Sale 1129 — 2016 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 31 May, 2016
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins, deep rich color and proof-like impression on bright paper, clearly-defined grill, perfect strike of 12-spoke radial cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING STAMP HAS EVERYTHING ONE COULD WISH FOR IN A USED STAMP -- PERFECT CENTERING, GORGEOUS COLOR, BRIGHT PAPER AND A CLEARLY STRUCK FANCY CANCEL. IT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
With 2001 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $12,500.00). Only one has graded higher (at 98J, ex Merlin) and only two others share this grade. This statistic has not changed in over five years.
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Mint N.H., rich color and proof-like impression, clearly-defined grill, wide and balanced margins, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT F GRILL. THIS IS BY FAR THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.
With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; unpriced in SMQ in Mint N.H. condition). This is the only graded Mint N.H. example of Scott 94.
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Block of four, slightly disturbed original gum, clear grill points, intense shade and impressionEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL. VERY FEW BLOCKS WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING REMAIN INTACT TODAY.
Our records contain only six original-gum blocks of the 12c F Grill. Some of these have probably been broken to feed collector demand for singles, and therefore the number of surviving multiples may be smaller. Blocks of four are the largest surviving multiples, since the Caspary block of eight has been broken.
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Two singles, tied by red cork cancels, matching light strike of "New York Paid All Sep. 1" circular datestamp on Catskill Mountain House lithographed advertising cover to London, England, with beautiful overall illustration of hotel and prominent flagpole, Orr imprint on back, 1868 London transit, endorsed "By Cunard Line" at upper left, light horizontal fold at topVERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ELABORATELY ILLUSTRATED HOTEL COVERS EXTANT AND A RARE TRANSATLANTIC USE. A PHENOMENAL COVER IN EVERY RESPECT.
According to Wikipedia, the Catskill Mountain House was built in 1823. Overlooking the Hudson River, the hotel was a five-hour stagecoach ride away from the valley. The Catskill Mountain House became a favorite subject for author Washington Irving and for artists of the Hudson River School. James Fenimore Cooper once wrote: "If you want to see the sights of America, go to see Niagara Falls, Lake George and the Catskill Mountain House." Three presidents -- Ulysses Grant, Chester Arthur and Theodore Roosevelt -- were guests of the hotel.
Ex Vogel. With 2010 P.F. certificate