15c Brown & Blue, Ty. I,
Without Grill (118a). Original gum, well-centered with wide margins all
around, beautiful proof-like colors and impressions, fresh and bright
paper, small adherence on gumEXTREMELY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 15-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITHOUT GRILL.
Our survey of the Philatelic Foundation records shows 23 examples have been certified as genuine, of which approximately half have faults. (Image)
24c Green & Violet, Without
Grill (120a). Original gum, few tiny disturbances, well-centered with
wide margins all around, the most intense colors and impressions we have
ever encountered in a 24c 1869, long full perforations, bright white
paperEXTREMELY FINE. ONLY 22 EXAMPLES OF THE 24-CENT 1869 WITHOUT GRILL ARE KNOWN TO US -- THIS IS AMONG THE THREE FINEST STAMPS EXTANT.
Our survey of auction catalogues and Philatelic Foundation records produced 22 examples of the 24c 1869 without grill, including this stamp, which is new to the market. Approximately half of the known copies have faults. Only three are Extremely Fine and sound with original gum. (Image)
30c Ultramarine & Carmine,
Without Grill (121a). Part original gum, small adherence on back,
beautiful rich colors, well-centered, tiny natural inclusionEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 30-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITHOUT GRILL.
Our review of Philatelic Foundation records indicates that 53 examples have been certified as genuine incl. two blocks of four and one plate block of fifteen (Ex Ishikawa). In addition to the certified copies, there is a plate number block of six and imprint block of eight. However, despite the number of stamps, very few are as well-centered or fresh as this example. (Image)
90c Carmine & Black, Without
Grill (122a). Original gum, small gum adherence, intense color and
proof-like impressionVERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 90-CENT 1869 PICTORIAL ISSUE WITHOUT GRILL. ONLY 21 EXAMPLES HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED AS GENUINE BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.
Of the 21 copies certified as genuine by the Philatelic Foundation, only fourteen have either part or full original gum. Only seven of these are completely sound. The stamp offered here becomes the 22nd example known to us. (Image)