The Nick Kirke Collection of Gem-Quality Used U.S. Stamps continued...

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EXTREMELY FINE. AN OUSTANDING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT D GRILL. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT ISSUE TO OBTAIN IN SOUND AND CENTERED CONDITION.

The 2c D Grill is the rarest of the regular-production 1867-68 Grilled Issues (excluding the 1867 trials and rarest Z Grills), followed in order of scarcity by the 3c Z Grill, the 3c D Grill and the 12c Z Grill. It is our hypothesis that two grilling machines were used simultaneously, and that one of the machines was converted from the D to E Grill on or about Feb. 3, 1868, after a small number of 2c and 3c sheets were run through the D-equipped machine. This was the first time the Black Jack received a grill.

With 1989 and 2005 P.F. certificates (XF 90). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (VF-XF 85, SMQ $13,000.00 as 85). (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT D GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS REMARKABLE STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF SUPERB 98 BY BOTH P.S.E. AND THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

It is our hypothesis that two grilling machines were used to make regular-production grilled stamps, beginning in January 1868. Based on our analysis of grill production, the D Grill machine was refitted with the E Grill on or about February 3, 1868. Based on the earliest known uses of the 3c D Grill (2/1/68) and 3c E Grill (2/12/68), it is our theory that the conversion from the D to E Grill took place very soon after sheets of 2c and 3c stamps were first run through the D-equipped machine. This would explain the scarcity of 3c D Grill stamps.

With 2006 P.F. certificate (Superb 98). With 2007 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98, SMQ $27,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded and only one other example has achieved this grade. The other P.S.E. 98 was offered in our sale of the Natalee Grace collection (Sale 1024, lot 142) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN ASTONISHING USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 2-CENT Z GRILL IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. THIS SPECTACULAR STAMP HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- THE HIGHEST AWARDED.

The plates used to print the Black Jacks did not provide enough space between subjects for the large 12-gauge perf holes. Consequently, most Black Jack stamps have perfs touching the design on one or two sides. This scarcity of four-margined copies multiplies exponentially when the Z Grill is factored into the equation. Only a small quantity of 2c sheets were grilled during the period when the Z device was active -- after the D Grill (Scott 84), the Z is the rarest of Black Jack grilled stamps.

With 2010 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (Superb 98, SMQ $31,000.00). This is the highest grade awarded and it is shared by only one other. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A FRESH AND CHOICE USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL.

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.

With 2002 P.F., 2005 and 2010 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $9,500.00). Only one other example has achieved this grade and only two have graded higher. (Image)

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VERY FINE. A LOVELY USED EXAMPLE OF THE 1868 3-CENT Z GRILL.

With 1985 P.F. and 2007 P.S.E. certificates (VF 80, SMQ $4,000.00) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF THE SCARCE 1867 12-CENT Z GRILL.

The 12c Z Grill stamps are often quite off-center. The example offered here a true condition rarity. With 2000 P.F. and 2009 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90, SMQ $6,250.00). Only three examples have been graded higher and this is one of only two to achieve this grade. We are surprised this did not receive a 95 grade. (Image)

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