The Natalee Grace Collection of Used United States Stamps, Part One continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE I. A RARE STAMP IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

The defining characteristic of Type I is that the entire design is printed, including the scrolls and plumes at bottom. Among the plates used to print imperforate stamps, only one position out of 1,000 can claim that honor (Position 7R1E, Scott No. 5). Type I perforated stamps are only known from certain positions on Plate 12. Due to the narrow spacing between perforations and difficulties of production, this issue is usually found with part of the design cut off by the perforations. The example offered here, with bright color, a clear cancel and with the design characteristics clearly visible, is a true condition rarity. The bottom part of the design, which is highly prized by specialists because it is incomplete on almost all other types, is intact.

With 2009 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $5,950.00). This is the highest grade awarded to date. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT PERFORATED TYPE Ia. THIS IS ONE OF THE SCARCEST AND MOST DESIRABLE TYPES OF THE ISSUE.

Type Ia stamps were produced from 18 of the 20 bottom-row positions on Plate 4. After perforations were introduced in mid-1857, sheets on hand printed from Plates 1 Late and 2 were fed through the new perforating machine, but the narrow spacing between stamps made perforating difficult to accomplish without cutting into the designs. Plate 4 was produced in early 1857 when the introduction of perforations was anticipated, thus, it was entered from a new six-relief transfer roll, and the spaces between stamps were enlarged to allow for perforations. Some Plate 4 sheets were issued in imperforate form (April to June 1857), while the greater portion was issued perforated beginning in July 1857, along with perforated sheets from Plates 1L and 2.

Plate 4's most distinctive feature is that the top row (Positions 1-10L and 1-10R) was entered with the designs complete at top (Type II) and the bottom row (Positions 91-100L and 91-100R) was entered with designs complete or nearly complete at bottom (Types Ia and Ic). Although the plate layout provided sufficient space for perforations, the height of the top-row and bottom-row designs was larger than others in the sheet, which resulted in perforations cutting into either the top or bottom rows, depending on which direction the sheet was fed into the perforator. Type Ia and Ic stamps from the bottom row are almost always cut into at bottom, an unfortunate situation for collectors because the bottom part of the design is what makes Type Ia and Ic stamps desirable.

Ashbrook states: "I consider perforated Type Ia stamps that are not touched by perforations as the rarest stamps in the 1857 perforated issue." (Neinken book, p. 279). The Scott Catalogue contains a footnote to the basic price quotes: "Copies of this stamp exist with perforations not touching the design at any point. Such copies command very high prices."

With 1998 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $37,800.00). Only three have graded higher to date, including the famous Zoellner-Hinrichs copy with wide-spaced perforations which realized $330,000 hammer in our Tahoe sale (graded 98J). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE Ic. A PHENOMENAL RARITY.

Type Ic is similar to Type Ia, which has the design complete at bottom, but the bottom right plume of Type Ic is incomplete. Two Type Ic positions are in the bottom row of Plate 4 (91R and 96R4, F Relief) and are listed under Scott 19b as the "best examples." Six or seven Type Ic positions are from E Relief positions on the plate, and these are listed in Scott as "less distinct" examples. The full detail of the bottom plumes was slightly erased either by plate burnishing prior to printing or plate wear during printing.

This stamp is far scarcer than its catalogue value would suggest, especially with four margins in sound condition. Power Search failed to find its equal. It is likely that the paucity of copies trading hands has resulted in the catalogue value not being properly updated.

Ex Mayer. With 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, SMQ $15,000.00). This is the only graded used copy of this issue. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE III. QUITE SIMPLY A SUPERB STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

The example of the perforated Type III offered here, with the perforations clear of design on all four sides and showing all of the characteristics of the type, is truly a remarkable stamp.

With 1997 and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $5,100.00). (Image)

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VERY FINE APPEARANCE. ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES OF THE EXTREMELY RARE PERFORATED ONE-CENT 1857 ISSUE FROM POSITION 99R2. THIS POSITION IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF TYPE III. IT IS ALSO A RARELY ENCOUNTERED POSITION -- OUR CENSUS RECORDS ONLY TWELVE USED SINGLES OFF COVER, AND THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST. ONLY THREE USED SINGLES AND ONE ON COVER ARE CONFIRMED AS SOUND.

On Plate 2, 198 of the 200 positions were Type II. Position 100R was Type II in the early stage of the plate, but as wear began to weaken the bottom line it became Type IIIa with a small break at bottom. Positions 89R and 99R on Plate 2 have been the focus of special attention, because of their unusual nature. Ashbrook states: "A study of the double transfers of 89R2 and 99R2 is most interesting, because here in a vertical pair of positions we have two distinct varieties. 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 stamp, 89R2, is a re-entry, but not in the proper sense of this term, because the re-entry on the lower part of this position was an error, as it was not made to correct an existent fault of the original 89R transfer."

Plate 2 stamps were issued imperforate from December 1855 through June 1857. Beginning in July 1857 stamps from Plates 1 Late, 2 and 4 were issued with perforations, and Plates 2 and 4 continued to produce stamps through late 1857. Plate 2 stamps are rarer perforated than in imperforate form, conversely, Plate 4 stamps are rarer imperforate than in perforated form. Perforated 99R2 stamps are of extreme rarity.

Our census, which incorporates the records of noted student Jerome S. Wagshal, the Philatelic Foundation, the Levi records and our own work, is illustrated on the opposite page and is also available at our website at http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/21/21.pdf . Only one unused example is known, in a block. Twelve used singles are recorded, as are three on covers and two in strips, for a total of 18 known in any form. Virtually all have faults or are very off-center -- only three off-cover singles and one on cover are confirmed as sound and not all have decent centering. In most examples the characteristics that make this position so special are obscured, because the perforations significantly affect the design at top and bottom. The example offered here, with a light cancel, far better centering than most and clearly showing the type characteristics, is a great rarity.

Ex Chapin. Signed by Ashbrook. With 1995 P.F. certificate. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE PERFORATED ONE-CENT TYPE IIIa FROM PLATE 11 IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE.

Plates 11 and 12 were probably made in June 1860, with less than six months left in Toppan, Carpenter's contract. The earliest known use from either plate is January 1861, a relatively short time before the stamps were demonetized. New transfer rolls were created to lay out plates 11 and 12. Three types are known from these plates: Type I (Scott 18 -- Plate 12 only), Type II (Scott 20) and Type IIIa (Scott 22).

As illustrations of stamps from Plates 11 and 12 in the Neinken book show, the centering and impressions of stamps from these plates was rather poor ("Poor perforating was the rule rather than the exception" -- Neinken book, p. 473). The stamp offered here, with rich color, unusually wide margins and with the design completely free and clear of the perforations at both top and bottom, is truly remarkable.

With 1994 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $3,500.00 as 95, unpriced as 98). This is the highest grade awarded to date and only one other shares this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT PERFORATED TYPE IV. A BEAUTIFUL STAMP IN EVERY RESPECT.

Most examples of this issue have perforations either touching or into the recut lines. The example offered here, with intact recut lines at top and bottom, is exceedingly rare. It also has uncharacteristically deep color and detailed impression for a Plate 1 Late printing.

With 1997 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $1,900.00). Only three have graded higher to date, a statistic that has not changed in three years. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB JUMBO USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE V. DESPITE THIS STAMP'S READY AVAILABILITY, IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN SUCH SUPERB CONDITION.

According to the Neinken book (pp. 309-310), the experience gained in perforating sheets from the original imperforate plates showed that additional horizontal and vertical spacing was needed to accommodate perforations. Increasing the size of the plate was not an option, so it was decided to trim down all four sides of the design to make room for perforations. A new transfer roll was made and used for part of Plate 5. Apparently this roll was replaced by a second transfer roll during the transfer process. This second transfer roll was used for part of Plate 5 and also for subsequent plates thru Plate 10. The first transfer roll, used for part of Plate 5, produced the Type Va sub-type (see lot 61).

Despite the abundant supply of Type V stamps, they are extremely difficult to obtain in higher grades. The stamp offered here has phenomenal visual appeal -- bright color, a beautiful clear red grid cancel, wide and balanced margins, and wonderful overall freshness.

Ex Dr. Morris and Dr. Puliafito. With 1991 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95 Jumbo, SMQ $750.00 as 95, $2,500.00 as 98). Only two have graded higher to date, and only one other shares this desirable grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE VA, WHICH COMES FROM 133 OF THE 200 POSITIONS ON PLATE 5. THIS IS SURELY ONE OF THE FINEST IN EXISTENCE, BY VIRTUE OF THE MARGINS, OVERALL CENTERING, FACE-FREE CANCEL AND GENERAL APPEARANCE.

According to the Neinken book (pp. 309-310), the experience gained in perforating sheets from the original imperforate plates showed that additional horizontal and vertical spacing was needed to accommodate perforations. Increasing the size of the plate was not an option, so it was decided to trim down all four sides of the design to make room for perforations. A second transfer roll was made and used for part of Plate 5. Apparently this roll was replaced by a second transfer roll during the transfer process. This new transfer roll was used for part of Plate 5 and also for subsequent plates thru Plate 10. The first transfer roll, used for part of Plate 5, produced the Type Va sub-type.

On most Type V stamps there are very noticeable scratch marks in the margins at the right, which were present on the transfer roll. However, the first transfer roll had the design more complete at sides and did not have the scratches at sides. Only 133 of the 200 positions on Plate 5 are Type Va designs. Brookman notes that "While I can give no estimate of the number of stamps printed from this plate I believe it was not many because of the scarcity of Type Va stamps."

With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF-Superb 95, unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 90). The SMQ Population Report does not give population figures for this major variety. (Image)

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VERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE OF THE 1857 ONE-CENT TYPE V ON LAID PAPER. OUR CENSUS OF THIS ISSUE RECORDS ONLY THREE COPIES, INCLUDING A PAIR AND THE SINGLE OFFERED HERE. NONE IS KNOWN UNUSED. THIS IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY SINGLE IN EXISTENCE. ONE OF THE GREAT RARITIES OF THE ISSUE.

Our census of Scott 24b, encompasses the records of Mortimer Neinken, Jerome S. Wagshal, auctions and the records of the Philatelic Foundation, and is available at our website at: http://www.siegelauctions.com/dynamic/census/24b/24b.pdf. We record this single and a horizontal pair. Given its rarity, we consider this to be massively undercatalogued -- Scott 63 on laid paper catalogues $7,000.00 as used.

Ex Chapin. With 1992 P.F. certificate (Image)

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