15c Brown & Blue, Ty. II (119). Block of four, original gum, small h.r., exceptionally choice centering with the top pair perfectly centered (Extremely Fine), wonderful deep rich colors and intense impressions

VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST BLOCKS OF THE 15-CENT TYPE II 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE IN EXISTENCE.

The survival of this block through the "blockbusting" decades of the 1980's and 90's was only made possible by the fact that the European Connoisseur acquired it in the 1956 Caspary sale and kept it safe from the stamp-separating vandals. A Power Search of our past offerings will reveal the nature of 15c 1869 Type II blocks. If they are intact, they are either terribly off center or have disturbed gum. One large multiple that has been kept intact is well-centered and fresh, but otherwise the surviving blocks are not for the condition-conscious collector.

Ex Caspary. This beautifully centered block realized $700 against a $300 Scott value in the 1956 Caspary sale, where it was acquired by the European Connoisseur. With 2015 P.F. certificate

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