Sale 1188 — United States Stamp Treasures: The William H. Gross Collection
Sale Date — Wednesday, 3 October, 2018
Category — Fancy Cancellations, Mostly from Waterbury, Connecticut
Little Piggy of Sandisfield, MassachusettsDESCRIPTION
Little Piggy, perfect strike on 3¢ Dull Red, Type III (26), “Sandisfield, Mass. Mar. 25” (circa 1861) double-circle datestamp on buff cover to Plymouth, Connecticut, very rare--one other off-cover strike known
PROVENANCE
* Donald Malcolm
* Clyde Jennings (collection sold privately to William H. Gross)
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Skinner-Eno, United States Cancellations 1845-1869, p. 141, no. PA-E1
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (2000)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine
Man in the Moon of Mason, OhioDESCRIPTION
Man in the Moon, perfect strike on 3¢ Dull Red, Type III (26), bold “Mason, Ohio, Oct. 25” (circa 1860) circular datestamp on small cover to Lebanon, Ohio
PROVENANCE
* Clifford C. Cole, Siegel Auction Galleries, 2/24/1988, Sale 689, lot 329
* Clyde Jennings (collection sold privately to William H. Gross)
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Skinner and Eno, United States Cancellations 1845-1869, no. PH-F89
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine; address slightly faded
* Signed by Stanley B. Ashbrook
Bridgeport Fireman of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Bridgeport Fireman, perfect strike with every detail of finely carved lines, tying 3¢ Rose (65) on small piece
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-6
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (2004)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; small tear at lower right
Clown in Top Hat of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Clown in Top Hat, full and clear strike on 3¢ Rose (65)
PROVENANCE
* Mattatuck Historical Society, The Collectors Shop (Keffer), 11/12/1959, lot 5
* Morrison Waud, Siegel Auction Galleries, 3/23/1994, Sale 758, lot 276
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-4
CERTIFICATION
The Philatelic Foundation (1995)
CONDITION NOTES
* Very Fine
Eagle & Shield of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Eagle & Shield, perfect full strike on 3¢ Rose (65)
PROVENANCE
* B. H. Handy, The Collectors Shop (Keffer), 11/12/1953
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-8
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; stamp has long sealed tear and crease
Dog in Collar of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Dog in Collar, bold full strike on 3¢ Rose (65)
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-4
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; tear through upper left corner (reattached)
Duck on Water of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Duck on Water, full clear strike on 3¢ Rose (65)
PROVENANCE
* Edward S. Knapp, Amos Eno, Clyde Jennings (collection sold to Gross)
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-10
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; stamp with small piece out of margin
Circus Elephant of Waterbury, Connecticut--one of the rarest and most fascinating of Postmaster John W. Hill’s creations and the only strike known on a 2¢ “Black Jack”DESCRIPTION
Circus Elephant, a sharp and dark strike showing the ear and eye with perfect clarity, “Waterbury Con. Apr. 18 ‘66” double-circle datestamp, the Elephant ties 2¢ Black (73) on buff cover to Charles Perkins, a local Waterbury resident
PROVENANCE
* Mattatuck Historical Society, The Collectors Shop (Keffer), 11/12/1959, lot 51, to Matthies
* Katharine Matthies, Siegel Auction Galleries, 1/11/1977, Sale 503, lot 338
* Mary Ann Owens (sold privately to William H. Gross)
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-2
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1977 and 1999)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; cover slightly reduced at right
VIEW PDF OF HISTORY AND COMMENTARY at https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/71.pdf
Man in Hat Smoking Pipe of Waterbury, Connecticut--a perfect strike of this wonderful, whimsical carving by Postmaster John W. HillDESCRIPTIONMan in Hat Smoking Pipe, a perfect pitch black strike showing all of the details of this intricate carving, including the high collar and Hill’s characteristic “smiling” eye, bold “Waterbury Con. Aug. 23 ‘67” double-circle datestamp, the Man ties 3¢ Rose (65) on small cover to Gertrude Cooke in Wolcottville, Connecticut, with original letter
PROVENANCE
* Cooke correspondence first offered through Siegel Auction Galleries, 9/11/1985, Sale 651, this was lot 338
* Milton Mitchell, Siegel Auction Galleries, 5/13/2003, Sale 859, lot 134, to William H. Gross
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-1
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; slight gum toning at top of stamp, cover slightly reduced at left
Eagle & Shield of Waterbury, Connecticut--Postmaster Hill’s patriotic tribute to the Union and E. Pluribus Unum after the Civil WarDESCRIPTION
Eagle & Shield, intense pitch black strike with the eagle’s feathers and talons in perfect clarity, full bold “Waterbury Con. Jan. 13 ‘66” doublecircle datestamp, the Eagle ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Samuel Hodgson in New York City
PROVENANCE
* Dr. Glenn E. Jackson, Siegel Auction Galleries, 3/3/1970, Sale 369, lot 326, to Matthies
* Katharine Matthies, Siegel Auction Galleries, 1/11/1977, Sale 503, lot 336, to Houser
* Henry Houser, Christie’s Robson Lowe sale, 12/13/1990, lot 4
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, p. 18, Rohloff A-8
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1990)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; cover has long repaired opening
Skull & Crossbones of Waterbury, Connecticut--a message to everyone that the stamp was “dead” and may not be used againDESCRIPTION
Skull & Crossbones, full strike with equally sharp “Waterbury Con. Apr. 14 ‘66” double-circle datestamp tying 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to the Saugatuck Manufacturing Co. in Connecticut
PROVENANCE
* E. N. Sampson
* Sotheby Parke Bernet sale, 2/5-7/1980, Sale 41, lot 738
* Siegel Auction Galleries, 2003 Rarities of the World, 5/31/2003, Sale 863, lot 334, to William H. Gross
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff R-1
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike and cover
Baseball, Bats and Bases of Waterbury, Connecticut--carved by Postmaster Hill after Waterbury’s team played a winning gameDESCRIPTION
Baseball, Bats and Bases, full sharp strike with mostly clear strike of “Waterbury Con. Sep. 9 ‘67” double-circle datestamp, cancel ties 3¢ Rose (65) on buff cover to Joseph A. Rogers in New York City
PROVENANCE
* Mattatuck Historical Society, The Collectors Shop (Keffer), 11/12/1959, lot 32, to Matthies
* Katharine Matthies, Siegel Auction Galleries, 1/11/1977, Sale 503, lot 330, to Houser
* Henry Houser, Christie’s Robson Lowe sale, 12/13/1990, lot 80, to Mitchell
* Milton Mitchell, Siegel Auction Galleries, 5/13/2003, Sale 859, lot 133, to William H. Gross
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, p. 178, Rohloff O-2
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1990)
CONDITION NOTES;
* Extremely Fine strike and cover; slightly reduced at left
VIEW PDF OF HISTORY AND COMMENTARY at https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/75.pdf
Duck on Water of Waterbury, Connecticut--Postmaster John W. Hill’s celebration of duck hunting season in the autumn of 1867DESCRIPTION
Duck on Water, clear strike with “Waterbury Con. Sep. 24 ‘67” double-circle datestamp tying 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to the Samuel Hodgson in Blackstone, Massachusetts
PROVENANCE
* Katharine Matthies, Siegel Auction Galleries, 1/11/1977, Sale 503, lot 335, to Houser
* Henry Houser, Christie’s Robson Lowe sale, 12/13/1990, lot 5
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-10
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1990)
CONDITION NOTES
* Very Fine strike and cover
Rose Blossom of Waterbury, Connecticut--a beautiful strike of one of Postmaster Hill’s most intricate carvingsDESCRIPTION
Rose Blossom, a spectacular perfect strike with “Waterbury Ct. Nov. 18” (1869) circular datestamp on 3¢ Pink on White entire (U58) to Thomas Bull in Woodbury, Connecticut, with original letter from F. L. Allen, a Waterbury hardware dealer, the letter and receipt docket referring to the letter are dated November 19, but the Waterbury November 18 datestamp is probably the true mailing date
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff F-2
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (2007)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; the certificate describes some skillful restoration, including the back reattached, small surface scuffs and cleaning; the left edge has also been slightly extended in the process (not noted)
Old Woman in Bonnet of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Old Woman in Bonnet, bold full strike showing every detail of the bonnet and the lady’s frowning face, rim of datestamp at left, tying 1¢ Buff (112) on piece, stamp has interpane margin at right
PROVENANCE
* Mattatuck Historical Society, according to a note on back, but not in auction held by The Collectors Shop (Keffer), 11/12/1959
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-10
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; small piece of stamp torn off at upper left when separated by original user
African-American of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
African-American, Postmaster Hill’s unmistakable profile image, bold full strike showing every detail of the smiling face, on 3¢ Ultramarine (114) with straight edge at left
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-8
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1991)
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike
Running Chicken of Waterbury, Connecticut--Postmaster Hill’s most famous creationDESCRIPTION
Running Chicken, full clear strike showing the fine detail of the wings, head and legs--the back leg is broken off, indicating a later stage of the cancel--on 3¢ Ultramarine (114)
PROVENANCE
* Siegel Auction Galleries, 1981 Rarities of the World, 4/29/1981, Sale 579, lot 158
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff A-11
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (1978)
CONDITION NOTES
* Very Fine strike; stamp has corner crease and small margin tear
Old Woman in Bonnet of Waterbury, Connecticut--one of the iconic images carved by Postmaster John W. HillDESCRIPTION
Old Woman in Bonnet, bold strike with “Waterbury Ct. Mar. 4” (1870) circular datestamp, cancel tying 3¢ Ultramarine (114) at left of cover to Mrs. Joseph Anderson in Aiken, South Carolina, the duplex datestamp is struck off the edge of cover at left but restruck at upper right and a small part of the lady shows
PROVENANCE
* L. Moeldner, Daniel F. Kelleher sale
* Robert S. Emerson, Daniel F. Kelleher, 10/19/1937, Sale 394, lot 209, to Keffer (Emerson’s note on back: “DFK L. Moeldner”)
* Dr. Glenn E. Jackson, Siegel Auction Galleries, 3/3/1970, Sale 369, lot 400
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff E-10
CERTIFICATION
* The Philatelic Foundation (2000)
CONDITION NOTES
*Extremely Fine strike and cover
Congress Gaiter of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Congress Gaiter (Shoe), sharp strike showing fine lines of elastic bands with “Waterbury Ct. Mar. 21” (1870) circular datestamp, cancel ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on yellow cover to Wolcott Paper Co. in Waterbury, overpaid for drop rate, embossed corner card of White & Wells, wholesale paper warehouse and manufactory
PROVENANCE
* Dr. Glenn E. Jackson, Siegel Auction Galleries, 3/3/1970, Sale 369, lot 389
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff O-12
CONDITION NOTES
* Very Fine strike; right edge restored and stamp has faults
Beer Mug of Waterbury, ConnecticutDESCRIPTION
Beer Mug, wonderful bold strike with “Waterbury Ct. Jun. 21” (1869) circular datestamp, cancel ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on large cover to Louisa A. Conder in Oxford, Connecticut
PROVENANCE
* Katharine Matthies, Siegel Auction Galleries, 1/11/1977, Sale 503, lot 395, to Houser
* Henry Houser, Christie’s Robson Lowe sale, 12/13/1990, lot 86
CENSUS, LITERATURE AND EXHIBITION REFERENCES
* Paul C. Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890, Rohloff O-9
CONDITION NOTES
* Extremely Fine strike; cover refolded to reduce size; stamp has small tear and light crease from fold