Sale 1032 — The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 23-24 October, 2012
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue, E and F Grills (Scott 86-101)
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Perfectly centered with wide and well-balanced margins, brilliant color on bright paper, light strike of "Paid" cancel leaves design clearly visible, strong grill impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF THE SERIES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE -- THE P.S.E. HAS AWARDED THIS STAMP THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98.
When we offered this stamp for the first time in Sale 962, we had just pulled it out of an old album and felt so strongly about its condition, we sent it to P.S.E. for a graded certificate. They agreed with our assessment, awarding it the grade of Superb 98. The only other stamp to achieve this grade was offered in our sale of the Tahoe Collection and our Sale 1000.
With 1986, 2003 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $13,000.00)
2c Black, E. Grill (87). Jumbo margins and precise centering, crisp impression on bright paper, cork and part of circular datestamp cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT E GRILL.
With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,000.00 as 95, $6,000.00 as 98). Only one has graded graded higher and only one other has equaled this grade
3c Rose, E. Grill (88). Wide beautifully balanced margins, bright color on fresh paper, neat small circle of wedges cancel clear of the central vignette, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb example of this issue, with 2009 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00), only four examples have achieved this grade and only one has graded higher (at 95J), this example with an attractive cancel is particularly desirable
3c Rose Red, E. Grill (88 var). Deep rich color in a distinctly different shade from the previous lot, choice balanced margins, quartered cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2005 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00 as Rose), only four examples have achieved this grade and only one has graded higher (at 95J)
3c Brown Red, E. Grill (88 var). Spectacular depth of color, almost perfect centering, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful color variety which is every bit as distinctive as the "Indian Red" 3c 1861 stamp we have recently offered (Sale 1024, lot 103), with 2011 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates, the latter misidentifying the stamp as an F. Grill (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00 as Rose), only four examples have achieved this grade and only one has graded higher (at 95J)
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Perfectly centered with Jumbo margins, radiant color and crisp impression, lightly cancelled by segmented corkEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT E GRILL WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Ex. Dr. Morris. With 1992 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,500.00 as 98). Only one other shares this grade, which is the highest awarded -- the next-highest is a 95J
10c Green, E. Grill, "TAG" Double Transfer (89 var). Wonderful depth of color, well-centered with extra wide margins, clear double transfer, quartered cork cancel, P.S.E. certificate mentions short perf at top right which is in the cancel and so less noticeable, still Extremely Fine, with 2000 and 2004 P.F. certificates (XF 90), with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; unpriced as "TAG" variety, SMQ for normal $550.00 as 80, $1,000.00 as 90), a note accompanying the P.S.E. certificate states the grade would have been 95J without the short perf
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Choice centering with wide and balanced margins, clearly-defined grill, crisp impression on bright paper, light strike of cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2010 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,200.00), only two have graded higher (highest is 98)
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Jumbo margins on bright paper, detailed impression, bold cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $640.00 as 85, $1,000.00 as 90)
15c Black, E. Grill (91). Perfectly centered with wide margins, detailed impression on crisp paper, lightly cancelled leaving the entire design distraction freeEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT E GRILL WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only two others
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, radiant color and crisp impression, light strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 ONE-CENT F GRILL WHICH HAS RECEIVED THE LOFTY GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Ex Dr. Morris. With 1995 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $14,700.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J) and only two others share this desirable grade.
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Jumbo margins, fresh paper beautifully contrasted by red cork cancel, Extremely Fine, wonderful eye appeal, ex Koppersmith, with 2002 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $215.00 as 90, $1,000.00 as 95)
2c Black, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (93 var). Choice centering with wide margins, crisp impression, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.F. certificate mentioning the Thin Paper variety, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate which does not mention it (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,000.00 as normal)
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, vivid color on bright paper, nicely complemented by blue town cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $800.00), this is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other, a shockingly low population and a vivid demonstration of the difficulty in finding even the most common used classic stamps in the highest grades
3c Rose, F. Grill (94a). Beautiful wide margins and choice centering, bright color, cork cancel highlights the grill, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.F., P.S.A.G. (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo) and P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo)
3c Rose, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (94a var). Choice centering and margins, rich color on bright paper, neat strike of target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $320.00 as normal)
5c Brown, F. Grill (95). Rich color and proof-like impression, clear grill points, perfectly centered with balanced margins, neat strikes of brownish-black target cancel, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- COLOR, CANCEL, STRENGTH OF GRILL, CENTERING AND PERFORATIONS.
The statement that followed the Scott 67 in the Kirke collection about the rarity of choice grades with the 5c issue due to the spacing and layout on the plate can be underscored and boldfaced for the 1868 5c F Grill. The stamp offered here defies the norm, possessing wide margins all around and a lightly struck brownish-black target cancel.
Ex Hinrichs and Scarsdale. With 1999 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $8,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Superb centering and bright color, cancelled by part of New York circular datestamp and segmented cork, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful used example of the 10c F Grill, with 2010 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,600.00), this is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Jumbo margins and perfect centering, light strikes of blue cork and red transit cancels, bright shade on fresh paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR JUMBO MARGINED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL WITH TWO COLORED CANCELS. A PHENOMENAL STAMP WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Dr. Morris. With 1994 and 2003 P.F. certificates. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $9,000.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other example has achieved this grade
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Beautiful centering with wide and balanced margins, bright shade, light cancel leaves the entire design completely visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
With 1980 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00). Only two have graded higher.
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Precise centering with wide margins, pretty pastel color beautifully contrasted by bold strike of red Leaf cancel typical of New York City supplementary mailEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL IS RARELY OBTAINABLE IN THIS OUTSTANDING USED CONDITION. THIS STAMP, WITH SUPERB CENTERING AND A RED LEAF CANCEL, IS REMARKABLY BEAUTIFUL AND HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
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 and is made even more desirable by the the vivid red Leaf cancel.
With 1987 and 1996 P.F. certificates. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $10,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only three others
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Outstanding centering with balanced margins, vibrant color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING CLASSIC STAMPS TO FIND IN CHOICE CONDITION. THIS STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
The 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with tight margins, especially at sides. Brookman notes "Superb copies are almost non-existent".
With 2010 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $8,100.00). This is the highest grade awarded. The only other example that shares this grade was offered as part of the Natalee Grace collection (Sale 1024, lot 168)
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, wonderful depth of color, clear grill, light cancel leaves Washington vignette completely visibleTHIS IS THE FINEST KNOWN EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL. THIS SUPERB STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 BY P.S.E.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally poor centering.
A review of the P.S.E. Population Report statistics for the grilled issues reveals how rare this 90c stamp truly is. Only one other 1867-68 grilled stamp in any condition -- used or unused -- has achieved a grade of 100 (15c used). Even the very common 3c F Grill stamps have not had an example grade 100. To achieve this grade with the top value of the issue is remarkable.
With 1977 and 2004 P.F. certificates. With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 98, SMQ $31,000.00 as 98). This is the highest grade awarded and no other example has achieved this grade. The next highest graded example is a 95