Sale 1040 — Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Thursday, 26-28 March, 2013
Category — 1898 Trans-Mississippi Issue, Multiples (Scott 285-293)
1c-10c Trans-Mississippi (285-290). Blocks of four, original gum, few h.r., many lightly hinged, few flaws including 4c one stamp with faults and 10c one stamp with crease, still overall Fine-Very Fine and attractive set of blocks of the Trans-Mississippi Issue to the 10c
1c Trans-Mississippi (285). Mint N.H. top left imprint and plate no. 592 block of ten, natural s.e. with part arrow at right, rich color, choice centering throughout, fresh and Extremely Fine, Scott Retail as plate no. block of six and four singles
2c-5c Trans-Mississippi (286-288). Top imprint and plate no. blocks of four, 2c h.r. in selvage and stamps barely hinged, 4c glazed original gum, 5c h.r., fresh colors, nice centering, Very Fine trio
4c Trans-Mississippi (287). Bottom right corner imprint and plate no. 634 block of ten, natural s.e and part arrow at left, original gum, stamps Mint N.H., couple small h.r. in selvage of plate block only, vibrant color, well-balanced marginsVERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFULLY FRESH 4-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI CORNER MARGIN PLATE BLOCK OF TEN.
The part arrow Mint N.H. block of four at the left has no hinging in the selvage. It could be removed while leaving the full plate block of six. Scott Retail as Mint N.H. singles with no premium for the plate block
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Mint N.H. bottom imprint and plate no. 643 block of six, exceptionally rich color and proof-like impression, each stamp almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB PLATE BLOCK OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI -- ARGUABLY THE FINEST EXTANT.
The 1893 Columbian Issue, comprising 16 different denominations, created a backlash from collectors, who resented paying $16.34 for a complete set (the equivalent of $380 in today's dollars). For the 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition, held in Omaha Nebraska, the number of stamps was reduced to nine denominations up to $2.00. The $3.80 cost for the set, while still expensive ($95 in today's dollars), was at least more manageable.
The collectors' early preference for plate blocks of four is the reason why Trans-Mississippi plate blocks of six are so rare. This 8c certainly ranks among the finest we have ever handled.
Ex Drucker. With 2002 P.F. certificate.
50c Trans-Mississippi (291). Block of four, original gum, bright color, few minor perf separations, Fine-Very Fine
50c Trans-Mississippi (291). Block of four, original gum, small h.r., rich color, bottom right stamp small natural gum bend, Fine, an attractive multiple
$1.00 Trans-Mississippi (292). Original gum, barely hinged (almost appears Mint N.H.), intense shade and impression, few minor perf separations expertly reinforced at left, still a fresh and Fine block of four of the $1.00 Trans-Mississippi Issue
$1.00 Trans-Mississippi (292). Block of four, original gum, detailed impression, horizontal crease at top, Fine-Very Fine appearance, blocks of four are scarce
$2.00 Trans-Mississippi (293). Block of four, original gum, bottom right stamp small h.r., others barely hinged, bright color, some perf separations expertly reinforced, bottom right stamp with tiny corner crease at bottom leftFINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A SCARCE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE $2.00 TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
Scott Catalogue assigns a meager $400.00 premium for a block versus four singles.
1c Trans-Mississippi (285). Mint N.H. pane of 50 split horizontally into blocks of 20 and 30, imprint and plate no. 590 blocks of six at top and bottom, arrow selvage at left, natural s.e. at right, upper half includes some stamps with choice centering and a Fine-Very Fine plate block, bottom Good-Fine, ex Saddleback, Scott Retail as Mint N.H. plate blocks and singles
2c Trans-Mississippi (286). Pane of 50 with imprint and plate no. 741 blocks of six at top and bottom, arrow selvage at left, natural s.e. at right, top plate block and many others Mint N.H., few perf separations sensibly and expertly reinforced which possibly affects bottom plate block, one stamp towards center thin spot, appears Fine-Very Fine, Scott Retail approx.
8c Trans-Mississippi (289). Pane of 50 with imprint and plate no. 609 blocks of six at top and bottom, arrow selvage at right, natural s.e. at left, 46 stamps including both plate blocks Mint N.H., four stamps h.r. reinforcing some perf separations, few light natural gum bends, bottom right stamp natural gum crease, bottom right corner selvage clippedFINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMPLETE PANE OF 50 OF THE 8-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE.
Scott Retail as two Mint N.H. plate blocks, hinged and Mint N.H. and singles.