5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tête-Bêche (CL1). Vertical pair with 6mm spacing, original gum, one stamp with horizontal stitch watermark, large margins, rich color, one stamp with margin scuffs along left side as almost always

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE LARGE-MARGINED TÊTE-BÊCHE PAIR OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON AIR POST ISSUE.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tennessee. Only 300 were printed in tête-bêche arrangement from a single die. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin, Tennessee, which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, Lillard wrote that only 23 were used.

Based on previous examples we have handled, at least some of the Buffalo Balloon stamps were exposed to moisture around the time they were printed. This accounts for the fact that only two of the tête-bêche pairs certified by the Philatelic Foundation are potentially sound. The others are mostly thinned or scuffed in one corner where they were stuck together. This pair, with minor scuffs on one stamp is among the better condition examples extant.

With 2013 P.F. certificate.

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