Sale 1163 — The Clipper City Collection of Superb U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday, 19 September, 2017
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 79-101)
3c Rose, C. Grill (83). Bright shade, well-defined grill, neat strikes of cork and circular datestamp cancels, Very Fine and choice, with 1992 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (VF-XF 85; SMQ $1,850.00)
2c Black, D. Grill (84). Clearly-defined grill, intense shade and impression, cork cancelVERY FINE. A CHOICE SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 2-CENT D GRILL.
This is a surprisingly difficult issue to obtain in sound and centered condition.
Ex Bowman. With 1996 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF 80)
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Radiant color nicely complemented by blue cork cancel, clearly-defined grillFRESH AND VERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL.
Ex Curtis. With 2007 and 2014 P.F. certificates
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Nicely balanced margins, intense shade, clear grill, neat cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL.
Although the 12c is the most common of the Z Grills, it is still extremely scarce compared to other regular-production grilled issues and is very rarely found in sound, centered condition.
With 2006 and 2015 P.F. certificates (VF-XF 85)
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Jumbo margins and choice centering, rich color, neat grid cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 1994, 2007 P.F. and 2008 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,100.00), only three examples have been graded higher (all at 98)
2c Black, E. Grill (87). Near perfect centering, bright shade and crisp impression on fresh paper, lightly cancelled at center, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp, ex "Scarsdale", with 2003 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,150.00), only three have been graded higher
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Beautifully centered with Jumbo margins all around, deep rich color and proof-like impression, clearly-defined grill, bold strike of cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 10-CENT E GRILL. A DIFFICULT STAMP TO FIND WITH SUCH JUMBO MARGINS. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2002 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $4,750.00). Only two have been graded higher (both 98J) and only one other shares this grade.
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Wide margins and perfect centering, crisp shade and impression, clear grill, bold cork cancel, Extremely Fine, ex Hall, with 2002 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90), with 2015 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $650.00)
1c Blue, F. Grill, Thin Paper (92 var). Vibrant color, clearly-defined grill, neat strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine example of this paper variety, with 2014 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85; SMQ $700.00), with 2015 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95, without mention of thin paper), bidders will have to reconcile these widely divergent grades (P.S.E.'s Population Report prices a 95 at $4,250.00), but we feel the true grade is closer to the P.F.'s call on this outstanding stamp
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Original gum, lightly hinged, pretty shade, clear grill and wide margins, Extremely Fine, ex Whitman, with 1988, 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $1,650.00)
5c Brown, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (95 var). Well-balanced margins, deep rich color and sharp impression, neat strike of circle of V's cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE WELL-CENTERED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 5-CENT F GRILL ON THIN PAPER.
The National Bank Note Co. undoubtedly made various attempts to improve grilling quality and efficiency through modifications in the process. Based on surviving stamps, it appears that one modification involved the use of very thin paper, which probably allowed two or more sheets to be grilled in one pass through the grilling device. The 1c (F), 2c (E and F), 3c (E and F), 5c (F), 10c (F), 12c (F) and 15c (F) are found on this very thin paper. They are scarce, particularly the 5c-15c values.
Ex Merlin. With 2000, 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 1999 and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,350.00 with no premium for the paper variety)
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Superb centering and bright color, cancelled by part of New York circular datestamp and segmented cork, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful used example of the 10c F Grill, ex Kirke, with 2010 P.F. and P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,600.00), only one example has been graded higher (at 95J) and one other shares this grade
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Detailed impression, face-free cork cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $750.00)
15c Black, F. Grill (98). Detailed impression on bright paper, unobtrusive strike of cork cancel, wide and balanced marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
Ex Merlin and Curtis. With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00), only two have been graded higher
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Remarkable centering with wide margins, strong grill and rich color, neat and unusual cogwheel cancel (not the San Francisco type)EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 30-CENT 1868 F GRILL IS EXTREMELY RARE WITH SUCH WIDE MARGINS. A PHENOMENAL STAMP.
The 30c 1861-68 Issue stamps -- Scott 71 (to a lesser extent) and Scott 100 -- rank as two of the most difficult classic U.S. stamps to find in such pristine condition. Due to narrow spacing of the plate, the 30c 1861-68's are usually found with tight margins, especially at sides. Brookman notes "Superb copies are almost non-existent".
Ex Haas, Dr. Morris and Bowman. With 1982, 1992 and 2015 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Unusually choice centering with wide margins, deep rich color on bright paper, neat strike of grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL.
The 90c stamps used to make grilled issues were printed on a thick stock of paper. It is likely that sheets remaining from the pre-grill period were used and that the thinner paper introduced in 1868 was not used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally poor centering.
Ex Merlin. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $4,850.00). Only three have graded higher and only three others share this grade.