Sale 1255 — The David W. Gorham Collection of Outstanding Used U.S. Stamps
Sale Date — Tuesday-Friday, 17-20 May, 2022
Category — 12c 1851 Issue (Scott 17)
12c Black (17). Huge margins all around including part of five adjoining stamps and part of bottom sheet margin, intense shade and impression, bold strike of "Bristol (R.I.) May 18" circular datestamp with additional red cancel at lower leftEXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS USED EXAMPLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE, GRADED SUPERB 98 JUMBO BY P.S.E.
With 2016 P.F. and 2012 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98 Jumbo; SMQ $4,000.00). Only four grade higher,
12c Black (17). Position 51L1, huge margins all around including "ENGRAVERS, Phila. New York, Bost(on)" portion of imprint in sheet margin at left, intense shade on bright paper, light strike of town datestamp leaves design clearly visibleEXTREMELY FINE GEM. WITHOUT QUESTION THIS IS THE FINEST USED IMPRINT SINGLE OF THE 12-CENT 1851 ISSUE. A REMARKABLE STAMP.
Our informal census of imprint copies of Scott 17 contains only six examples, including four with imprint at left and two with imprint at right. Of these, only three are thought to be sound. The only other example located in Power Search was sold in 1968. The example offered here, showing a significant portion of the imprint (as opposed to only part at top or bottom) is very desirable.
Ex Klein, Koppersmith, "J & J" and "Natalee Grace". With 1988 P.F. and 2011 P.S.E. certificates.
12c Black (17). Large to huge margins including significant portion of adjoining stamp at left and also part of two other adjoining, detailed impression, red grid cancel, an Extremely Fine Gem, with 2007 P.F. certificate for pair
12c Black (17). Large even margins including part of two adjoining stamps, remarkably deep shade and bright paper, blue circular datestamp and red cancels, Extremely Fine, a stamp with fantastic visual appeal, with 1999 P.F. certificate
12c Black (17). Huge margins to full, intense shade and impression, black town circular datestamp and bright red "3" credit handstamp, fresh and Extremely Fine, ex Dr. Morris and Morton, with 1988, 1996 and 2017 P.F. certificates and 2020 P.S.E. certificate
12c Black (17). Large margins to ample including part of two adjoining stamps, detailed impression, blue circular datestamp and red orange transit cancels, Very Fine and choice, with 2006 P.F. certificate (VF-XF 85)