2c Black, Atherton Shift (73 var). Sharp impression and wide top margin which clearly shows the double transfer at top left, grid cancel, small surface scrape at top and reperfed at left (as usual for this straight-edge position)

FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ATHERTON SHIFT, THE MOST PRONOUNCED OF THE BLACK JACK DOUBLE TRANSFERS. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH THE WIDE TOP MARGIN, WHICH COMPLETELY SHOWS THE VARIETY.

According to the Allen book, the Atherton 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 Drews. With 1995 P.F. certificate

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