1c Blue, Ty. II, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (7 var). Position 48R2, rich color on bright paper, unobtrusive Chicago datestamp leaves entire design clearly visible, choice centering for this difficult issue

VERY FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT CHICAGO PERFORATION. APPROXIMATELY 18 EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 CHICAGO PERF ARE RECORDED.

The origin of the Chicago perforation was revealed in an article published by Jerome S. Wagshal in the Chronicle 130 (May 1986). To briefly summarize Mr. Wagshal's revelations, the inventor of the machine used to create the Chicago Perf stamps was Dr. Elijah W. Hadley, a Chicago dentist. He probably constructed the machine in 1854. Over a two-year period, beginning in November 1854, Dr. Hadley's device was offered for sale to the Post Office Department thru R. K. Swift, a prominent Chicago banker and businessman. The distinctive 12-1/2 gauge Chicago Perf was applied to sheets of the 1c (Plates 1 Late and 2) and 3c 1851 Issue, the former being considerably rarer.

According to the updated census of Chicago Perf items compiled by W. Wilson Hulme II (Chronicle 175, Aug. 1997), approximately 18 examples of the 1c Chicago Perf have been recorded, including five used on covers. About a dozen Type II No. 7 stamps are known.

With 1982, 1998 and 2009 P.F. certificates.

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