3c Scarlet (74). Vibrant color, neat strike of New York Station D datestamp and duplex oval grid cancel, reperfed at left and bottom

FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT SCARLET WITH A NEW YORK CITY OVAL DUPLEX CANCELLATION. ONLY A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF THIS ISSUE WERE ACTUALLY SENT THROUGH THE MAILS.

As documented by Jerome S. Wagshal in a series of Chronicle articles (Nos. 56, 60, 61 and 62), Carl F. Rothfuchs, a Washington D.C. stamp dealer, obtained a supply of the 3c Scarlet in 1893 -- probably from the Post Office Department in exchange for his assistance with the Columbian Exposition -- and sold them with pen marks and original gum. A small number were also used by J. W. Scott, who posted letters with some of his supply to validate his claim that these stamps were legitimate postage. Today, there are perhaps five or six copies cancelled in this manner.

With 2008 P.F. certificate

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables