10c Blue, Special Delivery (E1). Mint N.H. wide top right corner imprint and plate no. 495 block of ten, brilliant color on fresh paper, attractive centering and margins, position 6 slightly rounded corner, tear at top of position 7 affects plate block, perf separations at left with the left two stamps separated, but both are intact with the stamps to their right (and selvage above)

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. AN EXTREMELY RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF THE 1885 FIRST SPECIAL DELIVERY ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED.

All of the first four Special Delivery Issues (E1-E4) are extremely rare in plate block form. We believe the 1885 Issue, E1, is the rarest of the group with perhaps 5-7 known (including one pane). This is one of only four we have offered since keeping computerized records, and it is also the only Mint N.H. example we have offered. This was held for generations since being purchased at the post office in the 1890s. As a result, the gum is untouched by hinging or reinforcement.

Scott value as hinged plate block of eight plus two Mint N.H. singles

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