2c Carmine, Ty. I, Vertical
Pair, Imperforate Horizontally (319d). Block of four containing two
pairs of the error, deep rich colorVERY FINE AND CHOICE. ONE OF ONLY TWO RECORDED BLOCKS OF FOUR OF THE 2-CENT 1903 ISSUE IMPERFORATE HORIZONTALLY. A GREAT RARITY.
According to Johl, a block of 25, imperforate horizontally, was found at the Washington D.C. post office. Eight were used for postage, leaving two blocks of four, a strip of three and a pair.
This error differs from the more famous so-called "San Francisco roulette", where a small quantity of sheets was found imperforate between the top two rows only and was rouletted locally.
The other known block was sold in our September 2000 auction (Sale 826, lot 608) where it realized $15,000 hammer against a then catalogue value of $7,000 (as two pairs). This block has superior centering and wider margins at top and bottom.
With 1986 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as two pairs (Image)
2c Carmine, Ty. I, Booklet
Pane of Six (319g). Position D with plate no., lightly hinged, deep
rich color, Very Fine and choice (Image)
2c Carmine, Ty. II, Booklet
Pane of Six (319h). Mint N.H., Position E, dark color and proof-like
impression, wide margins, Extremely Fine, a beautiful pane (Image)