Sale 1027 — The Natalee Grace Collection of Used U.S. Stamps, Part Two: 1869 to Pan-American Issues
Sale Date — Wednesday, 19 September, 2012
Category — 1870-71 National Bank Note Co. I Grills (Scott 134A-141A)
1c Ultramarine, I. Grill (134A). Clearly-defined grill highlighted on the front by the cancel, unusually choice centering with Jumbo margins,EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1870 ONE-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH AN I GRILL. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED TO DATE TO A ONE-CENT I GRILL, WHICH HAS JUST BEEN ELEVATED TO A MAJOR CATALOGUE NUMBER.
We have been informed that, starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue (usually published in October) the I Grills will be elevated to major catalogue number status. Collectors will now have to acquire these I Grills in their quest for completeness. We anticipate that collector demand will be difficult to satisfy based on populations we have seen.
With 1992 and 2003 P.F. certificates. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ does not take into consideration the different grill types, SMQ $1,050.00 as 95, $3,500.00 as 98). According to P.S.E. this is the highest grade awarded to a 1c I Grill (the Population Report does not differentiate between H and I Grills). Scott Catalogue value based on 2012 listing which does not distinguish between the grill types
2c Red Brown, I. Grill (135A). Clearly-defined grill points, perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all around, radiant color on crisp paper, neat strike of segmented cork cancel and part of circular datestamp at lower left, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect and a stunning used example of the 2c I Grill, which has just been elevated to a major catalogue number, with 2002 P.F. certificate, Scott Catalogue value based on 2012 listing which does not distinguish between the grill types
3c Green, I. Grill (136A). Clearly-defined grill which is easily discernible from the front of the stamp, bright shade, wide margins, single unpunched perf at right, Very Fine and choice example of this I Grill which has just been elevated to a major catalogue number, with 2003 P.F. certificate as pair, Scott Catalogue value based on 2012 listing which does not distinguish between the grill types
6c Carmine, I. Grill (137A). Clearly-defined grill points, radiant color nicely complemented by large blue grid cancel of Chicago, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, the 6c is scarce with an I Grill, this has just been elevated to a major catalogue number, with 1986 and 2003 P.F. certificates, the first not specifying the grill type, Scott Retail as normal grill, Scott Catalogue value based on 2012 listing which does not distinguish between the grill types
7c Vermilion, I. Grill (138A). Clear grill points, brilliant color as fresh as the day it was printed, cancelled by bold strike of open grid cancel, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 7-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY GRILLED ISSUE WITH THE DESIRABLE I GRILL. EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE. THE I GRILLS HAVE JUST BEEN ELEVATED TO A MAJOR CATALOGUE NUMBER.
We have been informed that, starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue (usually published in October) the I Grills will be elevated to major catalogue number status. Collectors will now have to acquire these I Grills in their quest for completeness. We anticipate that collector demand will be difficult to satisfy based on populations we have seen.
With 2009 P.F. certificate. Scott Catalogue value based on 2012 listing which does not distinguish between the grill types
10c Brown, I. Grill (139A). Well-defined I Grill points visible on both sides of the stamp, rich color, light strike of cork cancel and trace of green crayon at lower right, single short perf at top right not mentioned on accompanying certificatesVERY FINE. THE 10-CENT I GRILL IS ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL UNITED STATES STAMPS. TO DATE, ONLY TEN USED EXAMPLES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED -- NO UNUSED EXAMPLES ARE KNOWN. THE I GRILLS HAVE JUST BEEN ELEVATED TO MAJOR CATALOGUE NUMBERS.
We have been informed that, starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Specialized Catalogue (usually published in October) the I Grills will be elevated to major catalogue number status. Collectors will now have to acquire these I Grills in their quest for completeness. We anticipate that collector demand will be difficult to satisfy based on populations we have seen.
Ronald Burns, the foremost authority on the Bank Note grills, records ten used examples of the 10c I Grill, plus an additional two used on the same cover. None is known unused.
With 1984 P.F. certificate (not specifying the grill type) and 2002 P.F. certificate as an I Grill
15c Orange, I. Grill (141A). Clear grill points in the unmistakable I Grill shape, bright color with a hint of oxidation, unobtrusive segmented cork cancel, small corner crease at top leftFINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 15-CENT NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH AN I GRILL. ONLY NINE USED EXAMPLES ARE RECORDED. THE I GRILLS HAVE JUST BEEN ELEVATED TO MAJOR CATALOGUE NUMBERS, CONFIRMING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR GRILL RARITY.
Starting with the 2013 Scott U.S. Catalogue (usually published in October) the I Grills will be elevated to major catalogue number status. Collectors now have to acquire these I Grills in their quest for completeness. We anticipate that collector demand will be difficult to satisfy based on populations we have seen.
Ronald A. Burns, the foremost authority on the Bank Note grills, records nine used examples of the 15c I Grill, plus an additional two on separate covers. He also records three unused examples.
Ex Floyd. With 1983 and 1999 P.F. certificates, the latter identifying the grill type