Sale 1120 — Outstanding United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 17-18 March, 2016
Category — 1c 1851-56 Issue (Scott 5-9)
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 8R1E, large even margins including sheet margin at top, beautiful bright early shade nicely complemented by red circular datestamp leaving the design characteristics entirely visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib FROM ONE OF THE TWO POSITIONS ON PLATE ONE EARLY THAT FURNISHED THE BEST EXAMPLES OF THE TYPE. UNQUESTIONABLY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES IN EXISTENCE.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp from Plate 1 Early. Six positions on Plate 1E furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms were burnished away. Positions 6R and 8R had less of the bottom erased than the other Type Ib positions, and for this reason they are more desirable examples of the type.
Ex Koppersmith, Joyce and Dr. Hinrichs. With 1988 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 5R1E, huge margins all around including top sheet margin and parts of adjoining stamps at sides, radiant Plate 1 Early shade, unobtrusive circular datestamp leaves the design and all type characteristics clearly visible, tiny thin at bottomEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A BEAUTIFUL HUGE-MARGINED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ib IMPERFORATE.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp. Six positions on Plate 1 Early furnished stamps qualifying as Type Ib -- Positions 3-6R and 8-9R -- distinguished by the complete design at top and nearly complete design at bottom. When first entered on the plate, these six positions (as well as 7R1E) had the complete design at top and bottom. However, unlike 7R, small portions of the bottoms of 3-6R and 8-9R were ironed out when the entries were made below them.
Ex Collier and Curtis. With 1993 A.P.S., 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85 Jumbo; SMQ $15,000.00). This no doubt would have graded 5-10 points higher if it were completely sound.
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Plate 4, ample even margins all around showing the complete ornaments at bottom -- a defining characteristic of the type, bright shade, neat town datestampVERY FINE. A FRESH AND ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE TYPE Ia STAMP.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April, May and briefly in June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate (Ia, Ic, II, III and IIIa). The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (all bottom row positions except two which are sub-type Ic).
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 94R4, large margins to just barely touching plume at top left, deep rich Plate 4 shade, bold impression on fresh paper, town cancelVERY FINE SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia.
The extremely rare Type Ia, showing the full design at bottom, was furnished only by 18 of the 200 subjects on Plate 4 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic).
With 2010 P.S.E. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (F-VF 75; SMQ $8,500.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Mint N.H., Plate 2, deep rich color and detailed impression, large margins to just in at bottom including part of adjoining stamp at top, Very Fine, rare in Mint N.H. condition, this is only the fourth Mint N.H. single we have offered since keeping computerized records, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate, Scott Retail as hinged
1c Blue, Ty. II, Plate 3 (7). Position 26R3, original gum, lightly hinged, large margins to clear at bottom, lovely shade, bold impression on crisp paperVERY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE TYPE II ONE-CENT 1851 IMPERFORATE ISSUE FROM PLATE 3.
Ex Neinken and Wagshal as a pair. Signed Ashbrook and small "W.E.H." handstamp on back. With 2010 P.F. certificate (as a pair)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 2R4, unused (no gum), rich color, margins to just in at bottom but showing the full top row design at top, Fine, ex Koppersmith, Scott Retail as original-gum Plate 4 stamp $3,500.00
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 1E, huge to enormous margins including top sheet margin and adjoining stamps on other three sides, brilliant color and proof-like impression, well-struck small Boston "Paid" grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS PHENOMENAL STAMP HAS ACHIEVED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 FROM P.S.E. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT TYPE II 1851 ISSUE IN EXISTENCE.
This example will appeal to the most fastidious collector looking for huge margins, an attractive cancel and overall brilliance.
With 2011 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $4,000.00). The P.S.E. Population Report lists two Gem 100J and five Gem 100 used stamps for Scott 7.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, Jumbo margins all around including portions of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, radiant color on bright white paper, light blue face-free cancel leaving the vignette unobscuredEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED JUMBO EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II. ESPECIALLY DESIRABLE WITH FACE-FREE BLUE CANCEL.
With 1986 P.F. and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $3,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 10R1E with complete design at top, margins clear of all design elements except barely touched at upper left, neat grid cancel, Very Fine, a choice and very rare example of Position 10R1E, which was more extensively burnished out at the bottom than Positions 3-6 and 8-9R1E, but the entry still retained its characteristic Type I Relief T complete design at top, with 2001 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 3, large to huge margins all around, deep rich color, cancelled by Sacramento Cal. circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp from Plate 3, ex Vogel, with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00 as Plate 2, unpriced as Plate 3), Scott Retail for a Ty. II stamp from Plate 3 is triple that of Plate 2, this stamp should be worth far more than the modest $850.00 SMQ value
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 1E, huge margins all around including significant parts of adjoining stamps at sides, neat grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,275.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 50L2 with double transfer, huge margins to full including part of adjoining stamp at top and right interpane margin, rich color, lightly cancelled, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Vogel, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00 without premium for double transfer)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 59L2, large margins all around, rich color and strong impression, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate as Plate 3 (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $850.00 as Plate 2, unpriced as Plate 3), with 2013 P.F. certificate as Plate 2
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 2L3, mostly huge margins to full at bottom including top sheet margin, radiant color, brilliant impression on bright paper, New York circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90 Jumbo; SMQ $500.00 without premium for Plate 3)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, large margins including part of adjoining stamp at top, showing stitch watermark, deep color, light town cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2002 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $350.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 100L1E, large to huge margins including bottom right corner sheet margins, bright Plate 1E color, neat strike of blue circular datestamp, small corner crease at bottom right entirely in margin, Extremely Fine
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Horizontal pair, identified on back as Positions 21-22L2, margins to touched at top, two light but identifiable strikes of red New York City carrier datestamp, fresh and Fine, it is unusual to find this cancel on a pair of 1c 1851 stamps, rather than a single
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 54L4, enormous margins all around, wide breaks at top and bottom, incredibly rich color and proof-like impression, New York circular datestamp cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE III IMPERFORATE ISSUE.
The wide breaks at the top and bottom of Position 54L4 create an excellent example of Type III.
With 1998 P.F. and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $6,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Plate 4, large margins to just barely touching, clear Type III breaks, bold impression, light circular datestamp, Very Fine, with 2010 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, large even margins all around, intense shade and impression, face-free strike of blue circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE TYPE IIIA FROM PLATE 4. AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH HUGE MARGINS.
Stamps printed from Plate 4 were issued in April-June 1857 before perforations were introduced. The relatively small number of imperforate Plate 4 stamps issued during this period explains the rarity and desirability of any of the imperforate stamp types produced from this plate.
With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Plate 4, clear to large margins, deep rich color and fine impression, Very Fine, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,250.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 50R4, deep Plate 4 shade, huge margins to slightly in at left and bottom, showing part imprint at right and central strike of Star of David fancy cancel of Chicopee Mass., minor short crease at top, Fine appearing and rare combination of the part imprint and the fancy cancel, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II-IIIa-IIIa (7-8A-8A). Positions 16-18R1E, horizontal strip of three, early impression, Type IIIa at center with a wide break in outer line, another Type IIIa at right with a small break, Type II at left, mostly large to huge margins showing parts of adjoining stamps above, including the plumes and balls of Position 7R1E at center, beautiful rich color in Plate 1 Early shadeVERY FINE. A WONDERFUL 1851 ONE-CENT PLATE ONE EARLY MULTIPLE WITH A SCARCE COMBINATION OF TYPES AND CAPTURING THE COVETED BALLS OF POSITION 7R1E.
The reason that Position 7R1E retained its Type I elements at the bottom is because 17R1E was short transferred at the top, thus reducing the "ironing out" effect on 7R1E. If one cannot afford an example of Scott 5, Position 7R1E, this provides an alternative; after all, having the balls of 7R1E is nearly as important as having the whole stamp.
Ex Wagshal and Merlin. Scott Retail as pair of Scott 8A and single Scott 7.
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 61R1L with surface crack at top right, recut once at top, original gum, small h.r., large to huge margins including interpane margin at left with centerline and part of adjoining stamp at bottom, brilliant color on bright paperEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IV. A STAMP OF REMARKABLE FRESHNESS AND EYE APPEAL.
Ex Dr. Morris and Odeneal. With 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGh, XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,500.00). The SMQ for XF-Superb 95 cannot possibly factor in the left guideline margin on this stamp.
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 97L1L, original gum, major double transfer which is especially noticeable at bottom, huge to ample margins all around, deep rich color on bright white paper, Extremely Fine, with 2011 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90; SMQ $2,250.00 without premium for position), undergraded in our opinion
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Positions 6-7/16-17R1L, block of four, bottom stamps Mint N.H., top stamps lightly hinged, large margins to just in at bottom and top right, wonderful deep rich color, a remarkable early impression from Plate 1 LateFINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE IV FROM PLATE ONE LATE, CONTAINING TWO SIGNIFICANT POSITIONS AT TOP. IN THE EARLY STATE OF PLATE ONE, THE TOP RIGHT POSITION 7R PRODUCED THE RARE TYPE I AND THE TOP LEFT POSITION 6R PRODUCED TYPE Ib. THIS BLOCK IS AN EARLY IMPRESSION FROM THE REWORKED PLATE AND SHOWS MANY OF THE ENGRAVING DETAILS THAT MAKE TYPES I AND Ib SO SIGNIFICANT.
This rare block from the top two rows of the right pane of Plate 1 Late contains Positions 6R and 7R, the same positions that produced Types Ib and I (respectively) on Plate 1 in its early state, before it was reworked and recut. This block shows one of the earliest and clearest impressions known from Plate 1 Late. Position 7R1L at top right has mostly complete plumes at bottom and the pronounced double transfer, details that disappeared as the plate wore from extensive use.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate. Light position pencil notations on gum
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and bottom, enormous Jumbo margins all around including sheet margin at left and parts of five adjoining stamps, neat strike of town datestamp, rich colorEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE IV, WHICH HAS BEEN AWARDED THE PERFECT GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
Ex Vogel. With 2002 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $2,250.00 as 100).
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 6R1L, recut once at bottom, huge margins to full including top sheet margin and part of adjoining stamps at sides, shows noticeable plate bruising at top, face-free strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem example of this desirable position, which produced Type Ib on the earlier state of the plate, ex Koppersmith, with 1988 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top, large balanced margins all around, radiant color, razor-sharp impression on pristine paper, well-struck New York Feb. 20, 1857 circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Dr. Hinrichs, with 2001 and 2016 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $700.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 91L1L, triple transfer, one inverted, huge to large margins including part of adjoining stamp at top, radiant color and a strong impression, neat strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, a beautiful example of this variety, ex Cowitt
1c Blue, Ty. IV, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (9 var). Position 49L1L, rich color, very lightly cancelled by Chicago circular datestamp, natural inclusion at left, negligible corner margin crease at top rightVERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF THE FINER OF THE APPROXIMATELY 19 KNOWN EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT WITH CHICAGO PERFORATIONS -- OF THESE ONLY THREE SINGLES AND THE UNIQUE STRIP OF THREE ARE TYPE IV.
The origin of the Chicago perforation was revealed in an article published by Jerome S. Wagshal in the Chronicle 130 (May 1986). To briefly summarize Mr. Wagshal's revelations, the inventor of the machine used to create the Chicago Perf stamps was Dr. Elijah W. Hadley, a Chicago dentist. He probably constructed the machine in 1854. Over a two-year period, beginning in November 1854, Dr. Hadley's device was offered for sale to the Post Office Department thru R. K. Swift, a prominent Chicago banker and businessman. The distinctive 12-1/2 gauge Chicago Perf was applied to sheets of the 1c (Plates 1 Late and 2) and 3c 1851 Issue, the former being considerably rarer. According to the census of Chicago Perf items compiled by W. Wilson Hulme II (Chronicle 175, Aug. 1997), a total of 19 examples of the 1c Chicago Perf have been recorded, comprising 2 unused, 5 used on covers and 12 used off cover (including a strip of three). Of these only the unique strip of three and three singles are Type IV.
Ex Lake Shore and Hulme. With 1973 and 2005 P.F. certificates