Sale 1084 — The Curtis Collection: 1847-1901 Stamps and Covers
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 5-6 November, 2014
Category — 1c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5-9)
1c Blue, Ty. I (5). Position 7R1E, three large margins, just barely in at bottom but plumes almost complete, bright early shade, neat strike of blue grid and what appears to be part of a French decimes due handstamp at top, few small filled thin spots do not detract at all from choice appearanceVERY FINE APPEARANCE. POSITION 7R1E -- THE SEVENTH STAMP IN THE RIGHT PANE OF PLATE ONE EARLY -- IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 1,000 POSITIONS USED TO PRINT IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT STAMPS THAT SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESIGN (TYPE I). A GREAT RARITY.
The published census compiled by Jerome S. Wagshal contains at least 98 unduplicated records of Scott 5. There are probably no more than ten examples existing outside of the Wagshal census population. Therefore, the 1c 1851 Type I is the rarest of all United States stamps issued regularly prior to the 1868 Grills.
Wagshal Census No. 5-CAN-25. Ex Lessin. With 1988 P.F. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. Ib-I (5A-5). Positions 6-7R1E, horizontal pair with combination of Type Ib at left and Type I at right, ample margins to slightly in, grid cancels, deep rich color and early impression, Type Ib has small repair at upper left, Type I has 4mm sealed tear at bottom and faint corner crease at top right, hinged on cover to Concord N.H. on which it originated with additional 1c Blue, Ty. II (7) for 3c rate, red "Plattsburgh N.Y. Apr. 18" circular datestampFINE-VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE MULTIPLE CONTAINING TYPE I, POSITION 7R1E -- THE RAREST AND MOST DESIRABLE OF ALL 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPES -- AND TYPE Ib, POSITION 6R1E, ONE OF THE TWO BEST EXAMPLES OF THIS TYPE ON THE PLATE.
According to the Wagshal Census, the following used multiples containing Position 7R1E (Scott 5) are recorded: 7R1E as part of a used pair (on or off cover) -- 9; and 7R1E as part of a used strip of three -- 12. The pair offered here is accompanied by the original cover from which it was removed, which also has a 1c Type II (Wagshal Census No. 5-COV-079).
Ex Terwilliger and Lake Shore. With 1954 and 1992 P.F. certificates, neither mentioning repair or faults. Scott Retail as an off-cover combination pair $145,000.00
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 5R1E, huge margins all around including top sheet margin and parts of adjoining stamps at sides, radiant Plate 1 Early shade, unobtrusive circular datestamp leaves the design and all type characteristics clearly visible, tiny thin at bottomEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL HUGE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib IMPERFORATE.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms of 3-6R and 8-9R were ironed out when the entries were made below them.
Ex Collier. With 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $13,000.00 as 85, $18,000.00 as 90). This no doubt would have graded 5-10 points higher if it were completely sound.
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 6R1E, full to large margins on three sides including top sheet margin, just in at bottom, rich color, bold grid cancel struck at left leaves type characteristics clearly visibleVERY FINE. A SCARCE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib IMPERFORATE, FROM ONE OF THE TWO BEST POSITIONS TO FURNISH THIS TYPE.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were burnished away. Positions 6R and 8R had less of the bottom erased than the other Type Ib positions, particularly in the left plume, and for this reason they are more desirable examples of the type.
With 1977 and 1998 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (F-VF 75; SMQ $6,500.00)
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Positions 4-6R1E, horizontal strip of three, all three stamps Type Ib, full margins on three sides, just in to clear at bottom, bright color, lightened manuscript cancel, right stamp few creases ending in small tears, center stamp tiny flaw at top, left stamp small corner crease at bottom leftFINE APPEARANCE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE 1851 ONE-CENT ISSUE MULTIPLE FROM THE TOP ROW OF PLATE ONE EARLY, COMPRISING THREE RARE TYPE Ib POSITIONS, INCLUDING 6R1E, ONE OF THE TWO BEST EXAMPLES OF TYPE Ib. THIS STRIP CONTAINS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF TYPE Ib POSITIONS KNOWN IN A SINGLE USED MULTIPLE.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were ironed out when the entries were made below them. Positions 6R and 8R had less of the bottom erased than the other Type Ib positions, and for this reason they are more desirable examples of the type. Although Positions 3-6R1E could form a strip of four, no such multiple has been recorded in used condition. Only the original-gum block from Positions 4-9/14-15R1E (Wagshal Census 5-UNC-002) contains a larger number of Type Ib positions than this strip.
Ex Geary. Scott Retail as three pen-cancelled singles does not adequately convey the rarity of this multiple.
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 95L4, huge margins to in at lower right including part of adjoining stamps at sides and bottom sheet margin, deep rich color, neat strike of circular datestamp, faint horizontal crease at topFINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE Ia, ONE OF THE RARITIES FURNISHED BY PLATE 4.
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).
With 1999 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ic (6b). Position 96R4, large margins to slightly in at sides, intense shade and impression, face-free circular datestamp, thin spot at top of headVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE Ic FROM THE BOTTOM ROW OF PLATE 4 -- ONLY TWO POSITIONS IN THE BOTTOM ROW FURNISHED THE MORE DISTINCT EXAMPLES OF TYPE Ic.
Positions 91R and 96R on Plate 4 come from the bottom row and have the full plume at bottom left and partly complete plume at right (a sub-type of Type Ia). These two are the most desirable examples of Type Ic. Other Type Ic positions on the plate are less distinct.
With 1983 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Positions 58-60/67-70/77-80L1E, block of eleven with guideline visible in right margin, full margins to slightly in, additional stamp (Position 57) detached and repositioned at top, original gum, gum toning only slightly visible on face, creased in top horizontal row and some creasing in last row near bottomAN IMPORTANT CLASSIC MULTIPLE -- THE LARGEST KNOWN BLOCK OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 FROM PLATE ONE EARLY.
This block was discovered in the early 1990's inside a file of old records. It is the largest known block from Plate 1 Early, followed in size by the irregular unused block of eight containing Position 7R1E, an unused and defective block of six (Pos. 51-53/61-63L1E) and seven or eight unused blocks of four (one used block is also known).
Ex Zoellner. With 1994 A.P.S. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. II-IIIa (7-8A). Plate 1 Early, horizontal pair, left stamp Type II, right stamp Type IIIa with clear break at top, large margins to just touched, neat strike of blue "Charleston S.C. Paid Sep. 4" circular datestamp, right stamp tiny thin speck and faint corner crease, Fine appearance
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, huge margins all around including top sheet margin, bright color, cancelled by New York circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,850.00) and 2012 P.F. certificate (Superb 98 XQ)
1c Blue, Ty. II/IV (7/9). Positions 4/14R1L, top stamp Type II, unused (no gum), large margins to clear, radiant color, accompanying certificate notes "faint surface spots on bottom stamp" which we fail to detectVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE UNUSED COMBINATION PAIR OF 1851 ONE-CENT TYPES II AND IV IMPERFORATE. THIS UNUSED VERTICAL PAIR MAY WELL BE UNIQUE.
Position 4R1L is the only position that was not recut on Plate 1 Late, thus producing a Type II stamp. Vertical pairs are considerably rarer than horizontal, and so this combination may be unique (outside of the intact pane).
Ex Wagshal. With 1970 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as original gum
1c Blue, Ty. II-IV (7-9). Positions 4-5R1L, left stamp Type II, large margins to clear, original gum, left stamp vertical crease at right which just touches the ornaments, both stamps with toned spotsVERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE ORIGINAL-GUM COMBINATION PAIR OF 1851 ONE-CENT TYPES II AND IV IMPERFORATE.
Position 4R1L is the only position that was not recut on Plate 1 Late, thus producing a Type II stamp.
With 1997 P.F. certificate
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 and Natalee Grace. 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 have graded higher (at 98J) and one other shares this grade.
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, large to full margins, rich color, clear breaks at both top and bottom, neat strike of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE. AN ATTRACTIVE USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. This stamp is notable for its wide breaks at both top and bottom.
Ex Twigg-Smith. With 2001 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $6,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, large margins, intense color on bright paper, clear breaks at both top and bottom, neat strike of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, the majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. This stamp is notable for its wide breaks at both top and bottom.
Ex Lessin. With 1988 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $6,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 32L4, enormous margins all around including parts of adjoining stamps at sides, rich Plate 4 color on bright paper, well-struck town datestamp, faint pressed-out vertical crease at left mentioned on two most recent certificates, Extremely Fine appearance, a huge stamp, with 1961 and 2008 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificate (F-VF 75 Jumbo; SMQ $2,200.00 as 75, $3,000.00 as 80), this was no doubt significantly downgraded based on the small flaw
1c Blue, Ty. III, Position 99R2 (8). Large to huge margins all around including part of adjoining stamp at right, intense shade and impression, light cancel leaves entire design and the type characteristics clearly visible, faint vertical crease at right not mentioned on accompanying certificateEXTREMELY FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III FROM POSITION 99R2. THIS POSITION PRODUCED THE BEST EXAMPLE OF TYPE III, WITH THE WIDEST BREAKS AT TOP AND BOTTOM.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2. According to the Neinken book, "The 99R2 stamp is a fresh entry, that was short transferred both at top and bottom, over an original entry that had been erased... The reason that 99R2 is the finest example of Type III is because of its very short transfer at top and at bottom, giving us the wide breaks in these lines." (p. 184).
With 1984 P.F. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. III, Position 99R2 (8). Deep rich color, large margins to just in, clearly showing the double transfer that is one of the defining characteristics of the position, tied by "Worcester Mass. Apr. 21, 1851" circular datestamp on circular-rate cover to So. Thomaston Me., cover with some slight wear and toning including small tear at top leftVERY FINE. A DESIRABLE ON-COVER EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE III FROM POSITION 99R2. THIS POSITION IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE III, WITH THE WIDEST BREAKS AT TOP AND BOTTOM.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) has small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2. According to the Neinken book, "The 99R2 stamp is a fresh entry, that was short transferred both at top and bottom, over an original entry that had been erased... The reason that 99R2 is the finest example of Type III is because of its very short transfer at top and at bottom, giving us the wide breaks in these lines." (p. 184).
Ex Long. Signed Ashbrook. With 2008 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, huge margins all around including portion of adjoining stamp at top, deep rich color, town cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
Type IIIa is defined as having a break in outer lines at either top or bottom. The stamp offered here, with huge top and bottom margins, is an outstanding example of the type as it clearly shows the bottom line complete and the top line with a wide break.
Ex Kirke. With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $9,800.00). Only two have graded higher (at 98J) and only three others share this grade.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 67L4, large margins to clear, deep rich color and proof-like impression, neat strike of circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, signed Ashbrook, with 1978, 2000 and 2013 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Horizontal pair, large margins to in, deep rich Plate 4 color, fresh and Fine pair, with 2004 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 88L4, huge margins to in, tied by "Albany N.Y. Paid" handstamp on folded printed circular for Astronomical Journal dated Cambridge, July 23, 1857 announcing discovery of a new planet the month prior, addressed to Edward Everett, the renowned orator who spoke for two hours at Gettysburg before Lincoln gave his two-minute address, Fine, with 2004 A.P.S. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Plate 1L, huge margins all around including right sheet margin and part of adjoining stamps on other three sides, bright shade, bold New York circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,200.00)