1c Blue, Ty. III (21). Position 46L12, unused (no gum), incredibly choice centering, perfs clear enough from the design at top and bottom to clearly show the breaks in both outer lines, wonderfully rich color and detailed impression

EXTREMELY FINE. POSITION 46L12 PRODUCED THE ONLY PERFORATED TYPE III ON ANY PLATE OTHER THAN PLATE FOUR. A WIDELY OVERLOOKED RARITY OF THE 1851-57 ISSUE.

According to the Neinken book (p. 495), Position 46L12 is different from all other positions on Plate 12. Given the normal method of entering the positions, it should be a B Relief. However, the bottom left of 46L12 is more complete than it should be if the entry was made from the B Relief. Neinken states that after much study by himself and Elliott Perry, they concluded that it is an exact match for the T Relief used to enter the top row of Plate 11, which was created around the same time as Plate 12. Characteristics of the T Relief include a greater degree of completeness at the bottom left than is present on the B Relief. Neinken theorizes that the siderographer used the T-A-B transfer roll (used for Plate 11), and entered a single position on Plate 12 -- 46L -- perhaps to correct an earlier mistake in entering the position. Other students disagree with the idea that the T Relief was used, and the matter awaits resolution.

With 2011 P.F. certificate for a joined pair with a Type II

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