Sale 1234 — The Gary Petersen Collection of Important United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 29-30 April, 2021
Category — 1847 Issue and Reproduction (Scott 1-4)
5c Red Brown (1). Block of four, original gum, full to large margins all around, worn-plate impression in a beautiful bright shade, exceptionally fresh, accompanying certificate notes light vertical creases, these are caused by the naturally crackly gum that is typical of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson's workEXTREMELY FINE FOR AN ORIGINAL-GUM MULTIPLE OF THE 1847 ISSUE. IN FACT, THIS BEAUTIFUL BLOCK OF FOUR, WITH ITS RICH COLOR AND SOUNDNESS, IS ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE RECORDED 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE MULTIPLES.
The 1847 Issue is much scarcer in unused condition than other issues, because the stamps were demonetized in 1851. They could be exchanged for the new issue, but once the exchange period ended, the stamps would have no postage value. Considering the purchasing power of five or ten cents in 1851, it is not surprising that the stamps were either used or exchanged, rather than left for future generations of collectors in a hobby that did not yet exist.
Our surveys of auction records found fewer than 20 unused blocks of four or larger of the 5c 1847 Issue. The example offered here, with light vertical creases but with four large margins, is easily one of the choicest and is a rare opportunity for the collector who pursues only the finest condition classic stamps.
Ex "Sevenoaks" (as a block of six) and Whitman. With 2002 P.F. certificate.
5c Brown Orange (1d). Positions 3-6R, horizontal strip of four, top row positions showing misalignment of entries (second and third stamps) and part of top sheet margin, brilliant Brown Orange shade, cleaned-plate impression, large margins to just in, bold strikes of blue grid cancel, Position 5R faint vertical crease and thin spot, Fine appearance, a very rare strip of four, especially in this shade, Scott value $4,000.00 as singles (unpriced as a pair or strip)
5c Red Brown (1). Horizontal strip of three, large margins to clear except just touched at top left of left stamp and bottom of center stamp, early impression and crisp shade, red grid cancels, Fine-Very Fine and attractive, strips of three are especially scarce since the triple 5c rate was only in effect from July 1847 to March 1849, Scott value $1,750.00
5c Red Brown, Dark Brown (1, 1a). Two Red Brown singles and Dark Brown horizontal pair, singles from intermediate and worn-plate impressions, pair from early impression showing sharp details, all have four margins, some faults including lightened cancels, Very Fine-Extremely Fine appearance
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5c Red Brown (1). Full to large margins, detailed early impression and dark shade, tied by blue "Philada. Pa. 5 Oct. 13" (1849) integral-rate circular datestamp on blue folded cover to Columbia Pa., Very Fine
10c Black (2). Unused (no gum), three full to large margins, well clear at bottom, completely soundFINE. A RARE SOUND UNUSED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE.
With 1978 and 2021 P.F. certificates, the former stating "soiled" but there is no soiling, as confirmed by the new certificate
10c Black (2). Large margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at top, cancelled by neat manuscript "X", red "Washington City Aug. 8" circular datestamp on buff envelope to Salem Mass., manuscript "Paid" at upper right, cover with slight toning not affecting stamp, Very Fine, ex Bleuler
5c Red Brown, Reproduction (3). Without gum as issued, large margins to ample, deep rich color, small thin spot, Fine appearance
10c Black, Reproduction (4). Without gum as issued, ample margins, intense impression, Very Fine