Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Inc. Sale

Priest's Despatch (Philadelphia PA):

Lot

Lot Description

1442

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Silver on Vermilion Glazed (121L1). Unused (no gum), margins clear of frameline on three sides, barely in at bottom, clear impression with silver ink oxidized as usual

A VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE ELUSIVE SILVER ON VERMILION STAMP ISSUED BY PRIEST'S DESPATCH OF PHILADELPHIA. ONLY FOUR REPORTED.

The Roth census contains two 121L1 covers, and our review of other sources produced only one other off-cover stamp (ex Lilly).

With 1963 P.F. certificate. (Image)

E. 2,000-3,000

1443

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Yellow Wove (121L3). Large margins all around, intense shade on bright paper, uncancelled as usual, used with 3c Dull Red (11), three full margins, in at top, tied by "Philadelphia Pa. Aug. 20" circular datestamp on cover to Lexington Ky., blue return card on flap for Farr & Thompson, watch importers located at 112 Chestnut Street

EXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF PRIEST'S BLACK-ON-YELLOW STAMP, USED TO THE MAILS WITH THE 3-CENT 1851 ON AN ATTRACTIVE COVER. ONLY THREE 121L3 COVERS RECORDED IN ROTH CENSUS.

In addition to the three covers recorded in Roth census, there are at least two additional 121L3 stamps known off cover.

Ex Lilly. (Image)

E. 5,000-7,500

1444

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Rose Wove (121L4). Large to huge margins, intense shade, uncancelled as usual, used on large part of folded cover (address panel and back panel) to local street address, tiny eroded spot at top, stamp is superb and lettersheet is otherwise clean

EXTREMELY FINE STAMP AND ONE OF EIGHT PRIEST'S DESPATCH BLACK-ON-PINK USAGES IN ROTH CENSUS.

Pencil note on back "Found in Phila. 1919." Ex Needham, Boker and Lilly. (Image)

E. 1,000-1,500

1445

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Rose Wove (121L4). Margins slightly cutting in, uncancelled as usual, used on front only to Henry Seybert at 11th and Chestnut Streets

FINE. NOT AMONG THE EIGHT RECORDED 121L4 USAGES IN ROTH CENSUS.

Another cover to Henry Seybert is listed among the eight 121L4 covers in Roth census. This cover is not included. Although the paper of this stamp is classified as Rose, our observation is that it is unlike the example offered in lot 1444 and might be a white paper that has been toned by gum. (Image)

E. 750-1,000

1446

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Yellow Wove (121L6). Plate flaw under "T" of Despatch, three full margins, slightly in at top, uncancelled, used with 3c Dull Red (11), large margins, tied by "Philadelphia Pa. Sep. 21" circular datestamp on blue cover to Boston, couple stained spots, two sealed opening tears at top

VERY FINE. ONLY FOUR OF THE SIX PRIEST'S 121L6 COVERS RECORDED BY ROTH ARE 3-CENT 1851 COMBINATIONS.

The Roth census lists six 121L6 covers, including four in combination with the 3c 1851. We have been unable to locate another stamp showing the plate flaw evident on this example. (Image)

E. 4,000-5,000

1447

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Blue Wove (121L7). Margins mostly clear of frameline, deep shade on intense blue paper, uncancelled as usual, used on 3c Red Nesbitt entire to Port Gibson Miss., "Philadelphia Pa. Dec. 16" circular datestamp, receipt docketing "Ansd. 6 Jany 56" indicating appropriate December 1855 use of Priest's stamp, tiny opening tear at left

VERY FINE. ONLY FIVE OF THE NINE RECORDED 121L7 COVERS IN ROTH CENSUS HAVE ADDITIONAL UNITED STATES POSTAGE. ONE OF THE CHOICEST 121L7 COVERS EXTANT.

In listing this cover, Roth was working from a partially masked auction catalogue illustration. Understandably, as a result the address was incomplete and the 1856 docketing date was misread as 1854.

Accompanied by Sloane note (also signed). (Image)

E. 4,000-5,000

1448

Priest's Despatch, Philadelphia Pa., (2c) Black on Blue Wove (121L7). Mostly full margins, clear at right, uncancelled, used on brown cover to Burlington N.J., blue "Philadelphia Pa. 5 cts. Dec. 30" integral-rate circular datestamp, faint toned spot at center, some edge wrinkles

VERY FINE. ONE OF NINE RECORDED COVERS WITH PRIEST'S 121L7 STAMP.

Ex Lilly. (Image)

E. 3,000-4,000

Part III - Locals H-Z continued...