Sale 1255 — The David W. Gorham Collection of Outstanding Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 17-20 May, 2022
Category — 1c 1851 Issue (Scott 5-9)
1c Blue, Ty. I (5). Position 7R1E, large margin at top, just touched at right, barely in at left, just touched to barely in at bottom, showing full outer design at lower right, pretty shade, cancelled by unobtrusive strike of blue circular datestamp, completely soundVERY FINE AND CHOICE. POSITION 7R1E IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE 1,000 POSITIONS USED TO PRINT IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT STAMPS THAT SHOWS THE COMPLETE DESIGN. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT OF ALL CLASSIC UNITED STATES STAMPS TO FIND IN SOUND CONDITION.
The 1c 1851 Franklin, a workhorse postage stamp from 1851 through 1861, was printed from 200-subject steel plates numbered 1 through 12 (Plate 6 was never used, and Plate 1 exists in Early and Late states). Only Plates 1 through 4 were used to print stamps that were issued imperforate. The original 1c 1851 die design has an elaborate ornamental border on all four sides. Several factors affected the designs entered on the plates, which in turn produced variations in the printed stamps. Stanley B. Ashbrook developed the system used to classify design types, based on the premise that Type I should be a printed version that comes closest to the original die design. The completeness of the ornamentation at top and bottom is a requirement for Type I. For imperforate stamps, Ashbrook found only one position among the 1,000 subjects that met this requirement--Position 7R1E--which is why Scott 5, a Type I imperforate stamp, is so rare. Type Ib, Scott 5A, has slightly less ornamentation and was also printed from Plate 1 Early (imperforate only).
The census compiled by Jerome S. Wagshal, available at https://siegelauctions.com/census/us/scott/5 , contains at least 98 unduplicated records of Scott 5. There are probably no more than ten examples existing outside of the Wagshal census population. Therefore, the 1c 1851 Type I is the rarest of all United States stamps issued regularly prior to the 1868 Grills.
Ex Hugh J. Baker and Dr. Jerry Buss. 1976 P.F. certificate no longer accompanies. With 2004 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 6R1E, large part of top sheet margin, huge margins on other three sides, wonderful bright early shade and proof-like impression, cancelled by blue Philadelphia circular datestampEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR COMBINATION OF CONDITION, COLOR AND RARITY. POSITIONS 6R AND 8R FURNISHED THE BEST TYPE Ib EXAMPLES, SHOWING THE COMPLETE DESIGN AT TOP AND NEARLY COMPLETE DESIGN AT BOTTOM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THIS TYPE IN EXISTENCE. A REMARKABLE STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.
Type Ib was produced only as an imperforate stamp and does not have a perforated counterpart. 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 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.
All Type Ib stamps are very scarce, and the two best examples (6R and 8R) are rare. These top-row positions usually have an ample top margin, but frequently the margins are close or cutting into the sides or bottom. A Type Ib with large margins all around is a great rarity, particularly in sound condition.
Ex Zoellner and "Natalee Grace". With 1987 P.F. certificate for pair from which this single originates and 2009 P.F. certificate as single.
1c Blue, Ty. Ib (5A). Position 4R1E, three huge to clear margins including top sheet margin, just barely in to clear at left, bright shade, light strike of boxed "1ct" handstamp of St. LouisVERY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE RARE ONE-CENT TYPE Ib FROM PLATE ONE EARLY.
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 ironed out when the entries were made below them.
With 1991 and 2003 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. Ia (6). Position 98R4, three large margins, barely in at bottom, deep rich color, circular datestamp cancelVERY FINE. A DESIRABLE SOUND USED EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE Ia.
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 (the remaining two bottom-row positions were sub-type Ic).
With 1973 (on piece, which accompanies) and 2003 P.F. certificates.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa/Ia (8A/6). Positions 90/100L4, the top stamp Type IIIa with wide break in top line, the bottom stamp Type Ia with full plumes, gorgeous dark Plate 4 shade and proof-like impression, top stamp cancelled by sharp strike of grid, bottom stamp cancelled by equally sharp "Bristol (R.I.) Aug. 8" circular datestamp, side margins are ample to mostly clear, top and bottom margins are large, which leaves the type characteristics fully visibleVERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING AND EXCEEDINGLY RARE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE MULTIPLE FROM PLATE 4, COMBINING TYPE Ia FROM THE BOTTOM ROW WITH TYPE IIIa FROM THE NINTH ROW. THIS MARVELOUS PAIR GRACED THE IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS FORMED BY SAUL NEWBURY AND JOHN C. CHAPIN.
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). The Type Ia position in this pair, 100L4, comes from the bottom right corner of the left pane. The adjoining stamp from the end of the ninth row is Type IIIa.
Ex Newbury, Chapin and Hansen. With 1964 P.F. certificate issued to John C. Chapin after the Newbury sale (and signed by Louise Boyd Dale) and 2003 P.F. certificate issued to Perry Hansen after some of the Chapin collection was sold through auction. Scott value as a combination pair.
1c Blue, Ty. Ic (6b). Position 82R4, E Relief, large margins to barely in, deep rich color, well-struck circular datestamp cancelVERY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE Ic. A RARE STAMP IN THIS CONDITION.
This variety is often mistaken for Scott 6, Type Ia (F Relief), which is complete at bottom. However, this sub-type has the ball and plume at lower right slightly less complete (E Relief). Type Ic stamps from positions other than the bottom row have been widely appreciated by specialists for decades, but they were only added to the Scott Catalogue in 1993. This stamp is far scarcer than its Scott value suggests, especially in sound condition.
With 2001 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. Ic-IIIa (6b-8A). Positions 88-89R4, E Relief, horizontal pair, three large margins including part of three adjoining stamps, just in at top, deep rich color, neat strike of "Ann Arbor Mich. Jan. 28, 1858" circular datestamp, faint pressed-out vertical crease in left stampVERY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMBINATION PAIR OF THE IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPES Ic AND IIIA.
A Power Search review indicates we have offered only one other similar combination pair, as part of the block of ten offered in the Wagshal sale.
Ex Saadi. With 1990 P.F. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 1E, enormous margins showing parts of adjacent stamps on all four sides, bright early shade, light blue Richmond circular datestamp with part of "Sep" indicating a September 1851 use of this very early printing, Extremely Fine Gem, a beautiful stamp, the Type II stamps from Plate 1 Early are distinctive in color and impression, and this example with margins claiming parts of four surrounding stamps is truly remarkable, with 1994 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 76L1E, huge margins to clear including part of adjoining stamp at bottom, lovely color, light strike of red grid of diamonds cancel, Extremely Fine, with 1988 and 2008 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 65R1E, the most prominent double transfer on Plate 1 Early, huge margins to clear including part of adjoining stamps at sides, two strikes of Louisville circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, this is the most pronounced of the eight double transfers on Plate 1 Early, the lines of Franklin's shoulder and the lower label are extensively doubled, with 2021 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 1E, full margins, bright shade, part of red "TOO LATE" straightline cancel, also penstroke at center, fresh and Very Fine, extremely rare cancel, ex Dr. Morris, with 1978, 1991 and 2009 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 1R1E with small break at bottom, large to huge margins including top left corner sheet margin, bright color nicely contrasted by red circular datestamp, must be from a late impression as outer line at bottom shows a small break due to wear, Extremely Fine, a stamp with great visual appeal, the small break technically qualifies this as a No. 8A, with 2006 P.F. certificate noting this is Scott 7 variety, with a small break at bottom, Scott value as normal
1c Blue, Ty. II-IV (7-9). Positions 4-5R1L, combination pair, the left stamp without recut lines -- the only Type II on Plate 1 Late -- large to huge margins with part of four adjoining stamps, the adjoining stamps at bottom clearly show the recut outer lines at top, bright color, blue circular datestamp cancelsEXTREMELY FINE. A STUNNING COMBINATION PAIR OF 1851 ONE-CENT TYPES II AND IV IMPERFORATE.
On the early state of Plate 1, Positions 4 and 5 produced Type Ib, which is complete at top and almost complete at bottom. Position 4R1L is the only position that was not recut on Plate 1 Late. The reason for this is unknown, but the design had sufficiently worn away to the point where it qualifies as a Type II stamp. Combination pairs can only exist incorporating this one position. Horizontal pairs of Positions 3-4R1L also exist, as do vertical pairs of 4/14R1L. The pair offered here, which also shows the outer lines recut on the adjoining stamps at bottom, is a phenomenal condition rarity.
With 1988 and 2009 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Positions 59-60R2, horizontal pair, huge margins to full including part of three adjoining stamps and “nter, Casilear & Co. BANK NOTE EN” portion of imprint with full plate number “No. 2”, neat strike of blue circular datestamp, bright color, right stamp inconsequential light diagonal crease at bottomVERY-FINE-EXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. AN IMPORTANT ONE-CENT 1851 IMPERFORATE MULTIPLE SHOWING THE COMPLETE PLATE NUMBER FROM PLATE 2.
As an indication of rarity, the entire Wagshal collection (which included the Neinken collection) did not contain an example of the 1c 1851 Imperforate with the plate number from Plate 2. This example and the single offered in our “Natalee Grace” sale both realized $8,000 hammer the last time they were offered.
Ex Newbury, Vogel, Sharrer and Middendorf. With 2011 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Type II (7). Positions 58-60R2, horizontal strip of three from the right pane of Plate 2 with "(Toppan, Carpen)ter, Casilear & Co. BANK NOTE EN(GRAVERS. Phila. New York, Boston & Cincinnati)" portion of imprint and full "No. 2." plate number at right, mostly large to huge margins showing parts of adjoining stamps at top, lightly cancelled by neat pen strokesEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE STRIP OF THREE OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT TYPE II, WITH PART IMPRINT AND THE PLATE NUMBER IN SELVAGE AT RIGHT.
Ex Newbury, Chapin and Gross. With 1982 and 2019 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Position 31L2, enormous margins all around including parts of adjoining stamps at top and bottom, dark shade, unobtrusive strike of circular datestamp, Extremely Fine Gem, a superb stamp in every respect, with 1988 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $2,000.00)
1c Blue, Ty. II (7). Plate 2, huge margins all around including left sheet margin, bright color nicely complemented by paint red Mobile Ala. circular datestamp, insignificant scissors-cut at bottom right just goes into the design, Extremely Fine, a stamp with great visual appeal
1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (7 var). Position 13L2, clearly showing the plate crack at lower left, large margins to clear, pretty shade nicely complemented by red New York carrier datestamp with 1c integral rate, Extremely Fine example of this unusual variety, with 2001 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (7 var). Position 2L2, clearly showing the crack at upper right, deep rich color, ample even margins, dark shade, blue "Balto. Paid" double-circle handstamp, Very Fine, ex Koppersmith and Dr. Morris, with 1980 and 2009 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (7 var). Position 23L2, ample even margins, showing plate crack at left, deep rich color, New York circular datestamp cancel, Very Fine, ex Koppersmith, with 1988, 1995 and 2009 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. II, Major Plate Crack (7 var). Positions 22-24L2, center stamp showing the plate crack at left, huge margins to clear, deep rich color, central strike of balloon-style "Dunleith (Ill.) Aug. ?" circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, ex Koppersmith, with 1981 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates, Scott value as singles
1c Blue, Ty. II, Chicago Perf 12-1/2 (7 var). Position 48R2, rich color on bright paper, unobtrusive Chicago circular datestamp leaves entire design clearly visible, choice centering for this difficult issueVERY FINE. A RARE SOUND EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT CHICAGO PERFORATION. APPROXIMATELY 18 EXAMPLES OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 CHICAGO PERF ARE RECORDED.
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 updated census of Chicago Perf items compiled by W. Wilson Hulme II (Chronicle 175, Aug. 1997), approximately 18 examples of the 1c Chicago Perf have been recorded, including five used on covers. About a dozen Type II No. 7 stamps are known.
Ex Koppersmith and Eubanks. With 1982, 1998 and 2009 P.F. certificates.
1c Blue, Ty. III, Position 99R2 (8). Large to full margins, deep rich color and proof-like impression, grid cancel leaves the type characteristics clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE EXAMPLE OF THE RARE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III FROM POSITION 99R2. THIS POSITION PRODUCED THE BEST EXAMPLE OF TYPE III, WITH THE WIDEST BREAKS AT TOP AND BOTTOM. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB SOUND CONDITION WITH FOUR FULL MARGINS.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) have small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2. According to the Neinken book, “The 99R2 stamp is a fresh entry, that was short transferred both at top and bottom, over an original entry that had been erased... The reason that 99R2 is the finest example of Type III is because of its very short transfer at top and at bottom, giving us the wide breaks in these lines.” (p. 184).
With 2013 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. III-IIIA, Position 99R2 (8-8A). Positions 99-100R2, horizontal combination pair, large to huge margins all around including right sheet margin, rich color, circular datestamp cancels leave the type characteristics clearly visible, faint horizontal creaseEXTREMELY FINE APPEARANCE. A RARE COMBINATION PAIR OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 IMPERFORATE, SHOWING THE BEST EXAMPLE OF TYPE III.
Type III is defined by breaks in the outer lines at both top and bottom. Many Type III stamps have breaks that were created or enlarged by plate wear. Since the wear occurred over a period of time, a majority of stamps of this type (both unused and used) have small breaks in at least one line. The most notable exception is Position 99R2. According to the Neinken book, “The 99R2 stamp is a fresh entry, that was short transferred both at top and bottom, over an original entry that had been erased... The reason that 99R2 is the finest example of Type III is because of its very short transfer at top and at bottom, giving us the wide breaks in these lines.” (p. 184).
Ex Ashbrook, Fleckenstein, Emerson, Hind and Saadi. With 1987 and 1989 P.F. certificates. Listed but unpriced as this combination in Scott. Scott value as 99R2-Type II combination is priced at $10,500.00
1c Blue, Ty. III (8). Position 61L4, huge margins to barely touched at top left, showing wide breaks in outer lines at top and bottom, deep rich color, light strike of circular datestamp cancelVERY FINE AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1851 IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE III.
Plated and signed by Ashbrook. With 1999 P.F. certificate.
1c Blue, Ty. II-IIIa-IIIa (7-8A-8A). Positions 31-33R1E, horizontal strip of three with pair of Type IIIa at right, mostly large margins except at bottom left where close but clear, light grid cancels, bright colorVERY FINE. A WONDERFULLY CHOICE STRIP OF THE 1851 ONE-CENT IMPERFORATE FROM PLATE ONE EARLY, WITH A COMBINATION OF TYPE II AND TWO TYPE IIIa.
With 2002 and 2008 P.F. certificates. Scott value as 8A pair and 7 single
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 61L4, large to huge margins including "(Bo)ston & Cincinnati" part imprint at left, deep rich Plate 4 color with a light virtually face-free circular datestamp, appears to have breaks at both top and bottom (Ty. III) but plates as Ty. IIIaEXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FEW EXAMPLES KNOWN OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 IMPERFORATE FROM PLATE 4 SHOWING ANY PART OF THE IMPRINT.
The Neinken book states "Stamps from Plate 4 showing part of the imprint are rare. Ashbrook states that he has never seen an imperforate vertical pair with the imprint..." (p. 277)." A review with Power Search shows we have offered three unused and three used since keeping computerized records. This is likely the finest of the used copies.
With 2013 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 51L4, clear break at top and complete outer line at bottom, with “ENGRAVERS, Phila. New York. Bos(ton)” portion of imprint in left sheet margin, other margins full to just touching the design, deep rich Plate 4 color and detailed impression, circular datestamp cancel, small shallow thin spot at top is barely detectableVERY FINE APPEARING ONE-CENT 1851 TYPE IIIa FROM PLATE 4. ONE OF THE FEW EXAMPLES FROM THIS PLATE SHOWING A PORTION OF THE IMPRINT, AND ALSO THE MOST COMPLETE PORTION OF THE IMPRINT IN ANY SINGLE STAMP WE HAVE OFFERED.
The Neinken book states “Stamps from Plate 4 showing part of the imprint are very rare.” A Power Search review reveals that we have offered a handful of unused and used Plate 4 singles with part of the imprint (both Scott 8 and 8A), but these stamps have invariably been cut from the sheet with a portion of the imprint trimmed away in the vertical direction.
This stamp, with a wide sheet margin, shows the largest portion of the imprint possible on a single stamp and is matched in our sale records only by the on-cover example offered in our sale of the Middendorf collection (Sale 1216, lot 70).
Illustrated in Neinken book on p. 278. Ex Cowitt and Middendorf.
1c Blue, Ty. IIIa (8A). Position 58L4, three huge margins, just touched to clear at bottom, deep rich Plate 4 color, red New York carrier circular datestamp with integral 2c rateVERY FINE AND CHOICE EXAMPLE OF THE IMPERFORATE ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa FROM PLATE 4, WITH A RED CARRIER CANCEL.
Ex Newbury and Dr. Morris. With 1996 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and bottom, huge margins including part of four adjoining stamps, deep rich color, red and black circular datestamp cancels, Extremely Fine Gem, ex Kirke, with 2004 P.F. and 2005 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98; SMQ $1,375.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and bottom, jumbo margins all around including significant portions of adjoining stamps at top and bottom and left sheet margin, rich color, boldly struck blue Ypsilanti Mich. circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine Gem, with 2017 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $900.00)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 75R1L, recut once at top and twice at bottom, rich color, red circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, ex Kirke, with 2005 and 2006 P.F. certificates (XF 90)
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Position 44L1L, recut once at top and bottom, double transfer, large even margins, rich color, face-free circular datestamp cancel, Extremely Fine, with 2007 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90; SMQ $200.00 with no premium for the double transfer)
1c Blue, Ty. IV, Printed "paid" Precancel (9 var). Large margins to clear, printed "paid" pre-cancel in lower-case type, deep rich colorEXTREMELY FINE. A RARE SOUND FOUR-MARGIN EXAMPLE OF THE ONE-CENT 1851 ISSUE WITH THE "PAID" PRECANCEL.
Little is known about the lower-case "paid" and upper-case "PAID" precancels on the 1c 1851 Issue. The Ashbrook book illustrates several varieties of actual and supposed precancels. Ashbrook surmises that "the markings... were printed from newspaper type. In all probability the overprinting was done in a newspaper printing plant, and the stamps were used on wrappers enclosing newspapers or more than probable, on the newspapers themselves." Ashbrook's theory was borne out by the discovery of a wrapper containing The American Eagle of Cleveland, dated Feb. 2, 1857 (last sold in our sale of the Eubanks collection, Sale 1242, lot 62).
With 2017 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and bottom, huge margins including part of adjoining stamps at top and bottom and right sheet margin, neat strike of "Madison & Indianapolis R.R. Dec. 23" route agent's circular datestamp, Extremely Fine, scarce with a railroad cancel, with 2000 and 2008 P.F. certificates
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at bottom, large margins to clear including part of adjoining stamp at top, deep rich color, well-struck boxed "1ct" handstamp of St. Louis, Extremely Fine, scarce cancel, with 2011 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Positions 12-13R1L, horizontal pair, both recut once at top and bottom, large margins, pretty shade, each with neat strike of "WAY" handstamp cancel, Extremely Fine pair, ex Neinken and Wagshal, with 2010 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Positions 97-98R1L, both double transfers, enormous margins showing bits of three surrounding stamps and 3mm bottom sheet margin, dark shade and fine impression, large Boston "Paid" grid cancels, Extremely Fine Gem pair, ex Newbury and Cohen, with 1986 P.F. certificate
1c Blue, Ty. IV (9). Recut once at top and bottom, large margins to just in, used with 3c Dull Red, Ty. I (11), similar margins, tied by two strikes of "MAIL ROUTE" straightline handstamp of Savannah Ga. on small blue piece, 3c with diagonal crease at bottom left, still Very Fine and scarce cancel, with 2019 P.F. certificate