United States Stamps continued...

(40L1) 1842 3c black on grayish Washington City Despatch Post unused without gum with superb margins all around. This stamp, issued in 1842, was the first postage stamp in the Americas, issued more than five years before the first U.S. federal 5c & 10c 1847 Issue stamps.

With 2021 Philatelic Foundation certificate graded “S 98”, cat. value $375.

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(9/39) A remarkable complete set of centerline-position singles and multiples representing every denomination from the 1851–61 Issue, spanning both the imperforate and perforated periods under the Toppan, Carpenter contract. The group begins with imperforate issues, including (9) 1¢ Franklin Type IV used position 10L1L, a top right interpane margin single with full centerline and guide dot; (11A) 3¢ Washington Type II position 90L1L used right interpane margin single with full guideline and manuscript cancel; (12) 5¢ Jefferson used left margin interpane guideline single with partial black cds and 2025 PFC; (32/33/31) 10¢ Washington Types II/III/I vertical strip of three from positions 80-90-100L1 showing complete interpane centerline on piece with New Orleans Jan. 9, 1859 CDS cancels, a listed but unpriced Scott combination with 2025 PFC; and (17) 12¢ Washington used single from position 11R1 with a large portion of 12R1 showing at right.

The perforated series is represented by (24) 1¢ Franklin Type V used vertical strip of three from positions 10-20-30L5 with centerline at right and neat black datestamp cancels; (26) 3¢ Washington Type III used single with centerline at left and manuscript cancel; (30A) 5¢ Jefferson Plate 2 used single with centerline at left and partial New Orleans cancel, 2009 PSE cert for strip of three; (35) 10¢ Washington position 71R2 used single with centerline at left and red grid cancel; (36B) 12¢ Washington used single with centerline at left and red grid cancel, 2003 PFC; (37) 24¢ Washington used single with centerline at right and red grid cancel; (38) 30¢ Franklin unused with original gum single with centerline at right; and (39) 90¢ Washington unused no gum single with centerline at right.

A few faults are present, including short perfs and light creases, but the majority are fine-v.f. in appearance. A visually compelling assemblage of centerline positions, with most items mounted on a thoughtfully annotated exhibit page.

Catalog value $7,500+

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(24, 26, 29, 35, 36B, 37, 38, 39 var) 1¢–90¢ 1857–60 Issue complete set of eight denominations, each bearing distinctive crossed-line manuscript cancels in magenta (black for the 3¢), with original gum. A few stamps have hinge remnants, and the three top denominations exhibit small thin spots from hinge removal, but overall a fine complete set.

These manuscript markings identify the stamps as non-postal samples, most likely originating from the early 1861 request by Sardinia to the U.S. Post Office Department seeking examples of U.S. postage stamps to study in developing postal systems for a unified Italy (declared in March 1861). This request was forwarded to Toppan, Carpenter. In their reply on February 27, 1861, Toppan, Carpenter provided “Eight Proof Sheets of the denominations of Stamps and also Eight gummed and perforated Sheets of the same denominations now used” as reference material. To prevent unauthorized use, each stamp was struck through with pen lines—effectively canceling them at the point of issue.

A historically significant intact group, issued on the eve of Italy’s unification and just a few weeks before the U.S. Civil War began—representing the intersection of U.S. printing practices and diplomatic philately. Most surviving examples of these control-marked stamps are found with major faults; a complete matched set in this quality is particularly elusive, fine-v.f.

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1847-61 group of eleven early U.S. stamps featuring a mix of used and unused, includes (1) 5¢ 1847 used with red grid cancel, a tiny thin at top right and corner crease at bottom left, with 2025PFC; (2) 10¢ 1847 used with red grid cancel, horizontal crease at top ending in a tear at left, with 2025 PFC; (12) 5¢ 1856 imperforate used; (29) 5¢ brown Type I used; two (30A) 5¢ brown Type II used, one with partial black cds and the other with partial red cds; (35) 10¢ green Type V mint regummed; (36) 12¢ black Plate 3 used with blue grid cancel; (37) 24¢ gray lilac used with 2025 PFC, (38) 30¢ orange unused no gum with 1992 P.F. certificate, and (LO2) 1¢ Eagle Carrier used with light red cancel, some stamps sound and others with small faults but overall a fine-v.f. appearing group of early U.S. issue. 

Cat value $4,745.

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(7/8A/24) Group of five used 1851–61 1¢ Issue stamps including (24) 1¢ Type V, position 41L9, showing the Type Ib imprint; (8A) 1¢ Type IIIa, position 72L4, manuscript pen cancel, thin and small tear at left (2025 PFC); (7) 1¢ Type II, position 8L3, top sheet margin single with cancel mostly removed and corner crease at bottom right (2025 PFC); (7) 1¢ Type II, position 1L2, with light town circular datestamp; and (7) 1¢ Type II, position 2R1E, with black grid cancel. Even with faults, overall a fine appearing and varied group of interesting plated examples from the 1851-61 1c Issue.

Cat. value $1,935.

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(9/23) 1851–61 1¢ blue Franklin Plate 1 Late plating study group, comprising 49 stamps presented as singles, pairs, strips, a block of six, and four covers—each position plated by Robert Boyd to Plate 1L and showing a wide range of interesting varieties and recut states from the worn and heavily reworked plate.

Left pane positions include: 10L1L in pair; 13–16L1L horizontal strip of four with double transfers; 21–22 / 31–32 / 41–42L1L used part imprint block of six; 27–28L1L pair with double transfer; 30L1L with guideline; 51L1L with captured imprint; 60L1L recut twice at top, once at bottom with guideline; 70L1L with crack in upper right and another example on cover with guideline; 71L1L inverted transfer; 72L1L double transfer; 81L1L inverted transfer; 84L1L with rusty plate impression; 91–92L1L pair with 91L1L showing triple transfer, one inverted; and 95–96L1L pair.

Right pane positions include: 1R1L; 2R1L on cover; 10R1L (two examples), each recut twice at bottom; 31R1L with guideline; 74–94R1L vertical strip of three; 80R1L and 85R1L, each recut once at top and bottom; 87–89R1L horizontal strip of three with recuts; 88–89R1L pair; two singles of 89R1L; 91R1L (possibly) on cover; 98R1L major double transfer; and 22–24R1L, perforated Sc. 23 strip of three with recuts on cover.

An interesting and appealing group that captures the complexity and character of Plate 1 Late, with multiple singles with recuts, double and triple transfers, captured imprints and guidelines. A few typical small faults noted, but overall fine-v.f. A superb foundation for study of this 1¢ Franklin plate.

Cat. value $8,500+

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(22/24/24 var) 1857-61 1¢ blue Franklin plating study group comprising 69 stamps in the form of off-cover used singles, pairs, strips of three, and a block of four, plus nine covers—four bearing strips of four, one with single/pair and four with a single stamp—all plated to Plates 4 through 10 by Robert Boyd. The group captures a wide range of relief types, double transfers, plate varieties, imprint positions, and notable cancels sought by students of the 1¢ Franklin Issue.

From Plate 4, highlights include: 52L4, Type IIIa Relief F with Doporto certificate; and 40L4, Type IIIa Relief D on an 1858 folded printed circular showing a clear guideline in the selvage. The Plate 5 section includes: possibly 4L5, Type Va A Relief; 12–13L5 horizontal pair; 36L5, D Relief; 58–60L5 strip of three (Types V/Va/Va); 60L5 and 97L5, both Type Va F Relief; 70L5, 80L5 (both Type Va), and 100L5 (Type V) lifted and hinged back onto their original 1858 cover with the full letter enclosed; 14–16R5, pair and single—originally a complete strip of three (Type Va B Relief); 22R5, Type Va C Relief; 69–70R5/80R5 irregular strip of three with curl in hair; possibly 13R5 (Type Va) on cover; and possibly 86–96R5 vertical pair.

Plate 7 features 24L7; 50–70L7 vertical strip of three; 54R7; 81–91R7 vertical pair; and 60L7, F Relief, used on cover. From Plate 8, there is strong representation with 16L8; 19L8, B Relief; 36L8 with gash; 59R8 and 99R8, both with curl varieties; 34R8 with dot in hair; 40R8 with partial imprint; and 31–33L8 vertical strip on cover, with 31L8 showing a small portion of imprint captured on the perforations. Also included are 77–79L8 vertical strip on cover and a right pane strip of three on cover (either 41R or 81R) showing curl over the “E” of “CENT.”

From Plate 9, the group includes: 1R9 (or possibly 1R8); 10L9 with guideline and the distinctive "earring" plate flaw; 55R9; 60L9; 61R9; block of four from positions 63–64 / 73–74R9; 70R9; two singles from probably 100L9; and 52R9 with a major double transfer—appearing both on and off cover. Plate 10 is represented by 40L10, D Relief, and 60L10.

In addition to the plated material (69 stamps), the lot includes 9 unplated Type V stamps, each selected for an appealing or unusual cancellation, including bold red and black carrier cancels, "Paid 3" in arc, and a large Boston "PAID" in grid.

This diverse study offers a strong foundation—or enhancement—for any 1¢ Franklin plating collection, combining scarce positions, relief types, multiples, and a variety of eye-catching cancels. Overall fine-v.f. with a few typical faults throughout, this group is a valuable resource for plating students and classic U.S. specialists.

Scott catalog value $5,000+

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(18/20/22) 1¢ Franklin Type I/II/IIIa plating group from Plate 12, comprising 61 total stamps (one unused o.g., otherwise used) including singles, pairs, strips, and examples used on cover. All plated by Robert Boyd, the selection spans both panes and highlights many desirable positions and varieties found with particular emphasis on major double transfers, types, and relief characteristics.

Left Pane plated positions include: 1L12; 6–8L12 on cover; 10L12; 30L12; 32–33–34L12 Type I/II combination strip on cover. Also featured is a Type I double transfer example from 33L12, hinged to the original cover; an attractive 38–39–40L12 Type II strip of three; and 56L12, a quasi-Type Ia with complete bottom ornaments and partial erasure of the design at top, accompanied by a 2016 PFC. Additional notable positions include 63L12 with a major double transfer; 64L12; 66L12; and 80–90–100L12, a Type I/II combination strip of three.

Right Pane plated positions include: 1R12, Type I used on cover with 3¢ Washington stamp; 2R12; 3–4R12, a Type II pair and 5-15-25R12 vertical strip of three showing A/B/C reliefs. Also present are singles from 4R12 and 51R12; a 8–9–10R12 Type II strip of three; two examples of 27R12; an unused original gum single from 29R12 along with a 29–30R12 pair showing the curl in “N” on position 29R12; and a 38–39–40R12 Type II strip of three. Rounding out the group are 71R12 (two examples, both Type IIIa); 74R12 (two examples, each showing the major double transfer at top); and an outstanding rejoined vertical pair 81–91R12, exhibiting the cracked plate variety on position 91R12, ex Wagshal.

Finally, a range of stamps with identified reliefs but unplated including three A Relief stamps, and nine B Relief stamps plus one on cover, all Type I.

This is an extraordinary assemblage of Plate 12 material, ideal for the 1¢ Franklin specialist or exhibitor. A number of scarce types, double transfers, and positional rarities are included, with excellent representation of both left and right panes. Faults here and there as expected for a group of this size, but overall fine-v.f. 

Cat. value $24,000+

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Group of twenty covers and circulars franked with 1851–61 1¢ Franklin stamps, representing a variety of uses and rates starting with six covers bearing 1857–61 1¢ stamps in combination with 3¢ stamps to pay the full postage and carrier fee—highlights here include a (18) 1c Type I on cover from New York and a late use of (24) 1¢ Type V tied in combination with a 3¢ 1861 stamp, used after the official demonetization deadline. Also present are six printed circulars—two franked with imperforate 1¢ stamps from the 1851–57 issue and four with perforated 1¢ stamps. The balance includes six frankings of 1857–61 1c stamps paying drop or related rates, along with two additional covers franked with imperf 1¢ stamps. A well-rounded and informative group for the 1¢ specialist or general U.S. postal history collector, some faults to be expected, overall fine-v.f.

Interesting group of four 1¢ Franklin franked items from the 1851–57 Issue period, each with plated positions identified, comprising two covers, one printed circular, and one folded letter. Includes a vertical strip of three (7) Type II, positions 54/64/74R1E, tied by “Mobile Ala. Dec 11 (1851)” cds cancels on a folded letter referencing a patient at the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane—top stamp with a horizontal crease and tears, bottom with a diagonal crease (2025 PFC), a (7) Type II, position 61R2 tied by “New York Feb 23 (1856)” cds on printed circular to Norwich, CT, a horizontal strip of three (7) Type II, positions 86–88L2, tied by “Portsmouth N.H. Oct 1” cds on cover to Seabrook, N.H., and a (9) Type IV, position 65R1L with double transfer, tied by New Gloucester, ME cds on cover to Hallowell, ME. A few faults noted but overall a fine-v.f. group of plated 1851-57 1¢ stamp postal history.

1851–61 1¢ Issue balance of ten covers, circulars, and wrappers mounted across six exhibit pages including four franked with imperforate 1851–57 Issue stamps and six with perforated 1857–61 Issue stamps, each demonstrating the versatility of the 1¢ Franklin during the period. The 1851–57 section includes a single Type IV (position 62R1L) tied by a New-York 1 ct. integral-rate circular datestamp on printed circular sent locally within New York City (2025 PFC), a Type II horizontal pair (positions 63–64R3) tied on printed prices current circular to England, a pair of Type II singles tied on a circular from New York to New Orleans, and a Type IV single struck by New York Express Mail circular datestamp on printed circular to Boston.

The 1857–61 items include a single Type V tied on an 1858 printed circular from Augusta, Georgia to Providence, Rhode Island, Type V on a 1859 3¢ Nesbitt entire bearing a self-ruling envelope design, a Type V tied on a wrapper possibly in the hand of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Type V on a wrapper from Portland to Sidney, Maine, a Type V used on a Boston local drop letter advertising cover and a nice usage of a Type V strip of three on a Baltimore advertising cover for Barnum’s City Hotel. Small faults here and there but overall a five-v.f. group.

1851-61 3¢ Washington Type I/II/III/IIII mint and used group mounted on five exhibit pages consisting of 17 used stamps, one Sc. 26A unused original gum, two horizontal pairs, one block of four and three covers, highlighting key design types, perforation characteristics, and color varieties. Includes Sc. 10A 5-6L5E used horizontal pair and Sc. 11A position 89-90L3 used horizontal pair exhibiting two additional outer framelines at left, position 10R2L with recut bottom frameline, position 66R2L with the prominent "THREE GENTS" double transfer, position 92L1L showing a line through “THREE CENTS” and doubled rosettes, position 95L1L with five lines recut in upper left used on cover, and positions 84L5L and 94L5L from the major cracked plate. Also includes a Burlington, NY to Champlain, NY cover franked with a 3¢ single showing the narrowest known spacing between positions 95L4 and 96L4 (0.424mm vertical gap). A few faults as usual for a group like this but overall fine-v.f.,

Cat. value $3,000+

1851-61 3c Washington plating and color study stockbook comprising over 400 stamps assembled by Robert Boyd, with a strong emphasis on the imperforate 3¢ 1851–57 issue, most stamps have plated positions noted with numerous additional varieties identified throughout. The core of the holding is composed of over 350 imperforate stamps off-cover—with the majority plated—including singles, pairs, strips, and a block of four, with many displaying sheet margins, imprint positions, and a wonderful range of color shades. Notably, the stockbook contains an almost complete plating of the “Three Rows” from the first three columns of the left pane of Plate 3. The stockbook also includes 35 imperforate stamps on cover, showing a variety of cancels, origins, and rates, and 25 off-cover examples of the 3¢ 1857–61 perforated issue—highlighted by a mint block of six with original gum and a corner sheet margin block of four. Rounding out the holding are 16 covers bearing the perforated 3¢ stamp, mostly included due to the stamps' plated positions. 

Faults to be expected within a large group like this one but a substantial number of the stamps are still fine-v.f. A valuable resource with high overall catalog value, ready for continued plating study or exhibition development. Close inspection is highly recommended to appreciate the scope and nuance of Mr. Boyd’s diligent plating work.

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Domestic railway and steamboat group of twelve including eleven 3c 1851-57 and one 3c 1857-61 3c Issue franked covers showing a range of domestic transit markings used by ship captains and U.S. Route Agents aboard railroad and steamboat lines during the 1851–1861 issue period. This group includes both contract and non-contract transport markings, and features a striking variety of route and origin points across the Eastern and Southern United States. Route Agent Railroad markings  include Boston & Maine R.R., Norwich & Worcester R.R., Philadelphia & Baltimore R.R., New York & Philadelphia R.R., Albany & Buffalo R.R., Boston & Albany R.R. Additional highlights: U.S. Mail Packet Natchez, Route 7309 to Natchez, Mississippi, bearing matching blue oval route and packet markings, Steamer Sydonia (front only), and Steamboat Piota on 1855 folded letter to New Orleans. Various shades and cancels, some exhibiting attractive strikes and legible postmarks. A couple of covers have minor edge wear or toned spots, but overall condition is fine to very fine with strong visual appeal.

Fascinating group of six covers bearing 1851–61 3¢ Washington stamps, three franked with imperforate stamps and three with perforated issues including a wonderfully busy cover franked with seven (11A) 3¢ Type II stamps tied by bluish-green "Roswell, GA Aug 2" (1853) CDS cancel, addressed to Paris and then forwarded to Geneva, two (11A) 3¢ Type II stamps tied on an 1854 cover to Paris, an incoming ship letter to New York bearing (11A) 3¢ Type II pair tied by bold "STEAM SHIP" straightline handstamp. The perforated issues include a striking strip of five (26) 3¢ Type III on an 1861 cover to Paris, four (26) 3¢ Type III stamps on an 1859 cover from Camptonville, California to Maine, and finally an 1857 cover bearing eight (26) 3¢ Type III stamps paying the 24¢ rate to England. Each cover has faults but still a diverse and visually appealing selection of 3¢ usages, fine.

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Nice group of ten domestic covers exhibiting a range of steamboat and way mail markings from the 1851–1861 period, including six franked with 1851–57 3¢ Issue stamps, three with 1857–61 3¢ perforated stamps, and one on a 3¢ Nesbitt entire. A diverse array of strikes includes four covers with "WAY" markings—one notably showing a bold "WAY 1"—as well as six with clear "STEAM" or "STEAMBOAT" straightline handstamps, several tying the adhesive while others appear in addition to town datestamps. Four covers originate from New Orleans, with other markings from Detroit and Vermont also represented. A well-balanced and visually appealing assemblage showcasing the range of inland waterway and auxiliary markings used during the 1851-61 3¢ Issue's use, some faults noted but overall fine. 

Group of 34 advertising covers franked with 1851–61 3c Washington issues, including seven with imperforate 1851–57 stamps and 27 with perforated 1857–61 stamps. This diverse and attractive assemblage showcases a wide range of American commercial activity during the mid-19th century, with businesses represented from numerous sectors including banks, hotels, boot and shoe dealers, alcohol and chemical manufacturers, publishing houses, commission merchants, dry goods suppliers, insurance companies, and clothiers, among others. Design formats include all-over illustrated ads, embossed corner cards, cameo styles, and printed address panels. Condition ranges across the group but overall fine-v.f. appearing, ideal for both advertising and classic U.S. postal history specialists. 

(14/35) Attractive trio of covers illustrating the 1851-61 10¢ stamps in use including an imperforate 10¢ Type II, position 1R1, on a clean cover from Providence, RI to San Francisco, notable for its solo franking on a self-addressed envelope, a 10¢ Type V used in combination with a 1¢ 1857-61 on cover from New York to San Francisco, the 1¢ included to account for the carrier fee at origin, and a 10¢ Type V on a partial folded cover from Boston to Havana, Cuba, tied by a black PAID grid cancel, fine-v.f.

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(13/15/35) 1851-61 10¢ green Washington group including (13) Type I; (15) Type III sheet margin single with guideline at right, horizontal and corner creases; (35) Type V unused o.g. hinged single with small thin; stunning Type V used single with red New York Ocean Mail cancel (1989 PFC); and two Type V singles used on piece including one with long guideline at left including part of stamp below it. Overall, a fine and interesting 1851-61 10¢ grouping. 

Cat. value $1,292.

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(17/36B/44P3) 1851-61 12¢ black Washington group of seven stamps and one proof comprised of two horizontal pairs, one noted as positions 89-90L1 showing guideline at right, followed by two singles, including position 31R1, exhibiting guidelines at left, one Plate 3 guideline at left single and a 12¢ plate proof on india paper. A few tiny faults noted, but overall fine-v.f., a nice group for the 12¢ specialist or someone interested to begin diving into this beautiful issue. 

Cat. value $2,120.

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