Sale 1351 — The Vaquero Collection of Gem-Quality 19th and 20th Century United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday, 15 May, 2025
Category — 1894 Unwatermarked Bureau Issue (Scott 246-263, Imperforate Pairs)
3c Purple (253). Mint N.H., brilliant color and proof-like impression showing every detail of the engraving, essentially perfectly centered with wide margins
EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE FINEST EXAMPLE OF THE UNWATERMARKED 1894 3-CENT BUREAU ISSUE RECORDED. A SPECTACULAR STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E.
As collectors of the First Bureau Issue know, great difficulty was experienced in perforating the stamps, either due to poor equipment or improper operation. Choppy, ragged perfs and poor centering are so common on this issue that it is often possible to separate the 1894 unwatermarked stamps from the 1895 watermarked stamps by the appearance of the perforations alone. This example, with precise centering, wide margins and perfectly formed perforations, is a true condition rarity.
Ex "Scarsdale". 1997 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98). This is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 253 in any condition (Mint N.H., hinged or used) and has no equals.
