2c Black, Atherton Shift, Major Double Transfer of Top Left Corner and "Postage" (73 var). Lightly cancelled, centered to top right, clearly showing the double transfer at top, faint horizontal crease at top ending in small tear

A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE ATHERTON SHIFT -- THE MOST PRONOUNCED DOUBLE TRANSFER OF THE BLACK JACK ISSUE.

According to the Allen book, the Artherton shift got its name from Stanley Ashbrook, who first discovered it in the summer of 1923 in the collection of J.P. Atherton. Concerning this double transfer, Mr. Ashbrook wrote: "Here we have one of the most remarkable double transfers on U. S. stamps that I have ever seen. I have for years classed the One Cent 1851, Type II, 89R2, as the No. 1 among remarkable examples of this variety and in my opinion this 2c Black Jack could well rank as No. 2. Perhaps some would even rank it equal to the 1c. . ." He stated further that it was his opinion, supported by other authorities whom he had consulted, that the variety must surely have come from an early or first condition of one of the plates, and that later it had been burnished out and a fresh entry made. The fact that every line in the Atherton Shift "is razor sharp" led him to conclude that the plate from which it came was very new.

Ex Bakwin. With 2002 P.F. certificate

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