1893, 6c Green, Black Overprint Error (66C). Block of four, large part original gum, h.r., deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, light natural gum bend at lower left, few trivial perf separations sensibly reinforced

FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED BLOCKS OF FOUR OF THE 1893 6-CENT PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT OVERPRINT ERROR -- THIS IS THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE.

Two errors of the 1893 Provisional Government Overprint Issues were made. One sheet of the 10c Red Brown, normally overprinted in black, was overprinted in red (Scott 61B). One sheet of the 6c Green, normally overprinted in red, was overprinted in black (Scott 66C). According to an affidavit by Louis T. Kenake, clerk of the Stamp Division of the Republic of Hawaii, the 10c sheet was issued to the postmaster at Kahuka, Oahu (Meyer-Harris, p. 240). The 6c sheet was purchased by Postmaster Jos. M. Oat and sometime around 1901 most of it was sold to dealer J. H. Makins, probably on behalf of Henry J. Crocker. The San Francisco earthquake is said to have destroyed a number of examples of both the overprint errors.

This lot is accompanied by a photocopy of a 1904 letter from J. H. Makins to collector Percy T. Morgan relating to Morgan’s purchase of examples of the overprint errors, relaying Makins’ understanding of their origin, as well as a photocopy of an affidavit on Makins & Co. letterhead from Postmaster Oat certifying that he purchased the only sheet produced of the 6c error.

The other recorded block of four was offered in our sale of the Honolulu Advertiser collection.

Ex Tows and Ishikawa.

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables