayment, and the cover was marked "P.P." (Port Paye). On arrival in New York, the 10c stamp was recognized as prepayment, and the cover was postmarked "New York Paid All".
At this time, all French Packet mail from the Danish West Indies was required to pass through the post office and usually bears a St. Thomas postmark. However, some mail was clandestinely put on board French CGT ships, thus by-passing the St. Thomas post office (see DuBois book, p. 65). On May 1, 1869, the St. Thomas-Havana-New York connection would have beaten the arrival of the next U.S. and Brazil Line sailing from St. Thomas to New York. Ironically, the ship that would have made that sailing, the Mississippi, was wrecked off the coast of Martinique en route to St. Thomas, so there never was a regular May 1869 trip.
Ex Schatzkes. From the Marc Weinberg-Martin Collection.
15c Black, E. Grill (91). Original gum which is very lightly hinged, intense shade and impression with well-defined grill, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 15-CENT E GRILL IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE GRILLED ISSUES WITH ORIGINAL GUM AND WITH SUCH WIDE AND BALANCED MARGINS.
As an indication of the rarity of 15c E Grill stamps with original gum, the Scott Catalogue values original-gum condition at $13,500.00, and an example with no gum at $5,250.00. This stamp is barely hinged and has a well-defined grill and superior centering.
With 1976, 1990 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, radiant color and crisp impression, neat strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 ONE-CENT F GRILL HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $15,400.00). Only one has graded higher to date (at 98J) and only two others share this desirable grade.
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Gorgeous centering with Jumbo margins, detailed impression nicely complemented by blue quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $950.00 as 95, $3,000.00 as 98), only one has graded higher to date and only one other shares this grade
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Tied by cork cancel on "Patented Arch Cantilever Bridge" illustrated circular to Brigham Young in Salt Lake City, Utah, inside with five illustrations of bridges, sent from Blodgett & Curry in Boston, trivial wear incl. small hole in the illustration, Very Fine, a beautiful and rare usage of the Black Jack on an illustrated circular to Mormon leader Brigham Young, ex Cipolla, with 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Brown, F. Grill (95). Original gum, pristine except for a tiny bit of offset, beautiful rich color in a bright reddish shade, unusually sharp impression, remarkably fresh, wide margins clear of design all around and perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT BROWN F GRILL WITH ORIGINAL GUM. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN THIS CHOICE CONDITION.
The 5c 1861-68 Issues are extremely difficult to find in sound, well-centered, original-gum condition. The narrow spacing between stamps on the plate and large 12-gauge perforations resulted in stamps that are frequently off center. This applies to Scott 67, 75, 76 and 95 alike. None of these is easy to locate in centered original-gum condition (to understate the matter), but the limited production of 5c F Grills leaves collectors with an even smaller supply. By virtue of its color, centering and freshness, we believe the stamp offered here is superior to any we have seen offered in years.
With 1990 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95 XQ)
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Perfectly centered with wide margins all around, bright shade and detailed impression on brilliant white paper, neat strike of black grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN SUCH CONDITION.
The higher-denomination F Grills were produced in limited quantities and are often found either off center or with choppy perforations. This stamp is a true condition rarity.
With 1997 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $11,600.00). This is one of only four examples to achieve this desirable grade to date with none higher
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Used with 12c Black, F. Grill (97), cancelled by cork, "New-Haven Ct. May 10" double-circle datestamp on yellow cover to Hong Kong, China, red "New York Paid All Br. Transit May 11" backstamp, red 1869 London transit and matching "32" credit handstamp, also with "Hong-Kong Marine-Sorter Singapore-to Hong-Kong, JU 24/1 69" backstamp (Webb Ty. A), docketed at leftVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL COVER TO HONG KONG, BEARING THE RARE HONG KONG MARINE SORTER BACKSTAMP.
According to the Webb book, the sorting of mail on board ship was first tried in 1857 and was found to speed the delivery of the mails on arrival in Hong Kong. The Governor of Hong Kong petitioned to make this a permanent position, but the scheme was not implemented. Seven years later, after the GPO decided that Hong Kong should assume greater responsibilities, the scheme was green-lighted. An official from the Hong Kong post office would meet the P & O steamer in Singapore, and sort the mails during the trip to Hong Kong. The mails could then be delivered immediately on arrival, or forwarded faster to their final destination outside of Hong Kong. The new service started at the end of July 1868. The marking on the cover offered here was introduced at the end of 1868 and consists of five different sub-types. The one offered here is one of the rarest.
2c Black, Re-Issue (103). Original gum, lightly hinged, proof-like impression on crisp paper, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. AN EXTRAORDINARY ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT BLACK JACK RE-ISSUE.
Only 979 were sold. With 1996 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
3c Brown Red, Re-Issue (104). Original gum, brilliant color on bright paper, almost perfectly centered with well-proportioned margins, small inclusion on backEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE -- ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE SET IN THIS CHOICE CONDITION.
The 3c 1861 Re-Issue, of which 465 were sold, has the distinction of being one of the three most difficult stamps in the set to obtain in this Extremely Fine Gem original-gum condition (the others are the 24c and 30c). It is rarely found well-centered, and those in Very Fine or Extremely Fine grade usually have either disturbed gum or no gum at all.
Ex Floyd and Odeneal. With 1989 and 2007 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)
5c Brown, Re-Issue (105). Original gum, deep rich color, choice centering with enormous marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. EASILY ONE OF THE WIDEST-MARGINED EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED. A STUNNING STAMP.
Ex Engel and Odeneal. With 1961 and 2000 P.F. certificates
12c Black, Re-Issue (107). Original gum, bright shade and detailed impression, wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE. SCARCE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
Only 389 sold. With 1997 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $8,700.00)
15c Black, Re-Issue (108). Original gum, intense shade and proof-like impression, magnificent centeringEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT 1866 RE-ISSUE. ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE 1861-66 RE-ISSUES TO FIND IN THIS SUPERB CONDITION.
Only 397 issued. With 1988 and 2008 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
24c Deep Violet, Re-Issue (109). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression, perfectly centered with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE 24-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE.
With 1967 and 1998 P.F. certificates and 2004 P.S.E. certificate, which gives this superb stamp a "conservative" grade of XF 90 (this is a 95, in our opinion and in relation to P.S.E.'s grading guide)
30c Brownish Orange, Re-Issue (110). Original gum, vibrant color and detailed impression on bright paper, choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE FOR THIS ISSUE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 30-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE, WHICH IS ARGUABLY THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE 1861-66 RE-ISSUES TO OBTAIN IN SUPERIOR GRADES.
Little space was left on the 30c 1861 plate for vertical rows of perforations between stamps, and the same plate was used for the 1875 Re-Issue. Therefore, well-centered copies with perforations clear at the sides are rare. Only 346 were sold. Our Levi records contain 146 unused singles, an unused pair and an unused block of four. Many have margins either touching or in on at least one side. Few of the sound copies retain all or part of their original gum.
With 1967 and 2007 P.F. certificates