Sale 1255 — The David W. Gorham Collection of Outstanding Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 17-20 May, 2022
Category — 5c 1857 Issue (Scott 27-30A)
5c Bright Red Brown, Defective Transfer (28b var). Positions 13/23R1, vertical pair, bottom stamp with defective transfer at right, warm 1858 printing shade, unusually choice centering, neat strike of blue "Petersburg Va. Nov. 8" circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE DEFECTIVE TRANSFER POSITION 23R IN THE BRIGHT RED BROWN SHADE. WE DO NOT RECALL SEEING ANOTHER IN THIS SHADE.
Only two constant varieties are known from Plate 1, which was used to print Scott Nos. 12 and 27-29. One is a double transfer in Position 40R. The other is this defective transfer, which gives the appearance of a white cloud to the right of the portrait. The Bright Red Brown shade is as rare as its more famous counterpart, the Indian Red. They were likely printed in early 1858, and not many were produced. Reviewing Power Search, we have offered three examples of this variety in the Red Brown shade (Scott 28) and none in the Brick Red or Indian Red shades. For the Brown shade (Scott 29), two are contained in original-gum blocks, plus we have offered three others. This is the only example we have offered in the Bright Red Brown shade.
Ex Wagshal as on cover. With 2011 P.F. certificate. Listed but unpriced in Scott.
