Sale 953 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 25-28 March, 2008
Category — 1861-66 Issue (Scott 56-78)
3c Brown Rose, First Design (56). Original gum, rich color, Very Fine, with 1985 P.F. certificate
3c Brown Rose, First Design (56). Original gum, deep rich color with hint of oxidation, Very Fine
3c Brown Rose, First Design (56). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, excellent color, Fine
3c Brown Rose, First Design (56). Bottom imprint and plate no. 2 block of eight, bottom stamps Mint N.H., top stamps h.r., bright color, oxidized in a few tiny spotsFINE-VERY FINE. AN EXCEEDINGLY RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF THE 1861 3-CENT FIRST DESIGN.
The Chapin census records only six plate blocks. With 2006 P.F. certificate
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Wide balanced margins all around, virtually perfect centering, dark rich color and proof-like early impression on bright paper, cancelled by rim of vivid red New York foreign-mail circular datestamp clear of portraitEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STAMP IS ARGUABLY THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 10-CENT FIRST DESIGN WE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED.
The 10c 1861 First Design (or Type I) was printed from Plate 4, which left very little space between the stamps for the 12-gauge perforation holes. Examples of Scott 62B (or 58) are rarely seen with margins framing the design on all sides. The stamp offered here is the rare exception, and it is even more remarkable as a used copy, free of faults, clearly cancelled in red (and face-free). As a measure of the 10c First Design's rarity in used high grades, the latest P.S.E. Population Report lists one used example graded XF 90 and nothing higher.
With 1987 P.F. certificate
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Choice centering with wide margins, rich color, face-free strike of red circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, scarce with such choice centering and a light red cancel, red backstamp barely shows thru at bottom left corner, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Intense color, light red circular datestamp, Fine, with 1999 P.F. certificate
10c Dark Green, First Design (62B). Deep rich color, face-free grid cancel, centered to left, small tear at top, Very Good appearance, owner's backstamp
1c Blue (63). Original gum, nearly perfect centering, attractive pastel color, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.F. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $860.00)
1c Blue (63). Original gum, lightly hinged, radiant color, Very Fine and choice, with 2005 P.F. certificate
1c Blue (63). Slightly disturbed original gum, Jumbo margins and straddle-pane margin at right, rich color on bright paper, Extremely Fine, with 2006 P.F. certificate for pair
1c Blue (63). Brilliant color on bright paper, gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, neat strike of Philadelphia circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $500.00 as 95, $1,250.00 as 98), only one has graded higher to date and only one other shares this desirable grade
1c Blue (63). Pretty centering and attractive color, bold framed "Paid" cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $85.00)
3c Pink (64). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, intense Pink shade, trivial perf flaw at top rightNEARLY FINE. THE 1861 3-CENT PINK IS AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STAMP TO LOCATE IN UNUSED CONDITION WITH GOOD COLOR, ESPECIALLY WITH FULL ORIGINAL GUM.
With 1960 P.F. certificate
3c Pink (64). Bright shade with lots of purple in the lathework (this was submitted to the P.F. as a Pigeon Blood), lightly cancelled by circular datestamp with clear "Sep 27" date, almost perfectly centeredEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE TRUE PINK SHADE.
With 1987 P.F. certificate
3c Rose (65). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, selvage at top, brilliant color, Extremely Fine, with 1991 and 2007 P.F. certificates
3c Rose (65). Original gum, lightly hinged, incredibly well-centered, fresh and crisp with lovely color, Extremely Fine
3c Rose, Imperforate (65c). Block of four, unused (no gum), large margins, overall soiling, small tear in margin at bottom left, otherwise Very Fine, scarce block, Scott Retail as two original-gum pairs
3c Lake (66). Original gum, lightly hinged, wide margins and choice centering, lovely color and characteristic strong impression, Very Fine, a beautiful example of this scarce trial printing
3c Lake, Trial Color Plate Proof on Imperforate Gummed Stamp Paper (66TC). Original gum, large margins, intense shade, Extremely Fine, with 1967 P.F. certificate as No. 66a
5c Buff (67). Bright shade, magenta grid cancel, choice centering, Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.F. certificate
5c Buff (67). Attractively centered, exceptionally rich color complemented by red grid cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1999 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $1,000.00)
5c Buff (67). Strong color, blue rimless Baltimore circular datestamp, Very Fine, with 1987 and 2002 P.F. certificates, both identifying this stamp as No. 67a, and 2004 P.S.E. certificate as No. 67 (VF 80; SMQ $1,000.00)
5c Buff (67). Wide margins and strong color, bold San Francisco cogwheel cancel, Fine and attractive, with 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Buff (67). Deep rich color and proof-like impression, neat face-free strike of large Boston "Paid" cancel and trace of red cancel at bottom, reperfed at top, Fine appearance, with 2006 P.F. certificate
5c Brown Yellow (67a). Brilliant color, neat strike of grid cancel, expertly reperfed (not mentioned on accompanying certificate), Very Fine appearance, with 1990 P.F. certificate as the Buff shade (Scott 67), its color says otherwise
5c Brown Yellow (67a). Very attractive centering, excellent strong color with a neat circular datestamp, light vertical crease at left, otherwise Very Fine and choice, with 2001 P.S.E. certificate which identifies this stamp as No. 67, the ordinary Buff
5c Brown Yellow (67a). Brilliant color, face-free strike of large Boston "Paid" grid, few minor perf flaws not mentioned on accompanying certificate, otherwise Very Fine, with 1982 P.F. certificate
5c Brown Yellow (67a). Radiant color, cancelled by unusual segmented cork, light diagonal crease at top, appears Fine, owner's backstamp
10c Yellow Green (68). Mint N.H., brilliant color, well-proportioned margins, expertly reperfed at topEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. DESPITE THE EXPERT REPERFING, THIS IS A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1861-66 ISSUE.
With 1984 and 2007 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (both 2007 certificates describe reperfing)
10c Yellow Green (68). Original gum, fresh, deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 10-CENT 1861 ISSUE.
With 2002 P.F. certificate
10c Dark Green (68a). Part disturbed original gum, magnificent depth of color and wonderfully fresh, reperfed right and bottom, Extremely Fine appearance, with 2007 P.F. certificate
10c Yellow Green (68). Rich color with a neat red circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $160.00)
12c Black (69). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, bright shade, light strike of target cancel and trace of red transit at bottom left, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 1985 and 1999 P.F. certificates
12c Black (69). Bright shade and crisp impression, unobtrusive cancel, wide margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $920.00), only six have graded higher to date
12c Black (69). Bright shade, face-free blue and red cancels, Very Fine and choice, a pretty stamp, with 1999 P.F. certificate
24c Red Lilac (70). Perfectly centered with balanced margins all around, deep shade and proof-like impression on bright paper, blue Chicago double-circle datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT RED LILAC SHADE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.
This stamp is certainly one of the finest examples of the early 24c 1861 Red Lilac shade we have handled, in terms of centering, margins, cancellation and overall condition.
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Original gum, excellent color and impressionVERY FINE. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT BROWN LILAC IN A REMARKABLE STATE OF FRESHNESS.
The color is a soft brownish shade, which is quite distinctive and much different than the Red Lilac (1862) or later Lilac (1863-66) printings.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate
24c Brown Lilac (70a). Phenomenally wide Jumbo margins all around, perfectly centered, light target cancel, pale brownish shade on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT JUMBO-MARGINED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 ISSUE IN THE BROWNISH LILAC SHADE.
This stamp certainly rivals and arguably surpasses the example offered in our recent Tahoe sale, which was graded XF-Superb 95 Jumbo by P.S.E.
With 1994 P.F. certificate
24c Steel Blue (70b). Well-balanced margins, beautiful color in the true Steel Blue shade, well-struck large Boston "Paid" grid and also red "1d" British colonial rate markingEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 24-CENT 1861 STEEL BLUE. A STAMP WITH WONDERFUL EYE APPEAL.
With 1994 and 1999 P.F. certificate
24c Steel Blue (70b). Rich color in the true Steel Blue shade, choice centering, lightly cancelled by rim of circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE. THE 1861 24-CENT STEEL BLUE IS EXCEEDINGLY RARE IN THIS CHOICE USED CONDITION.
With 1993 P.F. certificate
24c Steel Blue (70b). Beautiful margins with near-perfect centering, choice color, grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERBLY CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 24-CENT STEEL BLUE.
With 1996 P.F. and 2003 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,850.00)
24c Steel Blue (70b). Exceptionally well-centered, excellent color with a light grid cancel, right perfs partially blunted by scissors separation or partially reperfed, otherwise Very Fine
30c Orange (71). Brilliant color, unusually wide and balanced margins, well-struck target cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $570.00 as 90, $1,700.00 as 95)
30c Orange (71). Superbly centered and balanced margins, much wider than the narrow margins typically seen, rich color, bold Boston large "Paid" grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1987 P.F. certificate
90c Blue (72). Original gum, small h.r., crisp impression on fresh paper, Fine and attractive, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
90c Blue (72). Wide margins and nicely centered, circle of V's cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1987 P.F. certificate
90c Blue (72). Lovely wide margins and attractive centering, nice color, thick bars cancel, Very Fine, with 1985 P.F. and 1992 and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80; SMQ $500.00)
90c Blue (72). Wide margins, two strikes of unusual bold "fan" cancel, tiny red pencil mark at bottom right, probably from a credit or delivery charge, Very Fine, quite attractive and desirable, 90c 1861's are seldom found with fancy cancels, with 1991 P.F. certificate
90c Blue (72). Exceptionally well-centered with lovely pastel color, neat target cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 1994 P.F. certificate
2c Black (73). Original gum, extra wide margins and almost perfectly centered, Extremely Fine, a wonderful 2c Black Jack, with 1983 P.F. certificate
3c Scarlet (74). Original gum, brilliant color and proof-like impression, almost perfectly centered with well-balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE SOUND AND CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 1861 3-CENT SCARLET TRIAL PRINTING WITHOUT PEN MARKS AND WITH ORIGINAL GUM. EXCEEDINGLY RARE IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
The story of the 3c Scarlet was documented by the late Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of articles appearing in the Chronicle (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62). Wagshal quotes statements made in 1893 and 1910 by a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, Carl F. Rothfuchs, to the effect that Rothfuchs 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. The Rothfuchs lot is not from the same supply acquired by John W. Scott in the late 1870's, from which stamps exist uncancelled and cancelled with a New York City Station D oval.
With 1991 P.F. certificate
3c Scarlet (74). Disturbed original gum from hinge removal, well-centered, pulled perf at right and small piece torn out of stamp and put back into place at top left, reasonable appearance and an affordable example of a rare U.S. classic stamp
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.
With 2002 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (75). Unused (no gum), nicely centered, bright color, Very Fine, with 2008 P.S.E. certificate
5c Red Brown (75). Choice margins and centering, lovely deep rich color, light grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $1,200.00)
5c Red Brown (75). Wonderfully well-centered with deep rich color, circular datestamp and geometric grid cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2000 P.F. certificate
5c Red Brown (75). Deep shade, well-centered, neat grid cancel, slightly shorter perf at bottom, Very Fine, with 1989 P.F. certificate
5c Brown (76). Original gum, perfectly centered, crisp shade and impressionEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 5-CENT BROWN SHADE.
With 1991 P.F. certificate
5c Brown (76). Original gum, incredibly well-centered, fresh, rich color, trivial shorter perf at lower right, otherwise Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $2,650.00)
5c Dark Brown (76a). Partially redistributed original gum along the edges which have been lightly cleaned, Very Fine appearance, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate
5c Brown (76). Unused (no gum), uncharacteristically wide margins, couple trivial nibbed perfs, otherwise Very Fine
5c Dark Brown (76). Crisp shade and impression, light circular datestamp, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $255.00)
5c Brown (76). Well-centered, beautifully struck blue Baltimore circular datestamp and a trace of red cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $255.00)
15c Black (77). Unused (no gum), attractive centering, script "Philadelphia" handstamp on back, deceptively reperfed at right, Very Fine appearance, with 1976 and 1999 P.F. certificates, neither of which mention the handstamp or reperfing
15c Black (77). Bright shade on crisp paper, choice centering with Jumbo margins, bold strike of quartered cork cancel and blue French transit circular datestamp at top left, Extremely Fine Gem, easily one of the largest examples of this issue we have ever encountered, with 2004 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $475.00 as 90, $1,250.00 as 98)
15c Black (77). Wide margins and almost precisely centered, sharp impression on crisp paper, light cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1996 P.F. and 2004 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $475.00)
15c Black (77). Beautifully centered and wide well-balanced margins, intense shade and impression, bold cork cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2002 A.P.S. certificate
15c Black (77). Nearly perfect centering, intense shade, cork cancel, Very Fine and choice, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $305.00)
24c Lilac (78). Original gum with slight disturbance from hinge removal, remarkable shade with strong violet hue, fresh and brightVERY FINE AND CHOICE. A BEAUTIFUL ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1863 24-CENT LILAC.
With 1987 P.F. certificate as "previously hinged"
24c Grayish Lilac (78a). Particularly attractive centering, strong color, partial cork and circular datestamp cancels leaving center face-free, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $590.00)
24c Lilac (78). Horizontal block of six, deep rich color, each with blue grid cancel, nicely centered, right pair faint creases, top center stamp small tear at top, Fine-Very Fine appearance, very scarce used multiple, Scott Retail as pair and block of four with blue cancels