2017 Rarities of the World continued...

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS STUNNING MINT NEVER-HINGED STAMP HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GRADE OF GEM 100 JUMBO BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE POSSIBLE AND THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO TO ACHIEVE THIS GRADE. A KEY TO A GEM SET OF THE POPULAR AND FAMOUS GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE.

The Graf Zeppelin issue is extremely difficult to obtain in Gem 100 grade. For the 65c, two are graded 100 and two are graded 100 Jumbo. For the $1.30, eight are graded 100 with none graded 100 Jumbo. For the $2.60, only one has graded 100 and only one has graded 100 Jumbo. Therefore, the stamp offered here is one of only four stamps from the entire issue to achieve the perfect grade of Gem 100 Jumbo.

With 2012 P.S.E. certificate (Gem 100 Jumbo; unpriced in SMQ above the grade of 100, SMQ $4,450.00 as 98) (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $1.30 GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE, WHICH IS GRADED GEM 100 BY P.S.E. -- THIS IS THE HIGHEST GRADE AWARDED.

With photocopy of 2001 P.F. (as block of four) and 2017 P.S.E. certificates (Gem 100; SMQ $7,500.00). This is the highest grade awarded in any category. Only seven others share this grade. (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A SUPERB MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE $2.60 GRAF ZEPPELIN ISSUE, WHICH HAS BEEN GRADED SUPERB 98 BY P.S.E. -- ONLY TWO GRADE HIGHER.

With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (Superb 98; SMQ $4,250.00). (Image)

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FINE-VERY FINE. A RARE INTACT MINT NEVER-HINGED PANE OF 50 OF THE 6-CENT EAGLE AND SHIELD AIR POST ISSUE IMPERFORATE HORIZONTALLY.

Datz states that 50 panes were discovered. Very few remain as intact panes. Scott Retail as the component blocks and pairs (Image)

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VERY FINE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY THREE RECORDED TETE-BECHE PAIRS OF THE BUFFALO BALLOON STAMP WITH TYPES I AND II -- AND IN FAR BETTER CONDITION THAN MOST.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn. The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tenn., which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.

Approximately one dozen tete-beche pairs have been certified as genuine by The Philatelic Foundation. The Schoendorf pamphlet lists nine, which are mostly a combination of Types II and III. Type I is the earliest state, with no discernible printing flaws. The known pairs come from stock that was probably stacked and stuck together at some point as most have margin thinning and other small flaws. This pair is a condition rarity.

With 2017 P.F. certificate (Image)

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EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE FINEST ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLES OF THE RARE BUFFALO BALLOON AIR POST ISSUE. THIS SUPERB STAMP IS GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION.

The Buffalo Balloon stamp, designed by John F. B. Lillard and engraved by John H. Snively, was printed by Wheeler Brothers Printers in Nashville, Tenn., The stamps were intended for use on a balloon flight from Nashville to Gallatin Tenn. which took place on June 18, 1877. Of the 300 that were printed, only 23 were used.

Based on previous examples we have handled, at least some of the Buffalo Balloon stamps were exposed to moisture around the time they were printed and were probably stuck together. This accounts for the no gum, disturbed gum or thinned examples sometimes encountered. This lightly hinged stamp with huge margins is a true condition rarity.

With 2017 P.F. certificate (XF-Superb 95) (Image)

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