1c Blue, Ty. III (21). Positions 53-54/63-64L4, block of four, three stamps Type III (21), bottom left stamp Type IIIa (Scott 22), large part original gum, deep rich color and proof-like impression, top left and bottom right stamps small toned spots of little consequence

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMBINATION BLOCK OF FOUR FROM PLATE FOUR, CONTAINING THREE EXAMPLES OF TYPE III AND ONE EXAMPLE OF TYPE IIIa. THIS IS ONE OF THE RAREST COMBINATION BLOCKS OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT ISSUE.

A Power Search review and our records revealed that blocks of any size containing more than two examples of the rare Type III are very difficult to find. The block of six, ex Moody, containing five examples of Type III (offered in our 1975 Rarities sale), has since broken into singles. Most perforated multiples contain two each of Types III and IIIa, or three copies of Type IIIa. Although one would expect more Type III perforated stamps from positions that wore as the plate was used, the reality is they are very rare, which suggests that the sheets were stacked with the earlier impressions at the bottom. The top of the pile was released without perforations, and the bottom sheets in the pile (earlier impressions) were subsequently perforated and issued.

Ex Lilly. With 2011 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as pair of Type III and pair of Types III and IIIa.

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