9th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Sale 1219 — The Edward Morton Collection of Outstanding Quality U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Wednesday-Thursday, 8-9 April, 2020
Category — 1867-68 Grilled Issue (Scott 79-101)
3c Rose, A. Grill (79). Unusually choice centering, perforations completely intact on all four sides, brilliant color and detailed impression, clear all-over grill, attractive blue pinwheel fancy cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION THE FINEST USED EXAMPLE OF THE 3-CENT 1867 EXPERIMENTAL ALL-OVER GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A PHENOMENAL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT -- CENTERING, COLOR, IMPRESSION, PAPER, PERFORATIONS AND CANCELLATION.
The August 1867 3c experimental A Grill was the first grilled issue. It was soon learned that the all-over grill weakened the paper and interfered with perforating and separating, resulting in rough perforations and pieces torn out of the margins when split apart. Within two months of A Grill production the apparatus was modified by dividing the embossed area into smaller rectangular units within each stamp (C Grill).
The 3c A Grill, Scott 79, is one of the most distinctive of 19th century United States stamps by virtue of its consistently poor appearance. The Scott Catalogue values this stamp in Fine-Very Fine grade and with perforation faults, the norm for the issue. Any example with complete perforations and in sound condition is valued far in excess of the Scott Catalogue price. The example offered here, which received a clear but not as heavy grill impression as usual -- allowing the perfs to remain intact -- has realized hammer prices of many multiples of Scott value each time it has been sold, including $35,000 and $47,500 hammer in its last two auction appearances.
Ex Zoellner, Dr. Puliafito, "Natalee Grace" and "Golden Oak". With 1966, 1987 and 2012 P.F. certificates. Scott Catalogue states that "Values for No. 79 are for Fine-Very Fine examples with minor perf faults. Examples with complete or virtually complete perforations sell for much more."
3c Rose, C. Grill (83). Bright shade nicely complemented by blue quartered cork cancel, choice centering with wide marginsEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1867 3-CENT ROSE C GRILL WITH A COLORED CANCEL.
The 3c is the only denomination that comes with the distinctive C Grill, with the grill points facing up instead of down. Like the all-over A Grill this is classified as an experimental grill and saw limited production and use in late 1867, just after the A Grill experiment and prior to the more widespread use of other grills in early 1868.
With 1986, 2002 and 2013 P.F. certificates.
2c Black, D. Grill (84). Intense shade and impression, unusually choice centering for this difficult issue with wide margins, neat 4-ring target cancel is centered right between Jackson's eyesEXTREMELY FINE. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1868 2-CENT D GRILL. DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH CHOICE CONDITION.
The device equipped with the D Grill was refitted with the E Grill on or about February 9, 1868. Based on the earliest known uses of the 2c D Grill (2/15/68) and 3c E Grill (2/12/68), 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 1991 and 2010 P.F. certificates
3c Rose, D. Grill (85). Clearly-defined grill which is easily visible from the front, brilliant color, light strike of segmented cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT D GRILL.
With 2003 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,500.00)
2c Black, Z. Grill (85B). Detailed impression, choice centering with wide margins, clearly-defined grill, red-black cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL.
As experienced collectors know, Black Jacks with perforations clear of the design are scarce, and those with the Z Grill are rare.
With 1998 and 2004 P.F. certificates noting red and black cancels. The way they are struck makes us think the cancelling device was first used with one color and was re-inked in the second color before this was cancelled, causing the two colors to display.
3c Rose, Z. Grill (85C). Huge margins with almost mathematically perfect centering, long and full perforations all around and clearly-defined grill, rich color, cancelled by "Peoria Ill. May 4" circular datestamp and bold letter "B" (postmaster was George C. Bestor)EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE -- MADE MORE DESIRABLE BY THE STRIKING "B" CANCEL. P.S.E. HAS AWARDED THIS STAMP THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AND IS SHARED BY NO OTHERS.
The 3c Z Grill was in production for only a short period of time before the device was replaced with the F Grill. Only a small number of 3c sheets were fed thru the Z Grill, which accounts for the rarity of surviving examples. Our review of past auctions, including Power Search, found precious few sound copies with Extremely Fine centering, and none that rival this stamp.
Ex Merlin and "Hanover". P.F. certificate no. 340419 no longer accompanies (states "genuine"). With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $27,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve it.
12c Black, Z. Grill (85E). Intense shade characteristic of the Z Grill and proof-like impression on crisp paper, clearly-defined grill, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, lightly cancelled at upper rightEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT Z GRILL, WITH PHENOMENAL IMPRESSION AND SHADE, BEAUTIFUL MARGINS AND PERFORATIONS AND A CLEAR GRILL. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.
The 12c Z Grill stamps are often quite off-center. The example offered here is a true condition rarity.
Ex "Natalee Grace". With 2006 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95)
1c Blue, E. Grill (86). Perfectly centered with unusually wide and balanced margins, deep rich color on bright paper, bold strike of blue circle of wedges cancel, long and full perforations all aroundEXTREMELY FINE GEM. WITHOUT HESITATION WE REGARD THIS ONE-CENT E GRILL AS ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES EXTANT. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT STAMPS OF THE SERIES TO OBTAIN WITH SUCH CHOICE CENTERING AND IN SUCH PRISTINE CONDITION. A MARVELOUS COMBINATION OF THE FOUR C's -- COLOR, CLARITY, CENTERING AND CANCELLATION.
Ex Dr. Puliafito and "Natalee Grace". With 1987, 2000 and 2012 P.F. certificates
2c Black, E. Grill (87). Intense shade and near perfect centering, nicely contrasted by blue grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED 1868 2-CENT E GRILL BLACK JACK WITH A BLUE CANCEL.
With 2018 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,150.00 without premium for the blue cancel). Only three grade higher (two at 95J and one at 98J)
2c Black, E. Grill, Very Thin Paper (87 var). Detailed impression, gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of red "N.Y. Post Office" circular datestamp cancel, manuscript "n.y." on back barely shows thru on a few grill points and is not mentioned on certificateEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT E GRILL ON VERY THIN PAPER.
With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $2,150.00 as normal paper). Only three grade higher (two at 95J and one at 98J). SMQ does not separate the paper types so this may be the highest grade awarded to the very thin paper variety. Scott Retail as normal paper
2c Black, E. Grill (87). Crisp impression on bright paper, nicely complemented by blue "N.Y. Post Office" circular datestamp cancel, choice centering with well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, ex Kirke, with 2000, 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
3c Rose, E. Grill (88). Brilliant color, clearly-defined grill, face-free strike of blue quartered cork and also part of matching circular datestamp, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a phenomenal stamp in every respect, with 2012 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $1,250.00), this is the highest grade awarded to a Scott 88 in any condition (used or unused) and the only example to achieve this grade, with 2018 P.F. certificate
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" and "Clipper City". With 2002 and 2017 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $4,750.00). Only two grade higher (both 98J) and only one other shares this grade.
10c Green, E. Grill (89). Gorgeous centering with wide and balanced margins, neat strike of blue Sierra County, California double-circle revenue datestamp, Extremely Fine, a choice example of the 10c E Grill with an unusual and rare cancel, ex Floyd, with 2004 P.F. certificate
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Perfectly centered with wide margins, beautiful shade and impression shows the intricate detail of the engraving, long and full perforations all around, unobtrusive yet clearly visible target cancel at leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT E GRILL, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE ON RECORD AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE TO ACHIEVE IT.
Ex Zoellner, "Natalee Grace" and "Hanover". With 1989 and 1998 P.F. certificates. With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $9,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and the only example to achieve this grade.
12c Black, E. Grill (90). Intense shade nicely complemented by blue cork cancel, wide and balanced margins, clearly-defined grill, Extremely Fine, a beautiful stamp, with 1987 P.F. and 2013 P.S.E. certificates
15c Black, E. Grill (91). Well-centered with unusually wide and balanced margins, beautifully detailed impression and clear grill points, nicely complemented by bold red quartered cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A MAGNIFICENT USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT E GRILL WITH A VIVID RED CANCEL, GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex Dr. Puliafito. With 2004 P.F. and 1998 and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $5,750.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by two others. One of the others has a light black cork cancel (ex Kirke); the other has a black cork and blue transit cancels (ex Dr. Dauer)
1c Blue, F. Grill (92). Perfectly centered with wide and balanced margins, radiant color and crisp impression, neat strike of target cancel with circular datestamp at leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 ONE-CENT F GRILL -- THIS IS WITHOUT QUESTION ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE.
With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $12,500.00). Only one grades higher (at 98J) and only two others share this desirable grade. With 2011 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95 XQ). This is the highest grade awarded by the P.F. to No. 92, and this example is the only one to achieve it
2c Black, F. Grill (93). Gorgeous centering with unusually wide and balanced margins, clearly-defined grill, bold strike of grid cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT F GRILL, GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.
Ex "Connoisseur", Dr. Morris and Collier. With 1992 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $6,250.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only two others share it.
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Brilliant color nicely complemented by perfect strike of blue 4-ring target cancel, choice centering with Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo), by way of comparison only three grade higher in the P.S.E. Population Report
3c Red, F. Grill (94). Vivid color, essentially precise centering with wide margins, beautiful strike of circle of diamonds cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp combining centering, freshness and a desirable cancel, ex "Golden Oak", with 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $375.00)
5c Brown, F. Grill (95). Deep rich color, clearly-defined grill, beautiful centering with well-balanced margins, neat strike of target cancel, fresh and Extremely Fine, a stamp with great eye appeal, Brun backstamp, with 2018 P.F. certificate (XF 90 XQ)
5c Brown, F. Grill, Kiss Print (95 var). Deep rich color, showing an overall kiss print especially evident at top in lettering of "U.S. Postage", choice centering with well-balanced margins, unobtrusive strike of cork cancel leaves entire design clearly visible, Very Fine and choice, a rare variety on this issue and the only one we have encountered, the 5c F Grill is not known with a true double impression, the example offered here shows some doubling but one of the impressions lacks the clear lines of the engraving, which is a requirement of a true double impression, ex "Natalee Grace", with 1996, 2001 and 2012 P.F. certificates, the latter two confirming the kiss print.
10c Yellow Green, F. Grill (96). Mathematically perfect centering with Jumbo margins, deep rich color and proof-like impression nicely complemented by red cork cancel, manuscript writing on back is noted on certificateEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST USED EXAMPLES OF THE 1868 10-CENT F GRILL IN EXISTENCE. A MARVELOUS STAMP.
With 2014 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $4,000.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by no others. Certificate notes "Centering Appearance: Gem 100J" so they took off a full five points for the manuscript on back
12c Black, F. Grill (97). Jumbo margins and perfectly centered, intense shade and proof-like impression, face-free cancelEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A PHENOMENAL JUMBO-MARGINED USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 12-CENT F GRILL, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E. THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED AND ONLY ONE OTHER SHARES IT.
With 2008 P.F. and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $9,000.00). The highest grade awarded and only one other shares it (ex Kirke)
15c Black, F. Grill, Very Thin Paper (98 var). Intense shade and impression, beautiful centering with wide margins, red, blue and black cancels leave entire design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 15-CENT F GRILL.
With 2005 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $3,250.00 with no premium for the very thin paper). Only two grade higher and nine others share this grade, but we do not know if any others are this paper variety
24c Gray Lilac, F. Grill (99). Precise centering with wide margins, pretty pastel color beautifully contrasted by bold strike of red Leaf cancel typical of New York City supplementary mailEXTREMELY FINE GEM. THE 1868 24-CENT F GRILL IS RARELY OBTAINABLE IN THIS OUTSTANDING USED CONDITION. THIS STAMP, WITH SUPERB CENTERING AND A RED LEAF CANCEL, IS REMARKABLY BEAUTIFUL AND GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST AWARDED.
The higher-denomination F Grills were produced in limited quantities and are often found either off center or with choppy perforations.
Ex Kirke. With 1987 and 1996 P.F. certificates. With 2008 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; SMQ $10,500.00). The highest grade awarded and shared by only four others. We have sold three of the others, which all have black cancels
30c Orange, F. Grill (100). Remarkably well-centered with wide margins, rich color, cork cancelEXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 30-CENT F GRILL, A STAMP RARELY ENCOUNTERED WITH WIDE MARGINS AND PRECISE CENTERING.
Ex Zoellner and Senchuk. With 1991 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $2,250.00). Only two grade higher (at 95). Scott Catalogue states "Values for No. 100 are for copies with small margins, especially at sides. Large-margined examples sell for much more."
90c Blue, F. Grill (101). Unusually choice centering with wide margins, deep rich color on bright paper, nicely complemented by red cancelEXTREMELY FINE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 90-CENT F GRILL WITH A RED CANCEL.
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 had not been used for the 90c value. Two characteristics of 90c F Grill stamps are poorly punched perforations and generally poor centering.
Ex. Dr. Morris and Bowman. With 1985 and 1994 P.F. and 2015 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90; SMQ $4,850.00). In our opinion this stamp deserves a 95 grade based on eye appeal and margin width, but the slightly wider top margin and non-rectangular overall conformation kept the current graders at P.S.E. from reaching the same conclusion. Regardless of the numerical grade, this is one of the most beautiful 90c F Grill stamps in existence.
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