Sale 913 — 2006 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Saturday, 13 May, 2006
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue
3c Rose, C. Grill (83). Horizontal pair, bright color, clearly-defined grills, neat strikes of circle of wedges cancel, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL USED PAIR OF THE 1867 3-CENT C GRILL.
We have offered very few multiples of the 3c C Grill, and, to the best of our recollection, this is the finest used pair we have handled in many years.
Ex Ishikawa. With 1993 P.F. certificate.
2c Black, D. Grill (84). Original gum, lightly hinged, unusually well-defined grill, intense shade and proof-like impression on post-office fresh paperFINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT D GRILL. PARTICULARLY SCARCE WITH SUCH A HIGH DEGREE OF FRESHNESS.
As a thorough search of past auction catalogues shows, the 2c D Grill in original-gum condition is conspicuously absent from most important collections. The finest examples are contained in the intact block of four, ex Caspary, Lilly and Klein. The stamp offered here, with full original gum, unusually clear grill, proof-like impression and fresh paper, is a rarity of the highest order.
Ex Hetherington (as a block). With copy of 1954 P.F. certificate for block of four.
2c Black, D. Grill (84). Sharply-defined grill, intense shade, neat strike of target cancelFRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT D GRILL.
Ex Ishikawa. With 1993 P.F. certificate
3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Fresh color, light blue "PAID" in circle cancellation, Very Fine, ex Cole, with 1988 P.F. certificate
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Part original gum, clearly-defined grill incl. additional grill impression in selvage at right, intense shade and impression, small ink mark at top of headVERY FINE. A RARE UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL. PARTICULARLY DESIRABLE WITH THE GRILLED SELVAGE.
This stamp is one of the pieces of evidence supporting our theory that the Z and F Grills were used in succession on the same machine, while the D and E Grills were used in succession on another machine. Additional grills on Z/F Grill selvage always occurs at the sides, while additional grills on D/E Grills always occur at the top or bottom.
With 1955 P.F. certificate
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Original gum, extraordinarily wide margins all around and perfectly centered, well-defined grill, sharp design impression, faint diagonal crease across top -- practically invisible on the face of the stampEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. IN TERMS OF CENTERING AND MARGINS, THIS STAMP RANKS AMONG THE TOP FIVE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES 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. Many accomplished collectors were never able to locate a sound, well-centered original-gum 2c Z Grill. Although the stamp offered here is indeed creased, its appearance far surpasses most of the known copies. In our Sale 814, a sound, Extremely Fine 2c Z Grill realized $24,000 hammer.
With 1987 and 2005 P.F. certificates.
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. We noted the following: our 1975 Grunin sale had a well-centered 85B with nearly full original gum and small faults; remarkably, Caspary and Lilly had a few singles and multiples with original gum, but all of these had perfs cutting far into the design; the ex-Connoisseur and ex-Vernon Morris 85B is similarly well centered with original gum; Clifford C. Cole had a well-centered single with slightly disturbed original gum; our 1970 Rarities sale had an original gum block with the top pair creased, but the bottom pair was well-centered (probably still intact as a block); our 1971 Rarities sale had an off-center original gum pair; our 1981 Rarities sale had a right sheet-margin copy with original gum and choice centering; the Rorke specialized Black Jack collection had a superb 85B, but without gum; and, finally, our recent sale of the Golin collection had another superb no-gum copy. In general, many accomplished collectors, such as Sheriff, Klein and Seymour, evidently were unable to acquire a well-centered, original-gum 2c Z Grill.
In our September 1999 auction (Sale 814), a sound, Extremely Fine 2c Z Grill with full original gum realized $24,000 hammer.
With 1998 P.F. certificate
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Choice centering with evenly-proportioned margins, intense shade and impression, bold strike of target cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL.
With 1986 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Choice centering with well-balanced margins, clearly-defined grill, crisp impression nicely contrasted by red New York double-circle datestampEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE COLORED CANCEL.
An examination of our records shows that this is one of the most difficult of the grilled issues to find in superb condition, particularly with a colored cancel. This stamp is a true condition rarity.
With 1995 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Superb centering with extraordinarily wide margins all around, light blue cancel, deep shadeEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL, COMBINING CENTERING, MARGIN WIDTH AND A COLORED CANCEL.
With 1989 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Tied by cork cancel, red "New York Pkt. Paid Feb. 12" circular datestamp on 1868 cover to London, England, clear strike of red "London AM Feb. 24, 1868" receiving datestamp, cover with small tear at leftFINE. FROM A RECENT DISCOVERY, THIS IS THE NEW EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL.
According to our research as published in the Zoellner catalogue and available at our website at http://siegelauctions.com/enc/zgrill.htm, the 12c Z Grill probably went into production during the first few days of February. By March, the F Grill replaced the Z Grill on the grilling machine.
The Scott Catalogue lists the earliest documented use of Scott 85E as February 15, which is three days after this was sent. The previous EDU -- a patriotic cover to Scotland -- is offered in the following lot.
With 2006 P.F. certificate
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Clearly-defined grill, tied by bold cork, red "N. York Pkt. Paid Feb. 15" circular datestamp on red and blue Waving Flag Patriotic cover to Bray, Ireland, clear strike of 1868 receiving backstampVERY FINE. A RARE USAGE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL ON A PATRIOTIC COVER TO IRELAND. THIS IS THE SECOND-EARLIEST RECORDED USAGE OF THIS STAMP.
For several years this was the earliest recorded usage of the 12c Z Grill. The cover offered in the previous lot, which is a new discovery, now takes that title.
With 1996 P.F. certificate. With 2002 A.P.S. certificate.
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Original gum, barest trace of hinge, bright color and proof-like impression on fresh paper, clear grill pointsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 1868 ONE-CENT E GRILL IS FAR SCARCER THAN ITS F-GRILL COUNTERPART, PARTICULARLY IN 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.
With 1989 and 1999 P.F. certificates
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Original gum, unusually choice centering, easily identifiable grill pointsEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT E GRILL WITH REMARKABLE CENTERING -- RARE IN THIS CHOICE CONDITION.
While blocks of the 10c F Grill have been broken in recent years, yielding some choice single stamps, the 10c E Grill blocks are extremely rare and always have been. Caspary's block of 18 was broken years ago, but many of the stamps had faults or disturbed gum. Few other blocks have become available to furnish singles. This stamp is certainly among the finest extant.
With 1990 P.F. certificate as block of four (two of the four stamps in the block had faults)
15c Black, E. Grill (91). Original gum, clearly defined grill, beautiful shade and impression, choice centering with enormous marginsEXTREMELY FINE. THE 1868 15-CENT E GRILL IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF THE GRILLED ISSUES WITH ORIGINAL GUM AND WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS.
As an indication of the rarity of 15c E Grill stamps with original gum, the Scott Catalogue values original-gum condition at more than twice the value of unused without gum. This stamp, with its unusually wide margins, full original gum, and overall freshness, is truly a remarkable rarity.
With 1998 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Original gum, lightly hinged, bright color, clearly-defined grill, choice centering with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 ONE-CENT F GRILL. SCARCE IN SUCH MAGNIFICENT CONDITION.
With 1999 P.F. certificate
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Original gum, lightly hinged, clear grill, intense shade, Jumbo marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONLY A FEW 2-CENT BLACK JACK GRILLED STAMPS EXIST IN ORIGINAL-GUM CONDITION WITH MARGINS AND CENTERING RIVALLING THE GARGANTUAN DIMENSIONS OF THIS STAMP.
With 1988 and 1997 P.F. certificates
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Original gum, lightly hinged, strongly-impressed grill, radiant color on bright paper, huge margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a gorgeous stamp, with 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Brown, F. Grill (95). Original gum, lightly hinged, clearly-defined grill, pretty shade, choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL IN A REMARKABLY FRESH STATE OF PRESERVATION. A GREAT CONDITION RARITY.
Original-gum singles and blocks of the 5c F Grill tend to be in rather poor condition, either in terms of centering, color or overall condition.
With 1987 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Original gum, lightly hinged, clear grill points, deep rich color, choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT F GRILL. SCARCE IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
With 1998 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Original gum, deep rich color approaching the scarcer Dark Green color, wide marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT F GRILL.
With 1995 P.F. certificate
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Original gum, lightly hinged, well-defined grill, detailed impressionVERY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL.
With 1983 P.F. certificate
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Block of four, original gum, clearly-defined grills, bright shade, light horizontal crease and thin spots affect top stamps, tiny perf crease at bottom left, few minor reinforced perf separationsFINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
Despite some flaws the appearance of this block is bright and fresh. With the demand for choice singles, it is unlikely that any sound and centered blocks have survived.
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Original gum, intense shade and impressionVERY FINE. A REMARKABLY CHOICE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
With 1995 P.F. certificate
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Original gum, clear grill, deep rich color, well-balanced margins, tiny toned spot at bottom not mentioned on accompanying certificateEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL.
With 1990 P.F. certificate
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Block of four, original gum, clearly-defined grill points, fresh and bright color, top left stamp small corner creaseFINE-VERY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL. VERY FEW BLOCKS EXIST.
A cursory examination of major name-sale auctions turned up three other blocks of four: one offered in the Caspary sale, one ex Ishikawa with selvage at right, and one ex Lilly and Klein. The block offered here is ex Sinkler.
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Near perfect centering, deep shade, circle of wedges cancel, tiny natural inclusionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL IS ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE GRILLED ISSUES IN THIS QUALITY.
Ex Zoellner and Twigg-Smith. With 1985 P.F. certificate
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Radiant color, clearly-defined grill, tied by bold strike of cork cancel, red "New York Paid 12 Nov. 10" credit datestamp on 1868 folded cover to Lyon, France, endorsed "P Cambria", red boxed "PD" handstamp, Calais transit, receiving backstampsVERY FINE. ACCORDING TO SCOTT CATALOGUE, THIS IS THE EARLIEST DOCUMENTED USE OF THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL.
With 1994 P.F. certificate. With 1999 A.P.S. certificate
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Deep rich color on bright paper, clear grill, unobtrusive strike of circle of wedges cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL. ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING OF THE CLASSIC ISSUES TO OBTAIN IN THIS QUALITY.
With 1986 P.F. certificate
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Well-balanced margins, clearly-defined grill points, rich color, bold cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL.
With 2005 P.F. certificate.