Sale 1227 — Outstanding United States Stamps and Gold Coins
Sale Date — Monday-Friday, 19-23 October, 2020
Category — Air Post
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
3614
5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tete-Beche Pair (CL1a). Schoendorf Types I and II, unused (no gum), large margins, 7mm spacing between stamps, horizontal crease between stamps, stamps with small scuffs, small nick in margin well away from designVERY FINE. A RARE TETE-BECHE PAIR OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP WITH TYPES I AND II.
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.
22,500
8,000