5c Deep Blue, Buffalo Balloon, Tete-Beche Pair (CL1a). One Schoendorf Type II, other Schoendorf Type III, large margins, one stamp Mint N.H., other with natural fiber inclusion at upper right and usual margin thin spot

EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN ATTRACTIVE AND FRESH TETE-BECHE PAIR OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON POST ISSUE.

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 Tenn., which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.

Approximately a dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation. Of these, most have some slight thinning in the margin, leading us to believe that at some point these were stacked for sale and exposed to mild moisture.

With 2006 P.F. certificate. This is the first tete-beche pair we have offered since our Rudy sale in 2004.

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