Colusa, Lake & Mendocino Telegraph Co., 1876, 5c Black (7T1). Complete pane of ten, "P.L.W." handstamp in blue, unused (no gum), Pos. 1 with sealed tear at top, faint stain affects left three stamps in the top row

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE PANE OF THE COLUSA, LAKE & MENDOCINO 5-CENT TELEGRAPH STAMP, FROM THE JOSIAH K. LILLY COLLECTION. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF TELEGRAPH STAMP COLLECTING.

The story of the Colusa, Lake & Mendocino Telegraph Co. issues is told in the Kramer book on page 51, quoting in part from the 1947 Rich monograph. The Colusa, Lake & Mendocino was incorporated in 1875, with 260 miles of line extended through the counties of Colusa, Lake, Mendocino and Napa. Three stamps were issued for prepayment -- 5c, 10c and 25c. Only one example each of the 10c and 25c is known (ex Kramer and Born, Siegel Sale 1102, lots 1065-1066). The 5c is also very scarce. This unique pane of ten is an important Telegraph stamp rarity.

Ex Lilly and offered to the market for only the second time since the Lilly sale. With 2015 P.F. certificate

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