Sale 1227 — Outstanding United States Stamps and Gold Coins
Sale Date — Monday-Friday, 19-23 October, 2020
Category — Drs. Joanne and Edward Dauer Collection of Encased Postage (EP68/EP179)
Dougan, Hatter, New York, 5c Red Brown (EP68). Stamp shows full "Five Cents" value label and has rich color, mica has small cracks and minor faults, case is intact and in excellent conditionFINE. AN ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 5-CENT DOUGAN THE HATTER ENCASEMENT, OF WHICH FEWER THAN FIVE ARE REPORTED KNOWN.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 459) reports "fewer than five known" of this elusive Dougan the Hatter 5c encased postage stamp. Ex "Summit"
Dougan, Hatter, New York, 10c Green (EP69). The stamp has some very minor wrinkling, some mica lamination and slight crazing, the case is a beautiful golden brown shadeVERY FINE. A PARTICULARLY CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE VERY RARE 10-CENT DOUGAN THE HATTER ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THERE ARE NO MORE THAN TWO TO FOUR SURVIVING EXAMPLES.
Ex Ford, Mayer and "Summit"
Drake's Plantation Bitters, 1c Blue (EP70). Rich color, trivial spot of mica lamination at top, Very Fine and choice
Drake's Plantation Bitters, 12c Black (EP74). Stamp with crisp impression, denomination clearly visible, case with lovely color, intact mica with just a few natural marks at edgesVERY FINE. A LOVELY EXAMPLE OF THE VERY RARE 12-CENT DRAKE’S PLANTATION BITTERS, OF WHICH FEWER THAN TEN ARE REPORTED.
Col. Patrick H. Drake and Demas Barnes formed a partnership sometime around 1862 to manufacture and market Drake's Plantation Bitters. Their partnership ended in 1867, and Plantation Bitters was sold thereafter by P. H. Drake & Co. The digestive aid -- made with 38% alcohol -- was sold in a distinctive log cabin-shaped bottle. This bottle design was patented in 1862, and Plantation Bitters was one of more than 40 cabin-shaped bitters bottles produced by various makers.
Ex Mayer
Drake's Plantation Bitters, 24c Red Lilac (EP75). Stamp with rich color (almost a Violet shade), positioned downward with part of "Twenty-Four Cents" label obscured but showing "24" numerals at top, slight mica laminations, the case is in excellent conditionVERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE 24-CENT DRAKE'S PLANTATION BITTERS ENCASEMENT. THE REED CENSUS REPORTS ONLY TWO TO FOUR SURVIVING EXAMPLES.
Both the Reed census and the Ford catalogue describer report no more than five examples known of this high-value encasement.
Ex Mayer and "Summit"
Drake's Plantation Bitters, 90c Blue (EP77). Stamp with deep rich color, case a pretty golden brown, mica with light crazing in a few spotsVERY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT DRAKE'S PLANTATION BITTERS ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP, OF WHICH ONLY FIVE ARE REPORTED, INCLUDING TWO IN INSTITUTIONS. THIS LEAVES ONLY THREE AVAILABLE TO COLLECTORS.
The Ford sale catalogue description (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 478) reported that the cataloguer knew of four 90c Drake's encasements, including two held by institutions, and that perhaps one additional example was extant. The Ford collection contained two, so the example offered here is the fifth known to specialists. The 2007 Mayer description also noted they were aware of five pieces.
Ex Mayer
Ellis, McAlpin & Co., Cincinnati, 12c Black (EP82). Stamp well-positioned, couple trivial mica cracks, the case is in excellent condition with attractive dark brown patinaVERY FINE. A VERY RARE 12-CENT ELLIS McALPIN & COMPANY ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP, WITH ONLY FOUR TO FIVE REPORTED EXAMPLES.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 484) reported four to five known after a revised census count.
Ex Mayer and "Summit"
Ellis, McAlpin & Co., Cincinnati, 24c Red Lilac (EP83). Stamp with beautiful intense color (nearly Violet shade), positioned to the right but value tablet visible, mica intact with only tiny imperfections, the case is in excellent condition (possibly lacquered at one point)VERY FINE. A RARE HIGH-VALUE ENCASEMENT, WITH FEWER THAN TEN REPORTED EXAMPLES.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 486) notes "although a higher denomination than the 12 Cents, the 24 Cents issue is less difficult to find and we estimate there are about 10 to a dozen surviving."
Ex Mayer and "Summit"
Gage Bros. & Drake, Tremont House, Chicago, 10c Green (EP91). Stamp in a dark rich shade and nicely positioned, mica intact with only tiny imperfections, Very Fine, ex "Summit"
Gage Bros. & Drake, Tremont House, Chicago, 10c Green (EP91). Stamp with rich color, few trivial mica imperfections but overall fresh and Very Fine, -- In 1853 the Gage brothers -- David A. and George W. -- took control of the Tremont House, one of Chicago's most famous hotels. Two years later they sold a quarter-interest in the hotel to John B. Drake and named the new partnership "Gage, Brother & Drake" (as it appears on the encased postage). The Tremont House was frequently visited by Abraham Lincoln before he was elected President, and the hotel became Lincoln's campaign headquarters during the Republican convention in 1860. In 1863 David Gage withdrew from the Tremont House partnership and became a partner in the Sherman House, a rival hotel opened in 1861, with 1988 P.F. certificate
J. Gault, 5c Red Brown, Ribbed Frame (EP96a). Rich stamp color, dark brown case with some slight adhesive residue on back, tiny mica imperfection, otherwise Very Fine
J. Gault, 10c Green (EP97). Rich stamp color, lovely frame color, fresh and Very Fine
J. Gault, 24c Violet (EP99). Stamp with detailed impression, case with pretty golden brown color, mica is remarkably intactEXTREMELY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT GAULT ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP.
A wonderful condition rarity. Ex Mayer
J. Gault, 90c Blue (EP101). Stamp well-positioned with lovely bright color, trivial mica crazing of no consequence, the case is in excellent condition with even golden brown toning EXTREMELY FINE. THE TOP VALUE 90-CENT GAULT IS VERY RARE, AND THE EXAMPLE OFFERED HERE IS ONE OF THE FINEST AMONG THE REPORTED SURVIVING EXAMPLES.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 514) reports "probably fewer than 10 known." This example compares favorably to the About Uncirculated example offered in the Ford sale, which realized more than $10,000.
Ex "Summit"
L. C. Hopkins & Co., Cincinnati, 3c Rose (EP103). Stamp has rich color and positioned to show the complete denomination at bottom, slight mica crazing and lamination of little consequence, the case shows nearly half of its original silveringEXTREMELY FINE. A VERY RARE ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP, OF WHICH FEWER THAN FIVE EXAMPLES ARE REPORTED.
Ex Ford where reported as "probably fewer than five known" and "Summit"
Hunt & Nash, Irving House, New York, 10c Green, Ribbed Frame (EP109a). Stamp has deep rich color, marvelously placed in the frame with both labels full visible, mica remarkably intact with one small scratch at top, Very Fine and choice
Hunt & Nash, Irving House, New York, 12c Black (EP110). Stamp with detailed impression, case a nice tan and brown color, mica is remarkably fresh with slight lamination at topVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE EXCEEDINGLY RARE 12-CENT HUNT & NASH ENCASED POSTAGE. FEWER THAN FIVE EXAMPLES ARE REPORTED.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 526) noted "there may be as few as five, or so, known." Ex Ford and Mayer.
Kirkpatrick & Gault, New York, 30c Orange (EP119). Stamp with incredibly deep rich shade suggestive of the Deep Orange seen on the 30c First Color (Scott 61), superb positioning with labels at top and bottom fully visible (this encasement is usually not well-centered) small tear at top, some mica flaws, one noticeable at left near edge, intact case with a brightly colored reverseVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS KIRKPATRICK & GAULT ISSUE IS ONE OF THE FEW 30-CENT ENCASEMENTS WHICH EXIST IN ANY SORT OF COLLECTIBLE QUANTITY.
The Reed census assigns an R-6 rating to the 30c Kirkpatrick & Gault (16-20 known). Ex "Summit"
Lord & Taylor, New York, 24c Violet (EP126). Stamp with rich color, case a beautiful golden brown color, mica is fresh with some slight crazingVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT LORD & TAYLOR ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP.
The Reed census reports 5-10 known, and the Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 551) comments "probably closer to six."
Ex Mayer
Lord & Taylor, New York, 30c Orange (EP127). Stamp with rich color and a small toned spot, case a pretty golden brown color, mica intact with few small surface marks from circulationVERY FINE. THE 30-CENT LORD AND TAYLOR IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL ENCASED POSTAGE ISSUES. A MARVELOUS EXAMPLE OF THIS HIGH-DENOMINATION ENCASEMENT. ONLY TWO OR THREE ARE KNOWN.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 552) comments "we believe there are only two of these known and have not seen an auction sale of one since 1988." The Reed census rates it R-9 (2-4 known). Two are offered in this sale.
Ex Ford and Mayer
Lord & Taylor, New York, 30c Orange (EP127). Stamp with brilliant color, case a lovely color, mica fresh but with some cracks and lamination and small break above right tab exposing the stampVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THE 30-CENT LORD AND TAYLOR IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL ENCASED POSTAGE ISSUES. ONLY TWO OR THREE ARE KNOWN.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 552) comments "we believe there are only two of these known and have not seen an auction sale of one since 1988." The Reed census rates it R-9 (2-4 known). Two are offered in this sale.
Ex Mayer
Mendum's Family Wine Emporium, New York, 1c Blue (EP129). Well-positioned stamp, light horizontal crease or bend, mica appears intact with only tiny imperfections, lovely case, Very Fine, ex "Summit"
Mendum's Family Wine Emporium, New York, 5c Red Brown (EP131). Stamp with slight soiling, mica essentially sound with only slight lamination visible in cross-lighting, the case is in excellent condition with reverse showing considerable original silvering, Very Fine, ex Lilly, Ford and "Summit"
Mendum's Family Wine Emporium, New York, 10c Green, Ribbed Frame (EP132a). Stamp with rich color and detailed impression, case a wonderful deep mahogany with a few small signs of silvering, mica is remarkably fresh with a few spots of crazing at right near tabsVERY FINE AND CHOICE. ONLY TWO EXAMPLES OF THE 10-CENT MENDUM'S WINE EMPORIUM WITH RIBBED FRAME ARE RECORDED. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.
Only two examples of this issue with ribbed frame are recorded. Both were offered in the Mayer sale. The example offered here is by far the finer of the two.
Ex Ford and Mayer
Mendum's Family Wine Emporium, New York, 12c Black (EP133). Stamp beautifully positioned in frame showing complete top and bottom labels, trifling mica flaw at bottom left, nice olive brown reverseVERY FINE. A CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 12-CENT MENDUM'S FAMILY WINE EMPORIUM ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP -- THE HIGHEST VALUE OF THIS PRODUCER.
Ex Mayer and "Summit"
B.F. Miles, Peoria Ill., 5c Red Brown (EP135). Deep rich stamp color, intact mica, the reverse of the case with small dents along the upper rim from a long-ago attempt to remove the stampVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ENCASEMENT FROM BENJAMIN F. MILES, OF PEORIA, ILLINOIS.
This is the first example of either of the B.F. Miles encasements (1c or 5c) we have offered at auction since keeping computerized records and in our Rarities sales dating back to 1964. Only two of the 1c and fewer than ten of the 5c are known.
With 2017 P.F. certificate
John W. Norris, Chicago, 3c Rose (EP137). Stamp slightly soiled, mica has small cracks and crazing at top and bottom, the case is essentially sound but has some wear marksFINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE 3-CENT ENCASEMENT ISSUED BY JOHN W. NORRIS.
This specimen was described in the Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 565) as "Choice Extremely Fine" and "Certainly one of the nicest known." We suppose this is true, considering there are fewer than five reported examples.
Ex Ford and "Summit"
North America Life Insurance Co., New York, 1c Blue, Straight Line (EP140a). Rich stamp color, some original silvering on back, trivial lamination at edges, Very Fine
Pearce, Tolle & Holton, Cincinnati, 3c Rose (EP146). Stamp with light wrinkles and just a hint of soiling, mica clear with only tiny imperfections at left, the case is sound with a lovely olive gold tone on the reverseEXTREMELY FINE. A VERY RESPECTABLE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 3-CENT PEARCE, TOLLE & HOLTON ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP.
The Reed census gives the 3c Pearce, Tolle & Holton a rating of R-8 (5-10 known). Ex "Summit"
Pearce, Tolle & Holton, Cincinnati, 5c Red Brown (EP147). Stamp with beautiful rich color and essentially perfect positioning, trivial mica lamination and tiny flaw at six o'clock, the case is sound with a lovely olive gold tone on the reverseVERY FINE. POSSIBLY AS FINE AS THIS RARE ENCASEMENT EXISTS. ONLY FIVE TO TEN EXAMPLES OF THE 5-CENT PEARCE, TOLLE & HOLTON ARE REPORTED.
The Reed census reports 5-10 known.
Ex Ford and "Summit"
Schapker & Bussing, Evansville Ind., 12c Black (EP159). Stamp with intense shade and some slight soiling, case a uniform golden brown, mica remarkably intact with a few tiny flaws at edgesVERY FINE. THIS 12-CENT SCHAPKER & BUSSING ENCASED POSTAGE MAY WELL BE UNIQUE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF ENCASED POSTAGE COLLECTING.
Schapker & Bussing was one of two firms in Evansville, Indiana, that ordered encased postage from Gault. The partnership between Bernard Schapker and John W. Bussing, both German immigrants and employees of Samuel Embich & Co., was started in 1860. Their business was located on Main Street near the Ohio River. The firm prospered until the Panic of 1873 caused its failure.
The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 598) described this as "Possibly unique". The Stack's describer thought that this piece and the Dunham piece were the same, which would, to everyone's best knowledge, make this unique.
Ex Boyd, Ford and Mayer
John Shillito & Co., Cincinnati, 1c Blue (EP160). Stamp has bright fresh color, positioned slightly to the right and down but value label still visible, couple mica flaws at bottom, sound case with a nice dark olive gold tone on reverseVERY FINE. A RARE AND DIFFICULT ENCASED POSTAGE STAMP, WITH AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF FIVE TO TEN.
The 1c Shillito & Co. has a rarity rating of R-8+ in Reed census. The Ford sale catalogue (Stack's 6/23/2004, lot 599) reports "fewer than 10 known" (with the actual number being somewhat lower).
Ex "Summit". With 2004 P.F. certificate with no mention of the mica flaws
John Shillito & Co., Cincinnati, 10c Green (EP163). Stamp has rich color, nicely positioned with value label readable, some mica faults around edge, nice case with olive brown tone on the reverse, Very Fine, extremely scarce with a Reed census rating of R-8 (5-10 known), ex "Summit"
N. G. Taylor & Co., Philadelphia, 12c Black (EP173). Stamp with detailed impression, case was polished by a previous owner who sold this in the 1950s, mica is intact except for small crack at bottom rightVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT N. G. TAYLOR & CO. ENCASED POSTAGE ISSUE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF THIS COLLECTING AREA.
The company was a huge importer and manufacturer of tin plate roofing material and other forms of metal goods. They were one of three firms in Philadelphia to order the new encased postage.
Ex T. James Clarke, who was known to polish his encased postage (his collection was sold in 1956), Ford and Mayer.
Weir & Larminie, Montreal, 10c Green (EP177). Stamp has rich color and perfect positioning, mica nearly fault free, sound case with brownish tone and about one-third of the original silveringEXTREMELY FINE. THIS EXAMPLE RIVALS THE TWO IN THE FORD COLLECTION AND AESTHETICALLY IS MORE PLEASING WITH REGARD TO THE POSITIONING OF THE STAMP. EACH OF THE FORD EXAMPLES WAS DESCRIBED AS "ONE OF THE NICEST 10 CENTS KNOWN".
Ex "Summit". With 1987 P.F. certificate
White, The Hatter, New York, 3c Rose (EP179). Stamp light bend, some mica flaws, sound case with nearly complete original silvering on reverse and even traces on the obverse tabsVERY FINE. THE 3-CENT WHITE THE HATTER IS RARE, WITH AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF BETWEEN FIVE TO TEN SPECIMENS.
The Reed census reports 5-10 known. Ex "Summit"