Fredericksburg Va., 5c Blue on Thin Bluish (26X1). Block of four crossing top and bottom impressions of the typeset form, Positions 6-7 at top and 1-2 at bottom, from the sheet of 20, large part original gum, full margins to just touched in a couple places, usual light horizontal creasing as normally seen on this very fragile paper, including one crease between rows and another near top of bottom row

VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE BLOCK OF THE FREDERICKSBURG 5-CENT BLUE PROVISIONAL, CROSSING TWO IMPRESSIONS OF THE TYPESET FORM.

The Fredericksburg Va. Postmaster's Provisional was issued by Postmaster Rueben Thom. A typeset form of ten subjects was produced -- each subject with unique characteristics in the lettering, border stars and horizontal lines. Sheets of 20 stamps were printed, using two impressions of the form arranged top-to-bottom. Blocks of this issue are rare and this one, cut from the bottom and top of the two settings, is a fascinating study in the stamp's production. In this case the two impressions were executed very close together, with the stars of the top and bottom stamps at left partly intersecting. A Power Search review found only one other block cut in this nature, plus the complete sheet offered in our 1999 sale of the Kilbourne Collection. At one time there were five complete sheets recorded but it is unlikely that all of them remain intact.

Scott value $3,500.00 as a normal block of four. E. 2,000-3,000

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