Sale 1255 — The David W. Gorham Collection of Outstanding Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 17-20 May, 2022
Category — 1863-66 Issue, cont. (Scott 75-78c)
Lot
Symbol
Photo/Description
Cat./Est. Value
Realized
540
24c Lilac (78). Rich color, bold strike of Mortar and Pestle fancy cancel of Waterbury Conn. (Type 3, Rohloff O-7), faint corner crease at bottom rightVERY FINE STRIKE OF THE RARE MORTAR AND PESTLE FANCY CANCELLATION OF WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE ON A 24-CENT STAMP.
The Waterbury postmaster, John W. Hill, carved three different Mortar and Pestle cancellations. The Rohloff Types 1 and 3 (O-5 and O-7) were carved in 1867 and used with the large double-circle datestamp. They are much rarer than the Type 2 Mortar and Pestle.
Waterbury fancy cancels are especially rare on the 24c denomination. We have offered only one other (a Bridgeport Fireman off-cover, realized $8,000 hammer in 2018) since keeping computerized records.
With 1981 and 2011 P.F. certificates
E. 2,000-3,000
1,500