Sale 1254 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 6-7 April, 2022
Category — The Jan Hofmeyr Collection of 3c 1861-68 - Proofs, Off-Cover
American Bank Note Co., 3c Black, Die Essay on India (65-E5). 23 x 27mm, engraved frame with pencil border, center cut out and mounted over engraved vignette of Washington, intense color and impressionVERY FINE. A UNIQUE 3-CENT ESSAY FROM THE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'S BID FOR THE 1861 ISSUE CONTRACT.
Ex Brazer and "Lake Shore". 1991 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies
National Bank Note Co., 3c Pink, First Design, Die Essay on India (65-E14a). 46 x 52mm, on 60 x 70mm card, bright color, fresh and Very Fine, with 1983 P.F. certificate incorrectly describing this as 56TCP1
National Bank Note Co., 3c Dark Orange Red, First Design, Die Essay on India (65-E15c; formerly 56TC1). Die sunk on 70 x 70mm card with full die sinkage, No. 441 and imprint at bottom, pencil "D. Verm. 2-1/2 white" at bottom, few light age spots, otherwise Very Fine, ex "Lake Shore"
National Bank Note Co., 3c Dim Red, First Design, Die Essay on Semitransparent Stamp Paper (65-E15b). 23 x 29mm, bright color, faint horizontal crease, Very Fine appearance
National Bank Note Co., 3c Orange Red, First Design, Plate Essay, Perf 12, Gummed (65-E15h). Original gum, radiant color, fresh and Very Fine
3c Deep Pink, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (65TC1). On 73 x 73mm card with full die sinkage, detailed impression, India paper slightly toned, otherwise Very Fine, scarce, with 2003 P.F. certificate
3c Lake, Large Die Trial Color Proof on India (65TC1). On 139 x 205mm card with full die sinkage, clear die no. 441 and imprint, radiant color, Very Fine and choice, Scott Catalogue does not list No. 66 as a large die proof, they also do not list Lake as a color for Scott 65, Scott value as other listed colors
3c 1861 Issue, Panama-Pacific Small Die Proofs on White Wove (56P2a, 65P2a, 66TC2a, 74TC2a). Rich colors, large marginsVERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE GROUP OF PANAMA-PACIFIIC SMALL DIE PROOFS FOR THE FOUR DIFFERENT COLORS OF THE 3-CENT DENOMINATION. ONLY 3-5 OF EACH ARE KNOWN, AND THIS IS ONE OF TWO INTACT SETS KNOWN TO US.
In 1915 a limited special printing of 413 different small die proofs was created for the Panama-Pacific Exposition. They were printed on yellowish wove paper, and it is believed no more than five examples of each stamp were produced. This is a rare opportunity to acquire the four colors produced for the 3c 1861 Issue.
With P.F. certificate dated between 1971 and 1994.
1861 Issue Plate Proofs on Card. 20, including 104TC4 set of Atlanta proofs, 65P4 from the five different printings, also all other denominations including 70P4 (Scott value $500.00), 74TC4, also with original envelope used for second printing, fresh and Very Fine group of plate proofs on card
View PDF of contents of this lot
3c Carmine Pink, Trial Color Plate Proof on Thin Stamp Paper, Perforated (64TC6a). Original gum, vivid color unlike any issued 3c 1861 stamp, Very Fine, rare as perhaps 3-4 are known, this is far nicer than any other we have encountered, with 2013 P.F. certificate, listed but unpriced in Scott
3c Pink (64). Beautifully centered with wide margins, intense color in the true Pink shade, face-free grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PINK IN THE FRESHEST STATE OF PRESERVATION.
Ex Kirke. With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $6,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other shares this grade.
3c Pigeon Blood Pink (64a). Radiant color in the true Pigeon Blood Pink shade, neat strike of "Portland Me. 26 Oct. 1861" double-circle datestamp, well-balanced marginsVERY FINE AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PIGEON BLOOD PINK.
With 1961 and 1984 P.F. and 1995 P.S.E. certificates, all as on cover. This was removed from its cover shortly after our 1995 Rarities sale.
3c Rose Pink (64b). Brilliant color, neat strike of Nebraska territorial circular datestamp cancel with 1862 yeardate, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2013 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
3c Rose (65). Radiant color on bright paper, unusual segmented cork cancel, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1988 P.F, 2014 P.S.A.G. (98J) and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $450.00), only 13 grade higher and three others share this grade, staggeringly low numbers for such a "workhorse" stamp which saw widespread use
3c Rose (65). Ten items, including excellent group of five misperfs with some wild perforations and two with double perfs, two with misprints due to foldovers, two with battered plates, one shows re-entry at lower left, last is cover with scratched plate, few small faults to be expected but trivial compared to the variety of unusual items
View PDF of contents of this lot
3c Rose, Vertically Laid Paper (65b). Showing clear laid lines, brilliant color, neat strike of red grid cancel, Very Fine and choice, Brookman notes "It is known on both horizontally and vertically laid paper, in used and unused condition in each instance. It is not common in either form...", with 2003 P.F. certificate
3c Rose, Horizontally Laid Paper (65b). Showing clear laid lines, brilliant color, neat College Hill circular datestamp, few short or pulled perfs at bottom, otherwise Very Fine, Brookman notes "It is known on both horizontally and vertically laid paper, in used and unused condition in each instance. It is not common in either form despite the fact that such varieties in used condition do not at present carry a very high premium", ex Drews, with 2018 P.F. certificate
3c Rose, Diagonally Laid Paper (65b var). Showing unusual diagonal laid lines, bright color, neat circular datestamp cancel, Fine and very unusual, with 2012 Weiss certificate
3c Rose, Imperforate Horizontally (65d var). Single, radiant color, huge margins including parts of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, roughly separated due to the lack of perforations, neat grid cancelVERY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY RECORDED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT ROSE IMPERFORATE HORIZONTALLY.
The size of the margins and the method of separation, with parts of the adjoining stamps at top and bottom, are conclusive evidence that this stamp never had horizontal perforations.
Ex Herzog and Drews. With 2018 P.F. certificate. Unlisted in Scott as used
3c Rose, Printed on Both Sides (65e). Back printed in same orientation as the front and with top portion of the design clearly printed, front of stamp with target cancel, completely soundVERY FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 ISSUE PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. OUR CENSUS CONTAINS ONLY TWELVE USED AND THREE UNUSED COPIES. ONLY FOUR USED EXAMPLES ARE CONFIRMED AS SOUND. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF THE 1861 ISSUE.
Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate. Scott 65e is known with the orientation of the back impression the same or inverted in relation to the design on the front, which indicates more than one sheet was printed. The inverted impression on back is a result of the sheet being turned 180 degrees before it was put on the press the second time.
Our census of Scott 65 printed on both sides, at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/65e , contains twelve used and three unused examples (including one in the Benjamin K. Miller Collection at the New York Public Library). As the census indicates, most of these are in poor condition. Short perfs and rounded corners are the most obvious flaws. The example offered here is exceptional for its sound condition.
Census no. 65e-CAN-03. Illustrated in Feb. 1982 Chronicle (p. 38). Ex Herzog, Floyd and "Natalee Grace". With 1968 and 2001 P.F. certificates
3c Rose, Double Impression (65f). Clear double impression of the entire design, rich color, neat strike of target cancel, small corner crease at top rightVERY FINE AND CHOICE. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT 1861 ISSUE DOUBLE IMPRESSION. ONLY NINE ARE CONTAINED IN OUR CENSUS, AND ONLY TWO ARE SOUND. THIS IS CENTERED BETTER THAN MOST. A GREAT RARITY OF THE ISSUE.
Most double impressions occur when the first impression is made and found to be inadequate. The paper is then put in the press a second time, where it receives the heavier impression. It is a common misconception that the weaker impression is the second one.
Our census of Scott 65f, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/65f , records only nine copies (including one in the Benjamin K. Miller Collection at the New York Public Library). None are known unused. Seven have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation, including one repaired with portions of design added. Another was stolen from a Fedex package several years ago and is still missing. The example offered here, with superior centering, clearly showing the doubling of the design and with an insignificant corner crease, is one of the finest known.
Census no. 65f-CAN-09. With 2000 P.F. certificate.
3c Lake, Trial Color Plate Proof on India (66TC3). Bottom imprint and plate no. 55 block of twelve, large margins, deep rich color, Very Fine and choice, an impressive plate block, this is the largest multiple we have offered since keeping computerized records, Scott value as plate block and four singles
3c Lake (66). Original gum, lightly hinged, brilliant color on bright paper, almost perfectly centered with unusually wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 LAKE TRIAL PRINTING WITH UNCOMMONLY WIDE MARGINS. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
Ex Drucker. With 1968 and 2002 P.F. certificates. At one point this was P.S.E. encapsulated (No. 01035947, XF-Superb 95; unpriced in SMQ)
3c Scarlet (74). Unused (no gum), remarkably choice centering, brilliant color and sharp impressionVERY FINE. A MAGNIFICENT STAMP IN TERMS OF COLOR, CENTERING AND IMPRESSION. THE 3-CENT SCARLET IS EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION.
Many examples of this stamp have either somewhat faded color or poor centering. Despite the absence of gum, we would rank this stamp among the finest examples we have seen.
3c Scarlet (74). Vibrant color, neat strike of New York Station D datestamp and duplex oval grid cancel, reperfed at left and bottomFINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT SCARLET WITH A NEW YORK CITY OVAL DUPLEX CANCELLATION. ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF THIS ISSUE WERE ACTUALLY SENT THROUGH THE MAILS.
As documented by Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of Chronicle articles (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62), Carl F. Rothfuchs, a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, obtained a supply of the 3c Scarlet in 1893 -- probably from the Post Office Department in exchange for his assistance with the Columbian Exposition -- and sold them with pen marks and original gum. A small number were also used by J. W. Scott, who posted letters with some of his supply to validate his claim that these stamps were legitimate postage. Today, there are perhaps five or six copies cancelled in this manner.
With 2008 P.F. certificate
3c Scarlet (74). Four neat pen strokes, vibrant color, radiant color, unusually choice centeringEXTREMELY FINE. A REMARKABLY FRESH AND ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT SCARLET TRIAL PRINTING.
As has been documented by Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of Chronicle articles (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62), Carl F. Rothfuchs, a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, obtained a supply of the 3c Scarlet in 1893 -- probably from the Post Office Department in exchange for his assistance with the Columbian Exposition -- and sold them with pen marks and original gum.
Ex "Hampshire". With 2002 P.F. certificate
National Bank Note Co., 3c Liberty, Black Green on White Wove, Safety Paper Essays (79-E31a, b, d, e, f, g, h). Seven different safety paper essays, representing what we believe is the complete set of all designs, all have large margins, only one is merely ample on one side, deep rich colorsVERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE A SPECTACULAR SET OF NATIONAL BANK NOTE CO. 3-CENT LIBERTY SAFETY PAPER DESIGNS.
The Scott Catalogue began listing essays in its 1992 U.S. Specialized, and since then has listed one additional design of the 3c safety papers -- 79-E31c with "2" in red circles. However we have never encountered this variety and it is the only type that has never been illustrated in Scott. In addition, the Finkelburg collection had a set of seven, without the extra essay, which he regarded as complete. While this additional variety may exist, we would like to see an example for confirmation.
These beautiful essays are similar to the subsequent 1869 safety paper essays. Scott 79-E31a is the only one that shares the same safety paper underprint with the 1869 Pictorials. This is among the most beautiful and unique of all United States essays and proofs.
Ex "Vaquero".
3c Rose, C. Grill (83). Rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, clearly defined grill, wide and balanced margins, neat strike of quartered cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT C GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
The 3c is the only denomination that comes with the distinctive C Grill, with the grill points facing up instead of down. Like the all-over A Grill this is classified as an experimental grill and saw limited production and use (probably in late 1867) just after the A Grill experiment and prior to the more widespread use of other grills in early 1868.
Ex Merlin. With 2002 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $9,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only stamp to achieve it.
3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Brilliant color, clear grill, neat quartered cork and circular datestamp cancels, choice centering with wide and balanced margins, single nibbed perf at upper leftEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT D GRILL. A BEAUTIFUL AND REMARKABLY FRESH STAMP.
Ex Senchuk. With 1993 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,500.00). The P.S.E. grade factors in the tiny nibbed perf, yet this stamp still graded 90. Only five grade higher and five share this grade.
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Clearly defined grill, deep rich color and detailed impression on bright paper, superior centering with wide margins, neat strikes of circular datestamp and rosette cancelsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE STAMP IN THIS CHOICE USED CONDITION.
The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples.
Ex Merlin. With 1982 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $19,000.00). Only one grades higher (at 98) and none share this grade.
3c Rose, E. Grill (88). Bright color nicely complemented by blue target cancel, clear grill, beautiful centering, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00), only one grades higher (at 95J) and six others share this grade
3c Brown Red, E. Grill (88 var). Spectacular depth of color, almost perfect centering, cork cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful color variety which is every bit as distinctive as the "Indian Red" 3c 1861 stamp we have offered (Sale 1024, lot 103), ex Kirke, with 2011 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates, the latter misidentifying the stamp as an F Grill (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $800.00 as Rose), only six other examples have achieved this grade and only one grades higher (at 95J)
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Almost mathematically perfect centering with wide margins, vivid color on bright paper, nicely complemented by blue town cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, ex Kirke, with 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $1,100.00), only one grades higher (at 98J, we have never offered it) and one other shares this grade, a shockingly low population and a vivid demonstration of the difficulty in finding even the most common used classic stamps in the highest grades
3c Red, F. Grill, Double Grill, One Quadruple Split (94 var). Bright color, showing clear grill at center and also with grills at all four corners, tied by target, "Canandaigua N.Y. Dec. 16" circular datestamp on yellow cover with Webster House illustrated hotel corner card to Utica N.Y., cover with scuff at right edge and small hole at lower right, Very Fine and attractive example of this grill variety on an illustrated cover, with 2006 P.F. certificate
3c Red, F. Grill, Printed on Both Sides (94d). Printing on back in same orientation to front, clear grill, neat circle of wedges cancel, single pulled perf at rightVERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT F GRILL PRINTED ON BOTH SIDES. A PHENOMENAL RARITY
Engraved stamps printed on both sides usually have a poor impression on one side and a second, complete impression on the other. They probably occurred when a sheet was printed without proper moistening, which prevented the paper from picking up the ink in the recessed lines of the engraved plate.
Our records contain the unused block of 18 with parts of seven stamps printed on back (ex Whitman) and this sole used single.
With 1988 and 2007 P.F. certificates. Unpriced as used in Scott, and to the best of our knowledge the first time this ever appeared at auction was in our 2015 Rarities sale.
3c Brown Red, Re-issue (104). Deep rich color on bright paper, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, neat strike of "4" duplex cancel showing (18)83 year dateEXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE 24 USED EXAMPLES OF THE 3-CENT 1861 RE-ISSUE RECORDED IN OUR CENSUS. A GREAT RARITY.
The 3c Re-Issue was printed from the original plate, which contained 200 subjects in two panes. 10,000 were printed (50 impressions). Only 465 of the 3c were sold; the remaining 9,535 were destroyed on July 16, 1884.
Our census of Scott 104 used, available at our website at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/104 , records 24 examples, plus one with a non-contemporary cancel (not shown). Only seven are confirmed as sound, and several of those are off-center.
Census no. 104-CAN-17. Ex Kirke. With 2011 P.F. (VF-XF 85) and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $23,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded to a used copy and only one other shares this grade.