Sale 941 — The John F. Odeneal Collection of Superb Mint U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 October, 2007
Category — Washington-Franklin Issues (Bluish Paper)
1c Green, Bluish (357). Mint N.H., intense shade and impression on nicely blued paper, choice centering for this difficult issue, single tiny natural gum skip not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. certificate
2c Carmine, Bluish (358). Mint N.H., deep rich color and proof-like impression on nicely blued paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 2-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER.
With 2002 P.F. certificate
3c Deep Violet, Bluish (359). Lightly hinged, intense color and proof-like impression on deeply blued paper, exceptional centering for this difficult issue with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER AND EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE. THIS MAGNIFICENT STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E., WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE, BESTOWED ONLY ON THE STAMP OFFERED HERE.
With 1996 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $4,550.00). This is the only 3c Bluish Paper to achieve XF-Superb 95 from P.S.E. (followed by a 90 OGnh and four 85 OGph)
4c Orange Brown, Bluish (360). Barest trace of hinging, beautiful rich color and sharp proof-like impression on deeply blued paper, spectacularly wide margins all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST RECORDED EXAMPLES OF THE RARE 4-CENT BLUISH PAPER -- ARGUABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT OF THE BLUISH PAPER ISSUE TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. THIS EXCEPTIONAL STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF VF 90 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE.
A review of our Levi records of the Bluish Paper stamps shows that the 4c is much rarer than the 8c in well-centered condition. This stamp, with margins that would be impressive on a normal 4c, easily ranks among the two or three finest known.
With 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $38,000.00). The P.S.E. grade is arguably 5 points too low, but the SMQ value is certainly too low, which is explained by the fact that there have been no sales of this stamp in XF 90 or XF-Superb 95 grades in years. In our opinion, the 4c and 8c Bluish Paper in XF 90 should each list at $75,000.
5c Blue, Bluish (361). Intense shade on deeply blued paper, wide margins for this difficult issueEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE 5-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER, WITH SOME OF THE DEEPEST BLUING OF THE PAPER WE HAVE EVER SEEN.
With 1998 P.F. certificate
6c Red Orange, Bluish (362). Mint N.H., vibrant color as fresh as the day it was printed, choice centering with well-proportioned marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A SCARCE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 6-CENT ON BLUISH.
As an indication of rarity, we have only offered seven sound Mint N.H. examples since keeping computerized records, which extend over approximately 14 years of our auctions.
With 1986 P.F. certificate
8c Olive Green, Bluish (363). Lightly hinged, choice centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, intense color on deeply blued paper, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS FANTASTIC STAMP MAY WELL BE THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 8-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER IN EXISTENCE. THE GRADE OF XF-SUPERB 95 IS THE HIGHEST AWARDED BY P.S.E., AND HAS ONLY BEEN BESTOWED ON THIS ONE STAMP. ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ODENEAL COLLECTION AND CERTAINLY ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF 20TH CENTURY UNITED STATES PHILATELY.
According to Johl (Vol. 1, page 175), the only source of the 4c and 8c Bluish stamps was the archives of the Post Office Department. Approximately 80 of each were traded for rare stamps missing from the archives. Only a few shown in our Levi records could contend for a XF-Superb 95 grade, and this stamp is the only example to achieve this exalted grade from P.S.E.
With 1969 and 1984 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90).
10c Yellow, Bluish (364). Mint N.H., radiant color on deeply blued paperVERY FINE AND CHOICE. THE 10-CENT ON BLUISH IS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT VALUES TO OBTAIN IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION. A GREAT CONDITION RARITY.
A review of our computerized records shows that we have only offered two other Mint N.H. examples in the past fourteen years. The others were offered in the Argentum Collection (Sale 807) and the Vineyard Collection (Sale 883)
With 1989 P.S.E. certificate
13c Bluish Green, Bluish (365). Lightly hinged, deep rich color and proof-like impression on nicely blued paper, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 13-CENT ON BLUISH.
Blue dealer's backstamp. With 2004 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $4,400.00)
15c Pale Ultramarine, Bluish (366). Mint N.H., brilliant color on deeply blued paper, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue with well-proportioned margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT ON BLUISH PAPER. SCARCE IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.
With 1984 P.F. certificate for block of four