2c Black, D. Grill (84).
Perfectly centered, deep shade, lightly cancelled by target, full clear
grill impression showing the requisite 15 columns of pointsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. APART FROM THE A AND Z GRILL RARITIES, THE 2-CENT 1868 D GRILL IS THE RAREST OF ALL GRILLED ISSUES. PROBABLY FEWER THAN TEN COPIES EXIST IN THIS SUPERB CONDITION.
As the timeline on page 144 shows, the device equipped with the D Grill was refitted with the E Grill on or about February 9, 1868. Based on the earliest known usages of the 2c D Grill (2/15/68) and 3c E Grill (2/19/68), it is our theory that the conversion from the D to E Grill took place only a day or so after sheets of 2c stamps were first run through the D-equipped machine. The great rarity of 2c D Grills, relative to all other regular-production grills, bears out this theory.
With 1995 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail for Fine centering (Image)
3c Rose, D. Grill (85).
Wide margins and well-centered, attractive fancy cork cancel, bright and
fresh, Extremely Fine, choice example of the very scarce D Grill, with 1985
P.F. certificate (Image)
3c Rose, D. Grill (85).
Nearly perfect centering, minor gum soaks in grill, used with 12c Black
(69), sealed tear at top right, tied by segmented cork on corner card cover
to Frankfort, Germany, red "New York Paid All Br. Transit Feb. 13"
(1868) circular datestamp also ties 3c, blue transit, receiving backstamp,
Very Fine appearance and an extraordinary item, 3c D Grill covers are
extremely rare--most are simple domestic usages--ex Gibson, with 1991 P.F.
certificate (does not note tear in 12c)
(Image)