5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon (CL1). Original gum, lightly hinged, large margins all around, rich color on crisp paper

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE RARE BUFFALO BALLOON AIR POST ISSUE. THIS IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE FINEST SINGLE IN EXISTENCE.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. 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, 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. The example offered here should be considered a condition rarity.

Ex Silver. With 1983 and 2014 P.F. certificates (XF-Superb 95)

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