5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tete-Beche Pair (CL1a). Schoendorf Types I and II, unused (no gum), large to full margins all around, 6-1/2mm spacing between stamps, accompanying certificate notes "natural horizontal crease between stamps" which is very minor and does not impinge on the designs

VERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED TETE-BECHE PAIRS OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP WITH TYPES I AND II -- AND IN FAR BETTER CONDITION THAN MOST.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tenn., which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.

Approximately one dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by The Philatelic Foundation. The Schoendorf pamphlet lists nine, which are mostly a combination of Types II and III. Type I is the earliest state, with no discernible printing flaws. The known pairs come from stock that was probably stacked and stuck together at some point as most have margin thinning and other small flaws. This pair is a condition rarity.

With 2017 P.F. certificate

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