Sale 1231 — The James P. Myerson Collection of Superb United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 9-10 February, 2021
Category — 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5-17)
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 99R4, huge margins all around, deep rich Plate 4 shade and proof-like impression, barely cancelled by a very light strike of circular datestamp, the margins and the cancel combining to beautifully highlight the type characteristicsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONE OF ONLY TWO AT THIS GRADE -- WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic).
Ex Neinken and Wagshal. The 1925 Kelleher sale of the Dr. Carroll Chase collection featured a Type Ia described as "black town canc. is so light that stamp appears unused" (lot 368), which seems to describe this stamp, but since there were no photographs in the sale catalogue, we cannot be sure if this the ex-Chase stamp.
With 2010 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $96,000.00). This is one of only two Scott 6 stamps at this lofty grade, with none higher. Below these two there are four graded 95. The highest grade for an unused example is 85.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 10R2 from the upper right corner of Plate 2, huge balanced margins all around including a sizable portion of the corner sheet margins and parts of adjoining stamps to the left and below, cancelled by light face-free strike of "Paid" in small grid in circle -- not the usual Boston cancel, but with space between bars and circle -- wonderful bright shade and proof-like impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS EXTRAORDINARY STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THE EXALTED GRADE OF GEM 100 FROM P.S.E. AND RANKS AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ONE-CENT 1851 ISSUE STAMPS WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
There are several Gem 100 or Gem 100 Jumbo Scott 7s that have been harvested from strips, sacrificing the adjoining stamps to create the desired margins. What makes this stamp so remarkable is that it comes from Position 10R2, the corner of the plate, and it was not "created" from a strip. The top and right margins are from the corner of the sheet, where there are no adjoining stamps. It shows small parts of the adjoining positions, 9R at left and 20R below. For many collectors, the appearance of this stamp, with its huge balanced "white" margins, face-free cancel and brilliant color, will be more aesthetically pleasing than the appearance of the 100 Jumbo stamps with surrounding positions on all sides.
Ex "European Connoisseur". With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100; SMQ $3,500.00). The P.S.E. Population Reports lists three Gem 100J and four other Gem 100 used stamps for Scott 7.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 67L3, massive margins at top and bottom with large portions of adjoining stamps, also large at sides, rich Plate 3 color, face-free circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED JUMBO EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE FROM THE SCARCER PLATE 3.
With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00). SMQ does not differentiate Scott No. 7s between the more common Plates 1E and 2 and the scarcer Plates 3 and 4. Scott prices Plate 3 No. 7 at 2.5-times the value for Plates 1E and 2. This is the highest graded example and the only Superb 98 Jumbo we have ever offered from Plate 3.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 72L2, enormous margins all around including parts of adjoining stamps on three sides, deep rich color on bright paper, light strike of blue circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING JUMBO USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT BLUE FROM PLATE 2.
Ex Vogel. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00). With 2011 P.F. certificate (Superb 98).
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, large to huge margins with trace of adjoining stamp at left, red "Paid/U.S. Mail/City Delivery/1" one-cent integral-rate New York City carrier datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II, Plate Crack (7 var). Position 12L2, with part of the “Big Crack” appearing as a lightning bolt through the top right to about the middle edge, bright color, red "Paid/U.S. Mail/City Delivery/1" one-cent integral-rate New York City carrier datestamp, faint crease visible only when drying, appears Very Fine, dealer's backstamp
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Positions 90/100L1E, vertical pair from the bottom right corner of the left pane of Plate 1 Early, huge margins all around including right interpane margin with mostly complete centerline, gorgeous bright shade and impression of Plate 1 Early, nicely complemented by blue "Charleston S.C. Paid Jan. 16" circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM CENTERLINE-MARGIN PAIR OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II FROM PLATE ONE EARLY. TRULY RARE IN THIS MAGNIFICENT QUALITY.
Ex Emerson and "European Connoisseur"
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa-II (8A-7). Plate 1E, horizontal pair, left stamp Type IIIa, bright Plate 1 Early shade, large margins to in at bottom, red Four Petals fancy cancel, Fine and attractive, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate on a cover, the opinion stating genuine 8A-7 pair but declining opinion if it originated on the cover (which no longer accompanies)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 70R4, huge margins all around including right sheet margin and top portion of imprint ("Toppan Carpent"), wide break at bottom and substantial break at top, huge margins, rich colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING JUMBO USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE III. THIS TYPE IS EXTREMELY RARE WITH THE IMPRINT. THIS IS THE ONLY SOUND EXAMPLE OF TYPE III SHOWING THE IMPRINT WE HAVE OFFERED SINCE KEEPING COMPUTERIZED RECORDS. APART FROM THE IMPRINT, THIS IS ALSO ONE OF THE FINEST TYPE III STAMPS IN EXISTENCE, BY VIRTUE OF ITS HUGE BALANCED MARGINS, FACE-FREE CANCEL AND WONDERFUL COLOR AND IMPRESSION.
The Neinken book states, "Stamps from Plate 4 showing part of the imprint are very rare." Looking at the layout of Plate 4 (Neinken book, page 263), the imprint position types are as follows: left pane 31/41L Type IIIa, 51L Type IIIa-III, 61L Type III; right pane 40R Type III, 50/60R Type IIIa, 70R Type III. Therefore, only Positions 61L, 40R and 70R4 are Type III imprint positions (51L is a "swing" position with a smaller break).
Ex Vogel, "Natalee Grace" and Curtis. With 2011 P.F. certificate as a pair with Type IIIa and 2012 P.S.E. certificate as single (Superb 98; SMQ $21,000.00). Only two grade higher (at 98J) and two share this grade.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 17R4 (Ashbrook plating and signature on back), large even margins all around, intense shade and impression, face-free strike of blue circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE IIIA FROM PLATE 4. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH HUGE MARGINS.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,500.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, large margins to full, rich color, red "Paid/U.S. Mail/City Delivery/1" one-cent integral-rate New York City carrier datestamp, fresh and Very Fine, with 1964 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Plate 1L, recut once at top and bottom, huge margins all around, rich color, light strike of red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Bowman, small Jakubek backstamp, with 1996 P.F., 2007 and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $2,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 6R1L, recut once at bottom (only eight positions on the plate), large even margins with portion of adjoining stamp at bottom, neat red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, this position was Type Ib on Plate 1 Early (prior to recut) and in its later state still shows some of the distinctive features of that type, ex Dr. LeBow, 1992 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies, with 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,375.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 25L1L, recut once at top and bottom, large even margins, fresh color, unobtrusive circular datestamp cancel with integral "Paid" struck on stamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1984 P.F. and 2014 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $525.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 8R1L, recut twice at bottom (11 on the plate), top sheet margin, other margins full, red circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine and choice, this plate position in its early state produced one of the two best examples of Type Ib (Scott 5A)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Positions 90/100L1L, vertical pair from the bottom right of the left pane of Plate 1 Late, Position 100L shows strong double transfer, recut once at top and bottom (90L) and once at top (100L), large to huge margins including part of adjoining stamp above and portion of bottom right corner sheet margins, beautiful brilliant shade more like a Plate 1 Early printing, blue Richmond Va. circular datestamp, Extremely Fine pair, pencil plating note on back looks like Dr. Chase's writing, so probably ex Dr. Chase, also ex Jessup and "European Connoisseur"
3c Orange Brown, Ty. II (10A). Jumbo margins including bottom sheet margin, gorgeous color complemented by blue Philadelphia circular datestamp, wonderfully freshEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 3-CENT ORANGE BROWN.
With 2004 P.F. certificate as No. 10 before Types I and II were separately listed. With 2015 P.S.E. certificate which incorrectly identifies the stamp as Type I No. 10 (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,250.00 as Type II No. 10A). Only three others share this grade and one grades higher.
3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11). Large to huge margins all around with portions adjoining stamps at top and bottom, bright color, very light circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $500.00)
3c Dull Red, Ty. II (11A). Huge margins all around including significant portions of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, bright color, face-free strikes of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $500.00)
5c Red Brown (12). C Relief, huge margins all around showing parts of three surrounding stamps, lightly cancelled by face-free New Orleans circular datestamp, rich color and remarkably fresh and brightEXTREMELY FINE GEM. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 1856 5-CENT RED BROWN IN EXISTENCE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "European Connoisseur". With 2015 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only four others share it.
5c Red Brown (12). Large to huge margins including part of adjoining stamp at right, deep rich color on fresh white paper, bold impression, beautiful red grid cancel, Extremely Fine, a handsome used example cancelled in red, ex Wall, with 1991 and 2011 P.F. certificates
5c Red Brown (12). Horizontal pair, rich color, large margins to full at left, light circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine pair, the right stamp is Extremely Fine, ex Mayer
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Position 100R1, huge margins all around including parts of adjoining stamps at top and left, rich color, unobtrusive cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE I, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
The 10c Type I stamps are defined as having complete scrolls at bottom. They are only found on the bottom row of the plate (20 positions). For some reason, they were usually trimmed at bottom when they were separated, leaving a dearth of quality copies. This example, with its enormous margins, is an extreme exception to the rule.
With 2004 P.F., 2003, 2005 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $6,250.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and four others share this desirable grade.
10c Green, Ty. I (13). Large margins all around, rich color, vivid red circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,225.00), a slightly dry print at right might be the reason this was not graded 95 or 98
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Huge margins all around, deep rich color, face-free circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 1989 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,200.00)
10c Green, Ty. II (14). Large margins including left interpane margin and centerline, bright shade, lightly cancelled by blue circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, ex Newbury and "European Connoisseur", accompanied by the 1961 Siegel Newbury Sale lot sheet (purchased by Raymond Weill)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Huge perfectly balanced margins, light face-free strike of town datestamp, small manuscript ink marks on back, still an Extremely Fine Gem, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate not mentioning the ink marks (Superb 98; SMQ $1,250.00)
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamps at sides, pretty shade, face-free strike of red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp in every respect, ex Saadi, Eubanks and "Clipper City", with 1988, 1991, 2017 P.F. and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $875.00), we feel this should have received a 98 Jumbo grade
10c Green, Ty. III (15). Horizontal pair, large to huge margins with traces of adjoining stamp at right, lovely bright shade, cancelled by sharp strike of San Francisco circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, outstanding quality, ex "European Connoisseur"
10c Green, Ty. IV (16). Position 86L1, recut at top, large margins all around, beautiful deep rich color, lightly cancelled by town datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1855 10-CENT TYPE IV.
With 1967, 2008 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). Only three grade higher (highest is 98).
12c Black (17). Huge margins all around including left sheet margin and portion of adjoining stamp at right, intense shade and detailed impression, lightly struck red circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2016 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $2,750.00)
12c Black (17). Large even margins with traces of three adjoining stamps, neat red grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a lovely stamp cancelled in red, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $1,150.00)
12c Black (17). Horizontal pair, large margins all around including traces of adjoining stamps below and right sheet margin, crisp shade and impression, lightly cancelled by red grids and New York circular datestamp with "19" credit, Extremely Fine, a remarkably choice pair of the 12c 1851 Issue, ex "European Connoisseur"