5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tete-Beche Pair (CL1a). Both stamps Schoendorf Type II, 6mm spacing between stamps, original gum, lightly hinged, large margins all around, strong color and impression, bottom stamp (as oriented in the scan) with light diagonal crease

VERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE ORIGINAL-GUM TETE-BECHE PAIR OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tennessee, which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.

Approximately one dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by The Philatelic Foundation. The Schoendorf pamphlet lists nine, most of which are a combination of Types II and III.

With 2009 P.F. certificate

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