Sale 1094 — The Curtis Collection: Back of Book and Possessions
Sale Date — Wednesday, 25 March, 2015
Category — Postage Due: 1894-1912 Issues (Scott J29-J50)
10c Deep Claret (J35). Mint N.H. wide top imprint and plate no. 72 block of six, intense color and impression, bright fresh paper, trivial perf separations in ungummed portion of selvage (not mentioned on certificate)VERY FINE AND CHOICE. PROBABLY THE FINEST PLATE BLOCK OF THE 10-CENT 1894 UNWATERMARKED BUREAU POSTAGE DUE IN EXISTENCE. REPUTED TO BE THE ONLY FULL TOP PLATE BLOCK EXTANT.
The first Bureau printings of all stamps were made in 1894 on unwatermarked paper, which was soon replaced with USPS-watermarked stock. Many denominations on unwatermarked paper were issued in extremely small quantities. The Bureau's first efforts at producing stamps were marred by perforating and gumming problems, which further limits the supply of stamps available to collectors in higher grades of condition. Finally, the popular collecting of imprint and plate number strips of three drastically reduced the number of plate blocks of six, which is the standard for collectors today.
A survey of auction catalogues, including the Siegel firm's Lilly and Todd sales, show the conspicuous absence of a 10c 1894 Scott J35 plate block.
With 2002 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as hinged
