Sale 1211 — The William H. Gross Collection: United States Postal History
Sale Date — Tuesday-Wednesday, 29-30 October, 2019
Category — Fancy Cancellations—Waterbury, Connecticut
The famous strip of 3¢ 1861 stamps with the Waterbury Soldier's Head exclaiming "Erin Go Bragh"Soldier's Head, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-3), one complete strike and second part strike on horizontal strip of three of 3¢ Rose (65), straight edge at right, matching "Waterbury Con. Feb. 2, 1866" double-circle datestamp, manuscript "Erin Go Bragh" cartoon voice bubble, few perf separations sensibly reinforced, Extremely Fine strike of this Waterbury fancy cancel, ex Emerson, Dr. Jackson, Eno and Mitchell, with 1986 P.F. certificate
Full and very clear strike of the distinctive Waterbury Man Smoking PipeMan Smoking Pipe, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-1), complete strike on 3¢ Rose (65), there is another cork cancel at right (probably from a forwarded cover), sealed vertical tear at bottom approximately halfway through stamp, small corner crease at top right, still an Extremely Fine strike, we have offered only three covers and none off cover since keeping computerized records, ex Jennings
Clear and mostly complete strike of rare Waterbury Man Smoking PipeMan Smoking Pipe, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-1), bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on small piece, part of circular datestamp at left, Very Fine stamp and cancel, we have offered only three covers and none off cover since keeping computerized records
Boldly struck Waterbury Man Smoking PipeMan Smoking Pipe, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-1), bold strike on 3¢ Rose (65), centered to top right, pulled perf at top left, tiny corner crease at bottom right, still a Very Fine and desirable strike of this Waterbury, we have offered only three covers and none off cover since keeping computerized records, with 1998 P.F. certificate
Sharp strike of the famous Waterbury Bridgeport FiremanBridgeport Fireman, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-6), bold strike on 3¢ Rose (65), trimmed perfs on one side and thinned, tiny corner crease at top left, still a Very Fine strike, this cancel was inspired by the annual Bridgeport Fireman's Parade through Waterbury
The famous Bridgeport Fireman of Waterbury clearly struck on a pristine entireBridgeport Fireman, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-6), perfect strike with "Waterbury Con. May 3 '66" double-circle datestamp on 3¢ Pink on Buff entire (U59) to Seymour, Connecticut, with original enclosure from Citizen's National Bank, Extremely Fine entire and cancel, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations, 1865-1890 (p. 69), with 1992 P.F. certificate
Waterbury Bridgeport Fireman fully struck on a pair of 3¢ 1861s on coverBridgeport Fireman, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-6), detailed strike ties horizontal pair of 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Petersburg, Virginia, stamps also tied by "Waterbury Con. May 5 '66" double-circle datestamp, stamps and cover with expert repair not affecting the fancy cancel, refolded and reduced, still an Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, ex Jennings
Wonderful strike of the Waterbury Man in HatMan in Hat, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-5), bold strike on 3¢ Rose (65), part of Waterbury circular datestamp at lower left, clipped perf at top right corner, a Very Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, ex Dr. Jackson, Eno and Jennings
Mostly complete strike of the rare Waterbury Man in DerbyMan in Derby, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-7), remarkably clear strike on 3¢ Rose (65), trace of circular datestamp at left, pulled perf at top right, small diagonal crease at top left, still a Very Fine strike, only three covers are recorded (one is an almost illegible strike on an entire), we have only been able to locate three or four others off cover in our records, with 2000 P.F. certificate
Beautiful strike of the Waterbury Old Woman in Bonnet, showing every detail of her scowling faceOld Woman in Bonnet, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff E-10), bold strike showing every detail of the bonnet and the lady's frowning face, on 3¢ Ultramarine (114), trivial light diagonal crease at bottom left, Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, ex Jennings
One of two recorded covers with the Waterbury Skull & Crossbones Type 2 carvingSkull & Crossbones, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff R-2), full clear strike on 3¢ Rose (65), tied by "Waterbury Con. Apr. 9 '66" double-circle datestamp on cover to New Haven, Connecticut, clear strike of New Haven "Carrier Apr. 10 7A.M. 1866" circular datestamp
Extremely Fine. This remarkable cover with the Skull & Crossbones Type 2 fancy cancel is one of two recorded examples of this carving. The other, a 3¢ Pink entire, was offered in the 2017 auction of the "Erivan" collection. We have never offered an example of this cancel since keeping computerized records, and none was offered in the incomparable Houser auction.
Ex Edward S. Knapp, Katherine Matthies and Louis Grunin. With 2008 P.F. certificate.
Perfect strike of the Waterbury Skull & CrossbonesSkull & Crossbones, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff R-1), perfect strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on small piece, equally clear strike of "(Wat)erbury (Con.) Apr. 13 '66" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, with 2001 P.F. certificate
Perfect strike of the Waterbury Skull & Crossbones on a 3¢ 1869 Pictorial coverSkull & Crossbones, Type 3, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff R-3), bold strike showing every detail of the design with prominent teeth ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover to Washington, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Feb. 11" circular datestamp, purple manuscript 1870 docketing at top, small blue ink note at bottom "from mother. Mrs. A. S. Chase", Extremely Fine strike of this scarce fancy cancel
Perfect strike of the Waterbury Skull & CrossbonesSkull & Crossbones, Type 3, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff R-3), bold strike showing every detail of the design with clear "Waterbury Ct. Jan. 26" circular datestamp on 3¢ Pink cut square (U34), small tear at upper left, small scuff at left below circular datestamp, an Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, ex Jennings
Nearly complete strike of Dog's Head, one of the rarest of all WaterburysDog's Head, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-4), bold strike on 3¢ Rose (65), pulled perf at right not noticeable due to placement of the cancel, Very Fine strike of this rare fancy cancel, ex Jennings
Extremely rare Waterbury Elephant, carved to celebrate the circus in townElephant, Type 3, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-3), carved in recognition of the circus passing through town, perfect strike of front two-thirds of the elephant on 3¢ Rose (65), clearly showing the curved end of the trunk which is only found on the Type 3 design, stamp with natural pre-printing paperfold at right, sealed tears, Extremely Fine strike, this is the first we have offered since keeping computerized records, none of this type was offered in the Houser sale, we have only been able to locate two others (one on cover, one off) in our digital records, ex Waud and Jennings
Full and clear strike of the remarkable Zebra fancy cancel of WaterburyZebra, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-6), bold strike clearly showing the zebra's stripes, on 3¢ Red, F. Grill (94), stamp repaired with pieces added but this does not affect the cancel, the cancel is Very Fine and very rare, this is the first we have offered since keeping computerized records, none was offered in the Houser sale, our digital records contain one on cover and one other off cover
Perfect bold strike of Eagle and Shield fancy cancel of WaterburyEagle and Shield, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-8), perfect strike of almost the entire design on 3¢ Rose (65), part of rim of circular datestamp at bottom, straight edge at left, small thin and corner crease at top right, still an Extremely Fine strike of this patriotic cancel, ex Eno and Jennings
Unusually full and clear strike of the Waterbury Duck on WaterDuck on Water, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-10), bold strike of almost entire design (lacks the head) on 3¢ Rose (65), light diagonal crease at center, still Very Fine, a scarce design, with 1995 P.F. certificate
Fantastic Fish fancy cancel of WaterburyFish, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-12), beautiful bold strike on 3¢ Pink on Buff cut square (U59), full bold strike of "Waterbury Con. Aug. 15 '66" double-circle datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, especially desirable with the datestamp, a wonderful item, ex Jennings
The Running Chicken of Waterbury--Postmaster Hill's most famous creationRunning Chicken, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-11), clear strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover to Washington, Connecticut, purple 1870 docketing at top, neat "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 19" circular datestamp, right edge of cover and stamp repaired with everything to the right of the "c" of "cents" and top right corner added, the quality of the work is excellent, the Running Chicken strike is original, Very Fine appearance, a rare cover with the famous Running Chicken fancy cancel, from the same correspondence as lot 408 in this sale, which was sent just eight days prior
Two rare Waterbury fancy cancels on 2¢ Black Jack stampsSmall Bee, Moon and Stars, Waterbury, Connecticut, the Small Bee fancy cancel (Rohloff A-14) on 2¢ Black, F. Grill (93), small thin spot, the Moon and Star (Rohloff S-10) on 2¢ Black (73), Very Fine strikes, Waterbury fancy cancels are extremely rare on Black Jack stamps, first with 1998 P.F. certificate, second with 1993 P.F. certificate
Full and clear strike of the Waterbury Small Bee on a 10¢ Grilled IssueSmall Bee, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-14), bold strike cancels 10¢ Yellow Green, F. Grill (96), centered to bottom left but completely sound except for maybe a short perf at right, part of rim of circular datestamp at top, Very Fine strike, rare on this 10¢ stamp, ex Jennings
Spectacular bold strike of the Waterbury Small Bee fancy on 3¢ 1869 PictorialSmall Bee, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-14), beautiful strike showing every nuance of the design on 3¢ Ultramarine (114), small thin spots at left, small thin spot at bottom right and faint vertical crease at left not noted on certificate, still an Extremely Fine strike, with 1994 P.F. certificate
The rare Large Bee of Waterbury on a 1¢ 1869 PictorialLarge Bee, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-13), fantastic strike with part of second strike cancels 1¢ Buff (112), straddle-pane margin at left, tiny thin speck at center not noted on certificate, still Extremely Fine strikes, the Large Bee design is too tall to fit on a stamp, the presence of the second strike is the only way to show the entire design off cover, with 1999 P.F. certificate
Waterbury Small Bee cover Small Bee, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff A-14), remarkably clear strike and "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 7" circular datestamp both tie 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover to Abington, Massachusetts, red docketing at left also notes "1870" in postmark, Extremely Fine strike on a sound stamp and cover, the Small Bee cancel is not the rarest of Waterbury designs (21 covers recorded by William T. Crowe), but full and clear strikes are extremely rare, the example offered here, with every nuance of Postmaster John W. Hill's engraving perfectly clear, on a sound stamp and cover, is truly remarkable--ex Knapp
Perfect bold strike of the Waterbury PadlockPadlock, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-10), perfect strike showing the full design on 3¢ Rose (65), bright color, pulled perf at top right, an Extremely Fine strike, only five covers and probably a similar number off cover are recorded, ex Matthies and Jennings
Scarce Waterbury barrel fancy cancelBarrel, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-1), bold strike on 3¢ Rose (65), part of Waterbury double-circle datestamp at bottom, few pulled or short perfs, Very Fine strike of this rare fancy cancel, ex Eno and Jennings
Full clear strike of the scarce Waterbury Left-Handed Beer MugLeft-Handed Mug, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-8), beautiful bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Bridgewater, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Con. Sep. 16 '67" double-circle datestamp, stamp with diagonal crease at right, few minor toned spots, Extremely Fine strike, this rare fancy cancel is known only with this date
Left-handed mug of WaterburyLeft-Handed Mug, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-9), bold strike of this remarkable fancy cancel on 10¢ Yellow Green (68), few thin spots, Very Fine strike, this state of the design, with elements of a "cracked mug" at bottom, is extremely rare, the example offered here is an early strike of the variety
Buttonless shoe of Waterbury on 1¢ Grilled IssueButtonless Shoe (Congress Gaiter), Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-12), bold strike on 1¢ Blue, F. Grill (92), diagonal crease at top left is very faint, Very Fine strike of this scarce fancy cancel, according to Wikipedia, this style of buttonless shoe was invented for Queen Victoria in 1836, utilizing stretchable rubber (a new invention) at the sides in place of laces but still keeping the profile of lace-ups, its feminine image was soon lost and was adopted by male wearers, at which time it was dubbed the Congress Gaiter or Boston Boot in the United States, with 1999 P.F. certificate
Nearly complete Buttonless shoe of Waterbury on 1¢ 1869 PictorialButtonless Shoe (Congress Gaiter), Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-12), bold strike cancels 1¢ Buff (112), faint diagonal crease at bottom left, Very Fine strike of this scarce fancy cancel, according to Wikipedia, this style of buttonless shoe was invented for Queen Victoria in 1836, utilizing stretchable rubber (a new invention) at the sides in place of laces but still keeping the profile of lace-ups, its feminine image was soon lost and was adopted by male wearers, at which time it was dubbed the Congress Gaiter or Boston Boot in the United States
Shoo Fly of WaterburyShoo Fly, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff M-2), neat strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on small piece with "Waterbury Ct. Jun. 22" circular datestamp, Very Fine strike, "Shoo Fly" designs are known used from several towns, including Toledo Ohio, Evanston Ind., Kittrell N.C. and others, the Waterbury version is extremely rare, especially when used on an 1869 Pictorial stamp, with 2000 P.F. certificate
Full bold strike of the rare Small Mortar and Pestle of Waterbury on a 1¢ 1861 Issue coverSmall Mortar and Pestle, Type 3, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-7), phenomenal strike ties 1¢ Blue (63), centered to left, on locally addressed cover with "Waterbury Con. Oct. 9, '67" double-circle datestamp, small cover scuff to left of datestamp, reduced at left, Very Fine strike, Waterbury postmaster John Hill carved three different Mortar & Pestle designs--Rohloff Types 1 and 3 (O-5 and O-7) were carved in 1867 and used with the large double-circle datestamp, and they are much rarer than the Type 2 larger Mortar & Pestle (O-6) that was carved in 1869 and used with the 1868 Grilled and 1869 Issues, we are aware of three other covers with the Type 3 Mortar and Pestle, all are used between September 16 and October 10, 1867, the others have 3¢ stamps, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Fancy Cancellations 1865-1890 (p. 181)
Bats, Baseball and Bases of Waterbury--carved after Waterbury's team played a winning gameBats, Baseball and Bases, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-2), bold complete strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Bridgewater, Connecticut, clear "Waterbury Con. Sep. 9, '67" double-circle datestamp, trivial edgewear, faint toning around a few perf tips, Extremely Fine, a superb strike of this rare and distinctive fancy cancellations of Waterbury--one of the earliest baseball-related designs, the cancellation was created by postmaster John Hill to commemorate the Waterbury Excelsior's victory over the Naugatuck Valley Nine, on July 24, 1867--Crowe records six covers, used between September 2 and 10, 1867, another is also known used on this same day (sold in the Gross U.S. Treasures sale)
Nearly full strike of the Waterbury Bats, Baseball and BasesBats, Baseball and Bases, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-2), bold and nearly complete strike on 3¢ Rose (65), diagonal creases at top right and bottom right, tiny perf tear at bottom left not mentioned on certificate, Very Fine strike, ex Matthies with 1999 P.F. certificate
Extraordinary example of the rare Waterbury Masonic Square and Compass on the 15¢ 1866 issueMasonic Square and Compass, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-4), perfect strike showing the entire design on 15¢ Black (77), small thin spots at top and lower left, few short perfs at left not noted on accompanying certificate, otherwise Extremely Fine, fancy cancels on the 15¢ stamp are extremely rare, this perfect strike of a Waterbury design is truly spectacular, ex Eno, with 2007 P.F. certificate
Beautiful cover with two strikes of the Waterbury Masonic Square and CompassMasonic Square and Compass, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-4), two clear strikes tie 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, neat "Waterbury Con. Aug. 31 '67" double-circle datestamp, few short perfs at top left, Very Fine strikes and rare on cover, only three are known on cover, ex Matthies, Houser and Jennings
Clear strike of the Waterbury Masonic Square and Compass on coverMasonic Square and Compass, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff O-4) bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Wolcottville, Connecticut, "Waterbury Con. Sep. 2, 1867" double-circle datestamp also ties stamp, with original letter which mentions train wreck at Thomaston, small tear in stamp at left, cover tear at top affects datestamp, Very Fine strike, only three covers recorded (August 31-September 2), this is the latest known use
Fantastic bold and detailed strike of the Waterbury Elm LeafElm Leaf, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff L-1), perfect strike showing every detail of the carving ties 3¢ Rose (65) on small cover to Naugatuck, Connecticut, well-struck "Waterbury Con. Jul. 30 '66" double-circle datestamp alongside stamp, Extremely Fine strike
Beautiful sharp strike of Elm Leaf fancy cancel of WaterburyElm Leaf, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff L-1), clear strike and "Waterbury Con. Jul. 29 '66" double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, stamp with some perf toning at top, otherwise Very Fine, a wonderful strike, with 2003 P.F. certificate
Remarkably bold and full strike of elaborate Waterbury LeafThree-Sectioned Leaf, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff L-2), bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on buff cover to Paxton, Illinois, matching "Waterbury Con. Aug. 30 '66" double-circle datestamp, neat receipt docketing, Very Fine strike of this attractive fancy cancel, ex Mitchell, with 2003 P.F. certificate
Fabulous detailed strike of the Waterbury Holly SprigHolly Sprig, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff L-4), unusually clear strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover to Plantsville, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Ct. Mar. 29" (1870) circular datestamp, reduced at right, stamp with short perf at right, Very Fine strike of this design
Perfectly struck Three-Leaf Shamrock of WaterburyThree-Leaf Shamrock, Type 5, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff F-12), perfect strike ties 3¢ Green (147), straight edge at left, on cover to New Haven, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 17" (1871) circular datestamp, Extremely Fine strike, a beautiful cancel, ex Dr. Jackson
Group of six Waterbury Leaf and Flower fancy cancelsLeaf and Flower Designs, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff F-1, F-10, F-11, L-6, L-8 and L-9), clear strikes on separate covers, cancel or tie 3¢ Green Bank Note stamps, one with right selvage, one straight edge at left, Very Fine and desirable group, F-1 cancel is the rarest of the group (ex Dr. Jackson, photo shown above), L-6 with 1987 P.F. certificate
Absolutely perfect strike of the Waterbury Pumpkin on a 1¢ F Grill coverPumpkin, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff G-2), detailed strike ties 1¢ Blue, F. Grill (92) on locally addressed cover, clear "Waterbury Ct. Jul. 5" (1869) circular datestamp, stamp with small tear at bottom right, single short perf at bottom left, still Very Fine and scarce, ex Mattituck Historical Society, Haas and Myerson
Extraordinarily sharp and complete strike of the Waterbury AcornAcorn, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff G-4), phenomenal strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover with embossed tree design on top flap to Washington, Connecticut, "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 28" circular datestamp, magenta 1870 docketing at top, slightly reduced at right into stamp, top left corner of the stamp torn off prior to use, still an Extremely Fine strike of this Waterbury fancy cancel, from the Chase correspondence, ex Jennings
Sharp strike of the Waterbury Acorn fancy cancelAcorn, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff G-4), clear strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114), straight edge at left, on cover to Aiken, South Carolina, stamp also tied by "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 28" circular datestamp, stamp with light horizontal crease not noted on certificate, Very Fine strike of this scarce fancy cancel, with 1976 P.F. certificate
Beautiful Waterbury Acorn fancy cancelAcorn, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff G-4), bold strike on 3¢ Ultramarine (114), light crease affects two perfs at upper left (not noted on accompanying certificate), Very Fine strike, with 1993 P.F. certificate
The rare Waterbury Chrysanthemum on a 1¢ 1869 PictorialChrysanthemum, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff F-3), mostly full and clear strike on 1¢ Buff (112), choice centering, fresh and Very Fine strike of this rare and unusual Waterbury fancy cancel, we estimate there are eight off-cover stamps and four covers with the Waterbury Chrysanthemum cancel, ex Jennings
Fantastic strike of the rare Rose Blossom-- one of the most elaborate designs created by Waterbury's whittling postmaster, John W. HillRose Blossom, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff F-2), remarkably detailed strike on 3¢ Ultramarine (114), small closed tear at bottom center, short perf at upper left not mentioned on accompanying certificate, still an Extremely Fine strike of this remarkable fancy cancel, with 1994 P.F. certificate
Arguably the finest known strike of the Waterbury 7-bar Shield with Closed TopShield with Seven Bars, Closed Top, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff Q-3), bold strike and "Waterbury Con. Mar. 24 '66" double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Woodbridge, Connecticut, slightly reduced at left, still Extremely Fine, a truly magnificent example of this post-Civil War patriotic theme cancel, ex Haas, with 1980 P.F. certificate
Perfect and bold strike of the Waterbury 6-bar Shield cancelShield with Six Enclosed Bars, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff Q-10), perfect strike and "Waterbury Con. Jul. 9 '67" double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Irvington, New Jersey, stamp with tiny tear, cover slightly reduced at right, Extremely Fine strike and a beautiful cover, ex Gibson and Eno, with 2003 P.F. certificate
Full and extremely sharp strike of the Waterbury 8-bar ShieldShield with Eight Bars and Open Top, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff Q-4), bold strike ties 3¢ Red, F. Grill (94), deep shade, clear grill, on cover to Blackstone, Massachusetts, "Waterbury Con. Apr. 24 '68" double-circle datestamp, sender's directive "Via Worcester", reduced at left, minor edgewear, Very Fine, ex Eno
Waterbury Heart with Arrow fancy cancel used on Valentine's DayHeart with Arrow Pointing Down to Right, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-5), bold strike on 3¢ Pink on White entire (U58) to Southbury, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 14" (1869) circular datestamp, slight wrinkling at top right not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Extremely Fine strike, ex Houser, with 1990 P.F. certificate
Full bold strike of the Waterbury Heart with Arrow on 3¢ 1869 PictorialHeart with Arrow Pointing Down to Right, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-5), bold strike on 3¢ Ultramarine (114), small repair at top left, still an Extremely Fine strike, rare cancel on the 1869 Pictorial Issue, ex Eno
Two different Waterbury Heart and Arrow fancy cancels on Bank Note Issue stampsHeart with Arrow Pointing Down to Left, Types 1 and 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-3 and J-4), first on 1¢ Ultramarine (156), small closed tear at bottom right, second on 6¢ Brown Rose (159), small faults, both are Very Fine strikes, the designs differ primarily by their size, fancy cancels are rare on the 6¢, 1¢ with 1991 P.F. certificate, 6¢ with 1990 P.F. certificate
Beautiful Valentine cover with Waterbury "V" in Heart fancy cancel and original enclosure"V" in Heart, Waterbury Connecticut (Rohloff J-2), bold strike ties 1¢ Ultramarine (156) on small embossed Valentine to local addressee, neat "Waterbury Ct. Feb. 16" circular datestamp, with original multicolored enclosure, some slight cover toning barely affects a few perfs, Very Fine strike, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations 1865-1890 (p. 114), ex Jennings
Three strikes of Waterbury Hearts and Diamonds cancel on Adams Hotel cameo corner card coverCircle of Three Hearts and Three Diamonds, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-9), three bold strikes and "Waterbury Con. Dec. 5 '67" double-circle datestamp tie 1¢ Blue (63) horizontal pair and single on Adams Hotel of Waterbury blue cameo corner card cover to New York City, center stamp pre-printing paperfold at bottom, left stamp small tear, right stamp few creases from placement near edge of cover, slightly reduced at left, still Very Fine, extraordinary use of Waterbury fancy cancels on an advertising cover, ex Jennings
Perfect strike of the Waterbury Circle of Five Hearts Around Star fancy cancelCircle of Five Hearts Around Star, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-10), perfect strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Blackstone, Massachusetts, neat "Waterbury Con. Oct. 25 '67" double-circle datestamp, stamp with faint corner crease at top right, few short perfs at right, slightly reduced at left, all are barely noticeable, Extremely Fine strike of this desirable Waterbury fancy cancel, ex Dr. Jackson
Bold strike of the Waterbury Elaborate Hearts and Rosette fancy cancelCircle of Hearts Enclosing 6-Point Rosette, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-11), bold and complete strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, neat "Waterbury Con. Sep. 14 '67" double-circle datestamp, missing small part of top flap, Extremely Fine, a beautiful strike of this scarce fancy cancel, William T. Crowe records only five on covers, used between August 20 and September 14, 1867, ex Houser, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations 1865-1890 (p. 118), with 1990 P.F. certificate
Waterbury Elaborate Hearts and Rosette fancy cancel beautifully struck on small coverCircle of Hearts Enclosing 6-Pont Rosette, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff J-11), bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Wolcottville, Connecticut, clear strike of "Waterbury Con. Sep. 11 '67" double-circle datestamp, barely reduced at left, small tear at top left from opening, few perfs slightly toned, all are very minor as this is an Extremely Fine strike, William T. Crowe records only five on covers, used between August 20 and September 14, 1867, ex Jennings
Clear and full strike of the Waterbury Star of David 6-Point Star, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff S-5a), variety with points broken, clear strike and "Waterbury Con. Feb. 18" (1868) double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65), interpane margin, on cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, minor toned perfs not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Very Fine strike of this rare fancy cancel, only three covers are recorded, used between February 18 and 21, this is the earliest, ex Matthies and Houser, with 1990 P.F. certificate
Fantastic bold strike of the Waterbury Star within StarStar within Star, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff S-6), bold strike ties 3¢ Rose (65) on buff cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, neat strike of "Waterbury Con. Oct. 9 '65" double-circle datestamp, minor toning at top left of cover not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Extremely Fine strike, ex Houser, signed by Sloane, with 1997 P.F. certificate
Unlisted 6-Point Star of Waterbury6-Point Star with Six Diamonds Surrounding Solid Center, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff unlisted), remarkably clear strike and "Waterbury Con. Sep. 1 '65" double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Shelburne, Massachusetts, tiny perf tear at bottom left not mentioned on accompanying certificate, Very Fine strike and possibly unique, this is a very early Waterbury fancy cancel, ex Houser, signed by Sloane, with 1990 P.F. certificate
Unlisted Waterbury Pentagon within Star fancy cancelPentagon within Star, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff unlisted), bold strike with unusual pentagonal center design ties 3¢ Rose (65) on cover to Salem, Connecticut, neat "Waterbury Con. Sep. 30 '65" double-circle datestamp, Very Fine strike of this unusual design, which is unlisted in Rohloff and may be unique, this is an early Waterbury fancy cancel, ex Jennings
Perfect strike of the Waterbury Arrowheads with Seven SegmentsArrowheads, Seven Segments, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff B-8), phenomenal strike and "Waterbury Con. Aug. 6 '67" double-circle datestamp tie 3¢ Rose (65), straight edge at right, on mourning cover to Woodbury, Connecticut, Extremely Fine strike, ex Matthies and Houser, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations 1865-1890 (p. 31), with 1990 P.F. certificate
Gorgeous dove and scroll illustrated cover with Waterbury Rosette cancelRosette, Six Segments, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff P-2), clear strike and "Waterbury Ct. May 7" (1869) circular datestamp tie 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover with illustrated dove and scroll address panel to Wilbraham, Massachusetts, stamp with some slight staining at left, cover with minor edgewear, Very Fine strike and attractive cover, illustrated in Rohloff, The Waterbury Cancellations 1865-1890 (p. 190), with 1993 P.F. certificate
Perfect strike of 10-Segment Rosette of WaterburyRosette, Ten Segments, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff P-28), perfect strike and "Waterbury Ct. Sep. 13" (1869) circular datestamp tie 1¢ Blue, F. Grill (92) on yellow cover locally addressed, slightly reduced at left, Extremely Fine, a spectacular strike, ex Grunin
Extraordinary bold strike of the Waterbury 12-Segment RosetteRosette, Twelve Segments, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff P-30), bold strike ties 3¢ Ultramarine (114) on cover to Thomaston, Connecticut, well-struck "Waterbury Ct. Jul. 1" (1869) circular datestamp, with 1870-dated invoice for $3.00 for piano tuning, cover with tiny tear at top from opening and missing small part of top flap, Extremely Fine strike of this elaborate rosette cancel, with 1998 P.F. certificate
Absolutely perfect strike of "W" of WaterburyInitial "W" with Serif at Top, Type 1, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff K-14), fantastic strike and bold "Waterbury Con. May 11 '66" double-circle datestamp on 3¢ Pink on Buff entire (U59) to Lyman, Connecticut, Extremely Fine in every respect, ex Jennings
Double-struck "W" Waterbury fancy cancelInitial "W" with Serif at Top, Type 2, Waterbury, Connecticut (Rohloff K-15), two bold strikes tie horizontal pair of 3¢ Rose (65) on piece, parts of double-circle datestamp also tie left stamp, Extremely Fine strikes and attractive, ex Jennings
Marvelous group of Waterburys, including Bridgeport Fireman, Baseball and "AJ" TombstoneWaterbury, Connecticut, fancy cancels select group of ten (Rohloff A-6, A-7, E-6, E-7, L-1, O-2, Q-3, Q-10, R-1, R-5), each a clear strike on either 3¢ Rose (65) or 3¢ Red, F. Grill (94), designs include Zebra, Eagle & Shield, Bridgeport Fireman, Man with Derby, Leaf, Bats, Baseball and Bases, two different types of Shield, Skull & Crossbones and "AJ" Tombstone, all are notable for the quality of the strikes of these desirable fancy cancellations, stamps have faults, a Very Fine and desirable group, most are ex Jennings, Bridgeport Fireman with 1994 P.F. certificate
Remarkable balance of Waterbury, Connecticut, fancy cancellationsBalance of the William H. Gross Collection of Waterbury, Connecticut, Fancy Cancellations, mounted in red Godden leather album, containing 88 covers and 25 off-cover stamps, includes two items sent in 1855-1861 time period prior to start of the fancy cancels.
Better fancy cancels on cover include: "US" on No. 65 (Rohloff M-3), several Shamrocks (Rohloff F-9 and F-14), Leaf (Rohloff L-2, L-4, L-5, L-14, L-18 and L-21), Letters (such as Rohloff K-14 and K-15), Shields (such as Rohloff Q-4 and Q-7), several better Stars (such as Rohloff No. S-3 on U59 with book store corner card), the second style of Baseball with Bats and Bases (Rohloff O-3) on 3¢ Bank Note, rare pictorial designs include Fish (Rohloff A-12, restored), Clown (listed as Man in Hat, Rohloff E-4), Man Smoking Pipe (Rohloff E-1), Pumpkin (Rohloff G-2), Barrel (Rohloff O-1), and Circle of Hearts with "JACK" (listed as "unauthenticated" U-12 in Rohloff, but this cover proves attribution).
Better fancy cancels off cover include: Small Bee (Rohloff A-14, repaired), Heart with Arrow (Rohloff J-4 and J-5), Leaf (Rohloff L-1) on 1¢ Blue (63), and a range of unusual designs.
Stamps and covers with some faults including a number repaired; the strikes of the fancy cancels are generally clear or complete--this is a rare opportunity to acquire over 100 Waterbury cancellations--the basis for the collection was formed by Clyde Jennings, who spent decades accumulating fancy cancels, and the collection was supplemented from a range of additional sources. A PDF of the collection is available on our website.
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