Sale 1075 — 2014 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Thursday, 26 June, 2014
Category — 1861-66 Issue
3c Pigeon Blood Pink (64a). Radiant true Pigeon Blood Pink color, phenomenal centering, tied by "Mystic Bridge Ct. Oct. 5" circular datestamp, second strike at left, on orange cover to Willimantic Ct., 1861 docketing at leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT PIGEON BLOOD PINK ON COVER. SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST COVERS EXTANT.
Ex Fleckenstein. With 2004 P.F. certificate
3c Rose (65). Three singles, bold strikes of negative "Oct.", "Nov." and "Dec." fancy cancels of Putnam Conn. (Skinner-Eno ND-M 14-16), few shortish perfs on last, Extremely Fine strikes, a beautiful complete set of the rare Putnam month cancellations
3c Rose (65). Bright color, exceptional complete strike of Large Eagle and Shield fancy cancel of Corry Pa. (Skinner-Eno PT-E 1)EXTREMELY FINE. AN INCOMPARABLE STRIKE OF THE RARE CORRY, PENNSYLVANIA, LARGE EAGLE AND SHIELD FANCY CANCEL.
This beautiful cancel is the large Corry Eagle and Shield, which is much rarer than the smaller version. This stamp was carefully and boldly struck by the postmaster to show the entire cancel within the margins. It is, without question, the finest known example
3c Rose (65). Attractive centering, cancelled by beautifully clear strike of Fox Running to the Right fancy cancel of Hockanum Conn. (Skinner-Eno PA-D 6), tiny corner perf crease at bottom left, shortish perfs at upper rightVERY FINE STRIKE OF THE FAMOUS AND DISTINCTIVE HOCKANUM FOX FANCY CANCEL.
A history of the fascinating Hockanum Running Fox cancel, written by Connecticut postal historian William J. Duffney, can be downloaded as a PDF file at http://www.ctpostalhistory.com/CtPP/Postal_Markings_files/Dudley%27s%20Fox%20StoryJune2012_1.pdf
The Running Fox cancel was carved by postmaster Dudley Fox, who was also a silversmith, giving him the skills to carve an intricate fancy cancel
3c Rose (65). Beautiful clear strike of blue Uncle Sam Thumbing Nose fancy cancel of Brattleboro Vt. (Skinner-Eno PH-F 1a), stamp with rounded corner at bottom left, Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, this is the smaller of two versions used by the Brattleboro post ofice
3c Rose (65). Tied to piece (corner of cover) by full clear strike of Man's Face fancy cancel (Skinner-Eno PH-M 8), delicately carved design in circle depicting slightly smiling man with unusual "buzz-cut" hair, matching "Columbus Wis. Aug. 31, 1865" circular datestamp, some slight soiling and small gum stain at top of stamp, Extremely Fine strike
3c Rose (65). Huge top and right margins, tied by bold strike of Negative 10-Bar Shield in Circle fancy cancel (Skinner-Eno PS-FC 29), matching "Whitinsville Ms. Apr. 4" circular datestamp on cover to Millbury Mass., slightly reduced at left, Very Fine strike of this scarce Massachusetts fancy cancel, an unusual style of shield
3c Rose (65). Vivid color, light pre-use paper fold, tied by clear strike of Pointing Hand fancy cancel (Skinner-Eno PH-HF 7), matching "Lansing Mich. Jan. 1" circular datestamp on fresh cover to Royalton N.Y., barely reduced at left, Extremely Fine strike and cover
3c Rose (65). Tied by beautifully clear strike of Bridgeport Fireman fancy cancel (Rohloff E-6), matching "Waterbury Con. Apr. 25 '66" double-circle datestamp on cover to Detroit Mich., missing backflapEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL DETAILED STRIKE OF THE BRIDGEPORT FIREMAN FANCY CANCEL OF WATERBURY CONNECTICUT AND THE EARLIEST KNOWN USE. ONLY SIXTEEN COVERS ARE RECORDED.
This cancel was inspired by the annual Bridgeport Fireman's Parade through Waterbury. William T. Crowe records sixteen covers with this cancel, used between Apr. 25 and June 3, 1866. This is the earliest recorded use in both the Rohloff book and the Crowe census
3c Rose (65). Bright color, tied by full bold strike of 5-Bar Shield fancy cancel (Rohloff Q-2), matching "Waterbury Con. Sep. 24, '66" double-circle datestamp on cover to New Haven, docketed at left, small cover mend at upper right where stamp has corner pulled perf, Extremely Fine strike
3c Rose (65). Tied by full bold strike of "US" fancy cancel (Rohloff M-3), perfs also tied by matching "Waterbury Con. Mar. 19, '66" double-circle datestamp on cover to New York City street address, slightly reduced at left of no consequence, Extremely Fine strike on a beautiful cover, this is the latest recorded use in Rohloff (recorded Feb. 5 to Mar. 19, 1866)
3c Rose (65). Bold full strike of Waterbury Conn. Barrel fancy cancel (Rohloff O-1), tiny toned spot at bottom right away from cancel, Extremely Fine strike of this desirable fancy cancel, rarely seen as a complete strike
3c Lake (66). Original gum, lightly hinged, rich color and proof-like impression, fresh paper with long full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE SCARCE LAKE SHADE.
With 1984 and 2000 P.F. certificates
24c Violet, Thin Paper (70c). Large part original gum, beautiful color, a few lightly gum soaked perfs at leftFINE. THE 1861 24-CENT VIOLET IS AN EXTREMELY RARE UNUSED STAMP IN ANY CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL GUM.
With 2008 P.F. certificate
24c Pale Gray Violet, Thin Paper (70d). Bright shade beautifully complemented by blue grid cancel, choice centering with balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT PALE GRAY VIOLET SHADE ON THIN PAPER, SCOTT 70d.
With 2008 and 2012 P.S.E. certificates
5c Red Brown, 10c Yellow Green, 30c Orange (68, 71, 75). Bright colors, tied by unusual large 4-bar grid cancels, red "Boston Am. Pkt. Paid Oct. 16" (1863) backstamp on blue folded letter to Port Elizabeth, Cape of Good Hope, sender's route directive "via England pr. Saxonia" and carried on that ship of the HAPAG line which departed New York Oct. 17 and arrived Southampton Oct. 29, red crayon "24" credit, red "London Paid OC 30, 1863" transit datestamp, red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, transit and receiving backstamps, 10c faint crease at upper rightVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND COLORFUL 1861 ISSUE FRANKING TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE FROM THE HOWLAND CORRESPONDENCE.
Ex Knapp, Krug and DuPuy.
5c Brown, 10c Green, 30c Orange (68, 71, 76). Each stamp tied by perfectly clear strike of crossroads fancy cancel on 1863 cover to Sydney, New South Wales, red manuscript "24" credit, red "London Paid SP 24 63" transit datestamp, back of cover with red "N. York Am. Pkt. Sep. 12" datestamp and perfect strike of "Ship Letter Sydney NO 16, 1863" receiving datestamp, 10c and 30c barely affected from placement near edge of cover, a Very Fine and colorful use to New South Wales via Marseilles, ex Wunderlich and Sevenoaks
30c Orange (71). Used with 3c Rose (65, single and pair), 12c Black (69) and 2c Black (73), tied by multiple strikes of unusual half-circle of V's cancel on blue 1864 folded cover to Hong Kong, China, red "Boston Br. Pkt. Paid, Feb 2" datestamp on back, matching red "48" credit handstamp, sender's directive "Pr Australasian", London Paid transit datestamp (Feb. 20), red crayon "1" British Colonial credit, backstamped with Hong Kong receiving datestamp (Apr. 11), 30c with light pre-use crease, one 3c stamp with margin flawsVERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR SIX-STAMP, FOUR-DENOMINATION COMBINATION TO PAY THE 53-CENT RATE TO HONG KONG VIA MARSEILLES.
From the Augustine Heard & Co. correspondence
30c Orange (71). Used with 3c Rose and 12c Black (65, 69), bright and fresh, tied by grid cancels, "Exeter N.H. Aug. 14, 1865" double-circle datestamp on attorney's corner card cover to Swatow, China, Wingate correspondence, stamps also tied by red "N. York Am. Pkt. Paid Aug. 19" and London transit, neat red "1d" British Colonial credit handstamp, Hong Kong transit backstamp, endorsed "Via Overland, Via Northampton", slightly reduced at leftFRESH AND VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE ATTORNEY'S CORNER CARD COVER WITH A THREE-COLOR FRANKING USED TO SWATOW, CHINA.
The 45c in postage pays the rate via Southampton.
Ex Paliafito, Sevenoaks and DuPuy
90c Blue (72). Bright color, choice centering with wide margins, tied by target cancel, "Baltimore Md. Jul. 20" (1866) circular datestamp on folded printed business notice to Shanghai, China, sender's directive "Via Marseilles" at top, magenta manuscript "68" credit crossed out and re-rated "48", on arrival in London the "48" was crossed out and corrected to "96" cents for double-rate credit (via Marseilles route), the same red crayon was used to state "2" pence British Colonial credit -- despite the underpayment, the British post office was determined to get the correct 96c credit -- red "London Paid 1 AU 66" transit datestamp, blue Shanghai backstamp (Sep. 26), stamp with slightly short perf at upper right not mentioned on accompanying certificatesVERY FINE. ONLY FOUR 90-CENT 1861 ISSUE COVERS TO CHINA ARE RECORDED WITH A SINGLE FRANKING. A SPECTACULAR COVER FROM THE AUGUSTINE HEARD & COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE.
The North German Lloyd America departed New York and arrived at Southampton on August 31, 1866, fitting the dates on this cover. The rate by British Mail via Marseilles during this time was 53c per half ounce, meaning this double-rate cover with 90c postage was underpaid by 16c if carried via Marseilles. The crossed-out 68c corresponds to the double rate via Marseilles if carried by American packet. The 48c re-stated credit corresponds to the 53c rate via British packet. The London exchange office determined that it should have been credited 96c for the double 53c British Mail rate via Marseilles, despite the underpaid U.S. postage, and they used red crayon to cross out the “48”, re-rate the credit “96” and apply the “2” pence British Colonial credit.
Ex Newbury, Baker and Wunderlich. Illustrated in Brookman on p. 66. With 1983 and 2012 P.F. certificates
2c Black (73). 21 singles, used with 3c Rose (65), cancelled by various manuscript including "Milo Maine USA Oct. 11, 1865", light strike of Milo circular datestamp at right, on orange cover to Macao, China, addressed to the U.S. Store Ship Relief, endorsed "Via Southampton" at lower left, red "London Paid 25 OC 65" transit datestamp, red "24" credit handstamp, red "2" British Colonial credit handstamp, receiving backstamp (Dec. 23, 1865), opened for display, stamps with faultsFINE APPEARANCE. A REMARKABLE FRANKING BEARING 21 BLACK JACK STAMPS ON A COVER TO MACAO, CHINA.
The total franking pays the 45c rate by British Mail via Southampton. Frankings such as this are rare, due to the normal availability of higher denomination stamps. The sender obviously found a way to use up their supply of 2c stamps.
2c Black, Preston Shift (73 var). Block of four with bottom selvage and left interpane margin, Positions 81-82/91-92R30, original gum, barely hinged, strong offset perpendicular to the stamps, top left stamp Position 81R30 clearly shows doubling along the entire right side especially in the numeral "2" and the acanthus leaf below and in "Cents"FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE FAMOUS BLACK JACK "PRESTON SHIFT." VERY FEW ARE KNOWN, AND THIS EXAMPLE IN A PLATED MULTIPLE IS THE FINEST AND MOST IMPORTANT.
Little has been written about the Preston Shift -- a search of the Chronicle database turned up nothing. The best source is the Allen Black Jack book (p. 125), which states the "shift" was originally noted by Marvin Preston of Ferndale, Michigan. In a letter to J. David Baker, columnist for Stamps, Preston explained: "I was amazed, while perusing a dealer's stock in 1951, to discover this outstanding major double transfer."
In 1953 Stanley B. Ashbrook wrote "This is a double transfer of the 'Black Jack' which is very rare in my opinion. It is the only copy that I have ever been able to find and is evidently much scarcer variety than the well-known 'Atherton Shift.' I communicated with a number of the leading students of this stamp thru-out the country and none of them had ever seen a copy of this variety. The following were consulted: H. P. Atherton, Anthony Russo, the late Ignatz Reiner, W. H. Kiefaber and Maurice Cole, author of a book on the stamp. These as well as a number of prominent dealers. It does seem strange that none of the above had ever seen a duplicate of this stamp."
The Allen collection contained the discovery single, which was perforated on all sides and with perfs strongly cutting into the design at top. None were offered in the Rorke sale. Richard Drews showed a used single with straight edge at left in a talk at the Collectors Club in 2010. Barbara Fosdyke-Ray owned a used single with perfs strongly cutting into the design at bottom and straight edge at left.
The multiple offered here, with sheet margin and wide interpane margin, is the finest we have encountered and is especially desirable since it identifies the position of the Preston Shift on the plate.
24c Blackish Violet (78c). Distinctive rich color in the true Blackish Violet shade, bright paper, detailed impression, cancelled by New York Foreign Mail Geometric (Skinner-Eno GE-M 23)FINE. AN ELUSIVE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT BLACKISH VIOLET, A SHADE VARIETY THAT IS MISSING IN MOST ADVANCED CLASSIC UNITED STATES COLLECTIONS.
A thorough search through past auction catalogues will demonstrate how rare this stamp is in both used and sound condition. Our census of Scott 78c, available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/78c/78c.pdf , records a total of 44 used examples of this issue, of which only 37 have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation. We also record eight on cover. Of the used off cover copies, a mere ten are confirmed as sound.
Census no. 78c-CAN-44. With 2013 P.F. certificate